By Mahika Maheshwari
Pics: Mohtshim Khan
DEHRADUN, 20 Jan: Welham Girls’ School, marked the 250th birth anniversary of Jane Austen with a thoughtfully organised literary event on Tuesday. The programme brought together students, educators, and literature enthusiasts for an engaging afternoon dedicated to Austen’s life, works, and lasting influence.
The event began at 2:30 PM with the national anthem, followed by a brief invocation. A panel discussion formed the heart of the programme, where speakers reflected on Austen’s novels, her portrayal of society, and her continuing relevance today.
Eminent panelists were Retd IPS, author, columnist Anil Raturi; HOD ACC Wing, IMA Prof Ruby Gupta; HOD English, Doon University, Dr Chetna Pokhriyal; Curator Valley of Words Lit Fest Youvanika Chopra; and Head, Dept of Humanities & Liberal Arts, DIT University, Dr Shriya Goyal.
Special attention was given to the feminist ideas in her writing and the intriguing question of whether Austen was a rebel or a conformist a debate that highlighted how she managed to be both. The panel also discussed how modern readers and popular culture continue to reinterpret her work across generations.
At 4:00 PM, participants enjoyed a High Tea break, which offered a welcome chance for informal conversations and shared reflections on the discussion.
The post-tea session featured an energetic quiz competition with five rounds, involving four teams DIT, UPES, Graphic Era, and Welham Girls’ School. The enthusiasm and teamwork on display made this segment both lively and memorable.
Former Chief Secretary N Ravi Shanker was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The event concluded at 5:00 PM with a closing address by the Chief Guest, followed by a Vote of Thanks by the Principal Vibha Kapoor. The afternoon ended on a high note, leaving everyone with a renewed appreciation for Jane Austen’s timeless voice in literature.
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