Ambedkar University looks to promote literature in different languages

In a bid to promote 'progressive' literature present in different Indian languages, the Ambedkar University (AUD) has started a new centre 'School of letters' for this academic session.

Offering a range of courses including MA in English, MPhils in Hindi, comparative literature and translation studies, and PhDs in English, Hindi, and comparative literature and studies, the school will cater to a total 62 students in the coming session.

"In this school, we want to break the barriers between languages. We will promote progressive literature present in almost all Indian languages by providing their translated versions in English and Hindi," said Radha Chakravorty, the dean of the school.

Elaborating the name 'School of letters', Chakroborty said, "Earlier, we thought of naming it something like 'school of languages' or 'linguistiucs'. But I think 'School of letters' is more suitable as it justifies the idea behind this center as letters make languages that eventually make literature."

The centre will also focus on archiving the marginalised languages of the country. "In future, we will focus on archiving the literature present in marginalised languages as well," she said.

Besides this, the Varsity has also introduced two new schools-- School of Vocational Studies and School of Law, Governance, and Citizenship.

According to the officials, the decision of adding new schools was taken after the expansion of its campus. The Varsity has two campuses now situated in Kashmere Gate and in Karampura, where 40 undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes are currently on offer. "The Varsity is planning to open new campuses across the city," the official added.

The online registration process for admission to undergraduate courses at Ambedkar University began on Friday. The process will continue till June 23.

There are 445 seats in around seven undergraduate courses. The first cut-off list will be out on July 5.