The 52nd Annual Conference on South Asia, a four-day event held from October 30 to November 2, drew over 1,200 attendees from around the globe. Hosted by the Center for South Asia at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the conference is the world’s largest and most influential gathering of South Asian scholars, students, and professionals.
The 2024 conference theme, “Democracy and Authoritarianism,” provided a timely and thought-provoking focus for the various panels, roundtables, and lectures. Renowned experts from diverse fields explored the interchange between democratic and authoritarian tendencies in South Asia, shedding light on pressing issues such as political polarization, human rights, and social justice.
“We had a record-breaking number of submissions and attendance this year, so it’s been gratifying to see so many new and returning people here,” said Andrea Fowler, conference coordinator and assistant director of the Center for South Asia. “I also heard how grateful they are about all of the effort that we put into it because we work all year to put this conference on. So to hear that from so many people this year has been really fantastic. We especially appreciate hearing feedback from attendees, as we take that very seriously into account as we plan for next year’s conference.”
Several events at the conference were free and open to the public, including the keynote address and the all-conference reception held on October 31. The keynote was delivered by Christophe Jaffrelot, a professor, senior research fellow, president of the French Political Science Association, and chair of the British Association for South Asian Studies.
Frances Vavrus, dean and vice provost of the International Division where the Center for South Asia is based, attended Jaffrelot’s talk and remarked afterward that “the Annual Conference on South Asia is one of the most significant academic events on our campus as it reminds us each year of the vital role that area studies play in advancing knowledge of regional and global concern.”
The Plenary Address on November 1 featured speakers Harini Amarasuriya, prime minister of Sri Lanka, and Aakar Patel, a syndicated columnist, author, and the chair of Amnesty International India. Following the plenary address, a multimedia performance celebrated the life and legacy of Indian theater director Ebrahaim Alkazi, whose groundbreaking work elevated Indian theater to new heights and earned him numerous accolades.
Attendees also had the opportunity to view film screenings such as Chaityabhumi and participate in a Q&A session with film director Somnath Waghamare.
Beyond the academic presentations and roundtables, the conference offered a variety of artistic showcase exhibits held across Madison. The Chazen Museum of Art invited attendees to explore its collection of Indian miniature paintings, featuring works from the 13th to 19th centuries. The exhibition includes Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu manuscript illuminations, along with Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari, and Deccan paintings.
Another exhibition held at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art showcased the intricate work of Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta. Featuring recent installations, sculptures, photographs, and drawings, Gupta’s conceptual art examines the power of language and information in shaping identity and societal norms.
The 52nd Annual Conference on South Asia concluded on a high note, celebrating the culture and inspiring future generations of scholars. Its enduring success underscores the global significance and relevance of South Asian studies and continues to solidify UW-Madison’s position as a leading center in the field.
Story by Kayla Daum