Department of English, S.A. College of Arts & Science, Chennai, organised WHEEL 2026 (Women in Higher Education Empowering English Learning), a State Conclave, on 14 August 2026

The Department of English, S.A. College of Arts & Science, Chennai, organised WHEEL 2026 (Women in Higher Education Empowering English Learning), a State Conclave, on 14 August 2026 at the SACAS Theatre. The conclave focused on the theme, “Reimagining English Studies: Reviving Interest, Rebuilding Enrolment and Redefining Relevance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

The event served as a meaningful platform to reflect on the future of English studies and the changing needs of learners.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. S. Armstrong, Professor and Head, Department of English, University of Madras. Dr. Supala Pandiarajan, Associate Professor of English, University of Madras, moderated the programme. The panel discussion featured eminent academicians, including Dr. T. Shrimathy Venkatalakshmi, Dr. G. Kalvikkarasi, Dr. S. Sridevi and Dr. K. Kanthimathi.

The panelists strongly emphasised the importance of reading, literature, language proficiency and meaningful engagement with AI. They stressed that students must be taken back to stories to develop interest in literature. They cautioned that reducing literature to summaries could weaken the very foundation of English departments. The need to bring English drama back into classrooms and introduce academic writing at the undergraduate level was also highlighted.

The speakers observed that teachers themselves must continue reading and inspire students to do the same. As emphasised during the discussion, “Learning is hard,” and making learning overly easy can reduce curiosity and intellectual engagement.

The conclave successfully achieved its theme, and the panelists appreciated the Department of English for its efforts in creating a timely and thought-provoking academic platform.