EFSLE Signs Landmark Academic Partnership with South Gujarat University
New Delhi. In a significant academic collaboration, the Ecosophical Foundation for the Study of Literature and Environment (EFSLE) has formalized a partnership with Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU). The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on February 12, 2025, during an International Conference hosted by VNSGU’s Department of English in Surat, Gujarat.
The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from both institutions. Dr. Kishorsinh N. Chavda, Vice Chancellor of VNSGU, led the university delegation. He was joined by Dr. Narendra Patel, the Registrar In-charge, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dey, Professor and Head of the English Department. EFSLE was represented by its president, Dr. Rishikesh Kumar Singh.
The five-year agreement marks a pioneering initiative to advance the study of Ecocriticism. This partnership encompasses a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. The collaboration will cover traditional humanities subjects including literature, psychology, sociology, and history. It will also extend to music, geography, political science, and economics. The agreement particularly emphasizes women’s studies, cultural studies, and tribal and indigenous studies.
The partnership doesn’t stop at humanities. It incorporates various scientific disciplines as well. These include plant and herbal studies, ethnobotany, and animal studies. The collaboration will also focus on natural sciences, health sciences, environmental sciences, and ecology.
Under this MoU, both institutions will organize numerous academic events. These will include international conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposiums. The agreement also provides for academic exchange programs between the two institutions.
A key feature of this partnership is the creation of an international publication platform. This platform will provide opportunities for researchers and faculty members from both institutions to publish their research papers and articles.
EFSLE brings significant expertise to this partnership. It operates as an open socio-ecoliterary forum. The organization facilitates creative interaction among various groups. These include intellectuals, academicians, environmental activists, naturalists, and nature enthusiasts. EFSLE has established Executive Councils across India, with Gujarat being home to its fourth such council.
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, brings its own rich academic heritage to this partnership. Established in 1965, this public university in Surat offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. VNSGU is particularly known for its innovative postgraduate departments. These include public administration, rural studies, comparative literature, and aquatic biology.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in advancing interdisciplinary research and academic exchange. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between humanities and sciences while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development through academic initiatives.
