Interactive Workshop by the English Literary Society “MUSE” “From Myths to Market: Representation of Women and the Question of Women (Dis) Empowerment”
MUSE organised an interactive workshop on the theme ;From Myths to the Market: Representation of Women and the Question of Women (Dis) Empowerment" on 1st October 2026.
The session featured Dr. Pankaj K. Singh, Former Professor and Chairperson, Department of English, and Former Dean, Faculty of Languages, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla,as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Singh traced the changing representation of women from mythological narratives to contemporary market-driven images. Drawing upon examples from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other mythological texts, she reflected on the continuing concerns surrounding women's safety. She highlighted the paradox that despite greater education, freedom and empowerment, women continue to face serious threats to their dignity and security, including sexual violence. Her observations encouraged students to look beyond the apparent progress in women's status and critically examine the social realities that continue to affect their lives.
She further examined the role of literature, media and market forces in shaping and often stereotyping women’s identities, urging students to develop a critical perspective and become discerning readers and independent thinkers.
The session was highly interactive and thought-provoking, with students actively participating in the discussion.
Principal Dr. Anurita Saxena expressed her gratitude to Dr. Singh and emphasised that such initiatives are vital for gender sensitisation and broadening students’ intellectual horizons.
The session was attended by 200 students who enthusiastically participated in the interactive discussions, engaging their critical thinking and analytical skills to reflect upon the issues raised during the workshop
The session featured Dr. Pankaj K. Singh, Former Professor and Chairperson, Department of English, and Former Dean, Faculty of Languages, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla,as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Singh traced the changing representation of women from mythological narratives to contemporary market-driven images. Drawing upon examples from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other mythological texts, she reflected on the continuing concerns surrounding women's safety. She highlighted the paradox that despite greater education, freedom and empowerment, women continue to face serious threats to their dignity and security, including sexual violence. Her observations encouraged students to look beyond the apparent progress in women's status and critically examine the social realities that continue to affect their lives.
She further examined the role of literature, media and market forces in shaping and often stereotyping women’s identities, urging students to develop a critical perspective and become discerning readers and independent thinkers.
The session was highly interactive and thought-provoking, with students actively participating in the discussion.
Principal Dr. Anurita Saxena expressed her gratitude to Dr. Singh and emphasised that such initiatives are vital for gender sensitisation and broadening students’ intellectual horizons.
The session was attended by 200 students who enthusiastically participated in the interactive discussions, engaging their critical thinking and analytical skills to reflect upon the issues raised during the workshop
