The English Literary Society, Department of English, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CU Punjab), organized the inaugural ceremony of the second edition of the Annual Literary Festival on the theme 'The Mysterious World of Detective Fiction' on Thursday. The event spanning two days, is being conducted by the English Literary Society of the Department under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. Special guests for the inaugural ceremony included Dr. KBS Krishna (Assistant Professor, Department of English, Central University of Himachal Pradesh) and Madhulika Liddle (Best-selling author of the Muzaffar Jang Series).
In his welcome address, Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, commended the Department of English for furnishing students with opportunities to showcase their creativity through such events, fostering artistic expression for societal betterment. Dr. KBS Krishna, the keynote speaker, delivered an Expert Lecture on "Demystifying Detective Fiction."
He delved into the origins of detective fiction, tracing its roots back to the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle. He mentioned that detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction and has remained extremely popular in novels. He emphasized the captivating elements of detective stories, including enigmatic detectives, labyrinthine plots, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Dr. Krishna highlighted characters like Sherlock Holmes, The Hardy Boys, and Hercule Poirot, whose brilliance has captivated readers for generations. Following the lecture, a panel discussion featuring Madhulika Liddle, Dr. KBS Krishna, and moderated by Dr. Prithvi Raj, offered further insights into the genre.
Liddle’s mastery of historical fiction enriched the dialogue, as she illuminated storytelling intricacies and historical accuracy, drawing the audience into Muzaffar Jang's adventures through Mughal India. The engaging dialogue held during the panel discussion left attendees inspired to immerse themselves in the world of detective fiction.
Towards the end of the inaugural session, Dr. Shahila Zafar, Head of the Department of English, expressed gratitude to the university administration and participants for their support in making the event a success. On the first day of this festival, students showcased their talents in the Crack the Crime Code Quiz and Cultural Evening.
On the second day, students will have the opportunity to exhibit their creativity in the Book Cover Design Competition, Meme Making Competition, Detective Masquerade (Cosplay, Soliloquy, Skit), Sleuth Speak (Open Mic), and Detective Showdown (Find the Murderer). Faculty, research scholars, university students, and those from nearby institutions are participating in this festival, enriching the literary exchange and fostering creativity.