Akal University to Host International Conference on “The Ocean Speaks Back”

As climate anxiety rises and cultures shift under the weight of environmental change, the ocean stands as a living metaphor — reflecting the interconnected crises of ecology and culture. To explore these pressing global themes, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, proudly presents the International Conference on “The Ocean Speaks Back: Ecological Resistance and Cultural Crisis in the South Asian Anthropocene.”

This thought-provoking event, hosted by the Department of English Studies, will take place in Hybrid Mode from 19–20 February 2026, inviting global voices to dive into conversations at the intersection of literature, ecology, and sustainability.

An Interdisciplinary Call for Ecological Awareness

The conference aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, writers, environmentalists, and policy thinkers who are redefining the way we understand our relationship with nature. It seeks to explore how the South Asian Anthropocene — an age shaped by human impact — is influencing not only our ecosystems but also our stories, values, and cultures.

Key Themes and Areas of Discussion

Participants are encouraged to submit abstracts on diverse and thought-provoking topics such as:

• Ocean as Memory, Myth, and Metaphor — Understanding the sea as a site of history, identity, and imagination.
• The Blue Economy and Ecological Narratives — Rethinking sustainability through storytelling and science.
• The Poetics of Disaster and Cultural Crisis — Exploring how literature responds to climate emergencies and social change.
• These themes invite scholars to reimagine the ocean not just as water, but as a witness — a voice urging humanity to listen, reflect, and act.

Submission Details and Participation

📅 Conference Dates: 19–20 February 2026
🧾 Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 November 2025
📧 Submit Abstracts: icosberccsaa-2026@auts.ac.in

📍 Mode: Hybrid (Online + On-Campus)
🌐 Hosted By: Department of English Studies, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo

For more information and submission guidelines, visit Akal University
.

Be Part of the Wave Shaping Sustainable Futures

The Ocean Speaks Back Conference 2026 is more than an academic gathering — it’s a call for consciousness. It brings together diverse minds to reflect on the ocean’s voice — one that speaks of resilience, responsibility, and renewal.

Join the movement.
Listen to the ocean.
Shape the dialogue for a sustainable tomorrow.