Shaping the Future of South Asian Literature
As the only SAARC-recognised literary body, FOSWAL continues to carry its mission forward by designing conferences that address the challenges and hopes of our times. The upcoming conferences focus on shared regional concerns that transcend political boundaries, reflecting the voices of South Asian writers and intellectuals.
Upcoming Themes & Focus Areas
Cultural Connectivity in South Asia
The next FOSWAL Conference will bring together writers, poets, scholars, and translators from across the SAARC region under the theme “Cultural Connectivity in South Asia.”
At a time when borders continue to divide nations politically, FOSWAL reaffirms its mission to strengthen people-to-people ties through shared stories, ideas, and artistic traditions. The conference will focus on how literature and culture can nurture empathy, trust, and unity among South Asian societies.
Bridging Borders Through Translation
Translation has always been at the heart of FOSWAL’s work. By carrying a poem from Sinhala into Urdu, or a novel from Bangla into Nepali, translation opens doors between cultures, allowing people to experience one another’s truths and imaginations.
This sub-theme will explore:
How translation builds cross-border dialogue by making regional literatures accessible.
The challenges of preserving nuance, context, and voice across languages.
Success stories of collaborative translation projects within South Asia.
The role of translation in amplifying marginalised and silenced voices.
Why This Conference Matters
It reaffirms literature’s role as a tool of cultural diplomacy.
It strengthens the idea of a shared South Asian identity that goes beyond politics.
It empowers translators as cultural ambassadors who carry stories across borders.
By focusing on translation as a bridge, this conference will highlight the possibility of building a united literary South Asia — a space where diversity is not a barrier but a source of strength.
Looking Ahead
Through these upcoming conferences, FOSWAL reaffirms its belief that literature is not confined to the page. It is a living force that responds to crises, shapes identities, and brings nations together.