There is a need to re-conceive our literary genres and Life writing can enable the promotion of an ethical imagination, said Prof. EV Ramakrishan, in his valedictory address at the conclusion of Two-day International Conference on Multiple Selves in Multiple Texts: Life Narratives in South Asia held at Central University on Jammu on 7^th November, 2019. Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu was the chief guest of the valedictory function. Prof. Chandra Mohan chaired the valedictory session.

In his address, the Chief Guest Prof. Aima, not only remarked on the excellence of the event but also admired its academic thrust areas which included Indian literature, ancient and modern and the prevalence of many significant articulations in its layout. Further, he stressed upon such academic events that enhance the academic environment of a campus.

The valedictory speaker, Prof. EV Ramakrishnan delivered a valedictory address on a challenging theme highlighting the importance of self in autobiographical narratives in the current scenario in literature. He mentioned the inclusion of autobiographies as a part of the curriculum. He stressed the changing shape of colonial modernity which is contributing to the homogenization of self. The chair, Prof. Chandra Mohan described the event a unique in its larger perspective touching upon the counterclaims of truth put forward in the autobiography, social perspectives as an investment in a collective act of resistance and literary theories taking shape in the epistemology of the critical discourse. He eulogized the role played by Dr. Vandana Sharma and her team for the hard work. He complimented Dr. Sharma for bringing out a Volume on ‘Feminist Discourses in Indian Context’ and congratulated her and the contributors for its release at the conference.

A tribute to Late Prof. Avadesh K. Singh, an iconic literary figure, who had committed to participate but left the world all of a sudden was also made during the session.

Earlier, welcoming the guest, Dr. Vandana Sharma, Conference Convener, and Head, Department of English presented a report of the papers presented and committed the valuable outcome of the conference through the publication of papers.

Ms. Nancy Sharma conducted the proceedings and Dr. M A A Farooq proposed the vote of thanks.