The UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Centre for Folk Culture Studies, School of Social Science, University of Hyderabad, successfully conducted a Refresher Course on Folk and Cultural Studies from 6 July to 18 July. The programme brought together 25 participants, including Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Research Scholars from different states across India, creating a vibrant platform for academic exchange and interdisciplinary learning.
Folklore and Cultural Studies are truly inter-disciplinary in nature. Both the disciplines employ unique field-based methodologies for data collection, categorization and critical evaluation for applications in the present-day academics. With its fascinating areas of study owing to its multi-cultural and pluralistic composition. The course successfully acquainted the participants with theories, concepts and methods about the folk culture and folklife.
The inaugural session commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Vasuki Belavadi, Director, UGC-MMTTC, University of Hyderabad. In his address, he emphasized the importance of continuous academic engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and the need for educators to remain responsive to the evolving cultural and social realities through programmes such as refresher courses.
Following the inaugural address, Prof. Joly Puthussery, Head, Centre for Folk Culture Studies, introduced the course by presenting its objectives, structure, and academic significance. He initiated the course with a thought-provoking discussion on the question, “How do we become folk?” He highlighted the shared cultural practices, collective memories, traditions, and everyday experiences that shape communities and define the concept of the “folk,” encouraging participants to engage critically with folk as a dynamic, evolving cultural category rather than a static identity.
Over the course of twelve days, participants attended lectures delivered by eminent Professors and experts from diverse disciplines of folk and cultural studies. The sessions explored a wide range of themes, including vulnerability and culture, health and culture, dance and music traditions, folk performance, methods of archiving folk knowledge, and research methodologies for studying folk communities, visual studies, body studies, cultural studies approach etc. These lectures provided participants with both theoretical perspectives and practical approaches, enriching their understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of folklore and Cultural studies. Eminent scholars and professors delivered lectures including; Prof. Y A Sudhakar Reddy, Prof. P S Kanaka Durga, Prof. Pramod Nair, Prof. Anna Kurian, Prof. K M Bharathan, Prof. P Subbachary, Prof. Hari Prasad, Prof. Panchanand Dalai, Prof. J Bheemaiah, Prof. Anand Mahanand, Prof. E Satya Prakash, Prof. Srirupa Chatterjee, Prof. Sujith Kumar Parayil, Prof. Aruna Bikshu, Prof. Nagaraju Gundemeda, Prof. Bharadwaza Govindaraju, Prof. K Suneetha Rani, Prof. Samba Siva Raju, Prof. Babitha Justin, Dr. Chandu Vemana, Dr. Kavitha Chauhan, Dr. V K Karthika, Dr. P Salah, Dr. Nanda Kishore Kannuri, Dr. M N Rajesh, Dr. Hashik N K, Dr. Md. Intaj Ali, Dr. N P Ashley, Dr. Shaji S, Dr. Kumara Swamy, Dr. George C Tharakan, Prof. Vasuki Belavadi and Prof. Joly Puthusery.
A special highlight of the programme was the screening of the documentary Gods in the Voices on 14 July, followed by an engaging discussion. The documentary offered valuable insights into the lived experiences, ritual practices, and cultural expressions of Telangana folk communities, stimulating meaningful conversations among the participants.
An important component of the refresher course was the microteaching sessions, where participants presented on various topics related to folk culture, traditions, heritage, language, performance, and community practices. These sessions encouraged peer learning, critical discussion, and the exchange of diverse academic perspectives while allowing participants to demonstrate their pedagogical and research skills.
To assess learning outcomes, the programme included two evaluations, an online assessment and a written examination. These assessments enabled participants to reflect on the knowledge gained throughout the course and reinforced the key concepts discussed during the lectures.
The refresher course concluded with an interactive valedictory session featuring open discussions and participant feedback. Attendees shared their experiences, reflected on the academic value of the programme, and expressed appreciation for the enriching lectures, engaging discussions, and collaborative learning environment. Beyond academic enrichment, the course fostered new professional connections, intellectual exchanges, and friendships, leaving participants with valuable knowledge and many cherished memories.
The Refresher Course successfully fulfilled its objective of deepening participants’ understanding of folk culture through interdisciplinary perspectives, methodological training, and meaningful dialogue. It reaffirmed the significance of folklore and Cultural studies in contemporary scholarship while strengthening academic networks among teachers and researchers from across the country.