Srinagar, Nov 10: The Department of English, University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday commenced a three-day workshop on ‘Graphic Narratives’ at the Main Campus.
The event aims to explore the growing relevance of graphic storytelling as a hybrid medium of literature and art, encouraging students and scholars to engage with visual forms of expression in academic and creative contexts.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her presidential address said that workshops like these open new avenues of creativity and interdisciplinary learning for students.
“Engaging with visual and literary art forms not only nurtures imagination but also helps students think critically and empathetically about the world around them,” she said, adding that such initiatives reflect the University’s commitment to promoting holistic and innovative education.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the need to integrate contemporary literary and visual studies into the academic framework to keep pace with global pedagogical trends.
In her keynote address, Ikroop Sandhu, graphic novelist, illustrator, and animator, highlighted how graphic novels enhance visual literacy and allow readers to interpret narratives through art and emotion. Sarnath Banerjee, a renowned visual artist and author of graphic literature, said that the workshop provides a platform to critically engage with the evolving form of graphic narratives and encourage participants to explore how art and literature shape contemporary cultural discourses.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Head, Department of English KU, Prof. Iffat Maqbool, said that the workshop aims to inspire young researchers and students to experiment with diverse modes of storytelling and cultural representation.
The three-day workshop includes expert sessions on both theory and practice, featuring interactive exercises, demonstrations, and discussions on the evolution, techniques, and narrative power of graphic storytelling.
The event is being attended by research scholars and students from the Main and Satellite Campuses. The event proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. Mufti Mudasir, faculty member, Department of English, KU.
