Ecolit Adventures  (3rd September 2024)

An activity titled Ecolit Adventures was organized by the Reader's Club of the Department of English on 3rd September 2024. The session featured an in-depth analysis of six notable works, each selected for its unique contribution to the discourse on ecology and environmental issues. Ruskin Bond’s The Blue Umbrella was highlighted for its portrayal of simple yet profound moral lessons set against natural backdrops. K.A. Abbas’ Tiger in the House offered a compelling examination of human-animal interactions within the context of Indian society. George Orwell’s Animal Farm was explored as a political allegory critiquing the dynamics of power and control, with broader implications for environmental and societal concerns. Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book provided historical insights into colonial-era perspectives on nature and humanity. Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower addressed contemporary issues of race, gender, and dystopian futures, while Emmi Itäranta’s students with its speculative exploration.

The Ecolit Adventures session successfully broadened participants’ literary perspectives by emphasizing how fiction can address and reflect social, political, and environmental challenges across different times and cultures. Through the detailed examination of each work, students gained a richer appreciation for the ways in which literature mirrors societal values and ecological concerns. The event sparked dynamic discussions and inspired participants to further explore both classical and contemporary literature, fostering a deeper engagement with how literary narratives can offer insight into universal human experiences and environmental issues.