The conference follows three recent publications on Jewish Malayalam folksongs. Karkuzhali-Yefefiah! comprises fifty one folksongs in Malayalam originals and forty nine Hebrew translations, edited with critical introduction, notes and translations by Scaria Zacharia and Ophira Gamliel (Ben Zvi Institue, 2005). Oh, Lovely Parrot!, a CD of Jewish Malayalam folksongs compiled by Barbara Johnson and edited by Edwin Seroussi (Jewish Music Research Centre, the Hebrew University, 2005). This CD is accompanied by a booklet of English translations (by Brabara Johnson and Scaria Zacharia) of the songs included in the CD. An anthology of German translations (by Albrecht Frenz and Scaria Zacharia) of twenty five songs was published under the title In meinem Land leben verschiedene Volker (Schwabenverlag, 2002). These publications have created a lot of enthusiasm in academic circles, and the organizers hope that it will stimulate more research and academic deliberations.

The organizers of the conference look for collaborators and co-sponsors from academic institutions and research centers. Specialists and non specialists alike are invited to this conference designed as a forum for exchange of ideas and knowledge concerning an unexplored field of study. Young scholars interested in the cultural heritage of India in general, and Kerala in particular, are most welcome.

Scholars and researchers are invited to present papers on any relevant topic. The title of the paper including a synopsis of about 500 words should be introduced before September, 30 2005. The full paper should be submitted by November 30 2005. All the papers will be printed and circulated in the conference as a special issue of TAPASAM, a bi-lingual journal of Kerala studies.

The participants of the conference will get an opportunity to visit the standing synagogues in and around Cochi. Most of the sessions will be held in Angamaly, near the Cochi International Airport. The organizers shall provide light refreshments and working lunch as part of the hospitality arrangements.

Conference fee: Rs. 1000/- (for a spouse - additional Rs.500/-). Ashram accommodation is included. Those who prefer hotel accommodation can stay at Angamaly in AC double rooms for an average cost of Rs.2000/- per day. Reservations may be arranged in advance through the organizers.

• Geniza Records
• Jewish Copper Plates and Kerala History
• Role of Women in Kerala Jewish Society
• Malayalam Jewish Folk Songs
• Jewish Folk lore/ Midrash
• Ethnomusicology
• Jewish Music

For more details contact:
Dr. Scaria Zacharia, scariaz@satyam.net.in
Mobile: 9847164632

The Tenth Annual Conference

The 10th Annual Conference of the Association will be held in Sameeksha, Kalady on 1st and 2nd October 2005.
Theme: Film, Literature and History

As the part of the conference there shall be presentations by experts, young researchers and cultural journalists. At least three Malayalam feature films will be screened for the benefit of participants. The organizers are anticipating theoretical and interdisciplinary deliberations on interface of film and literature, and of film and history. Mr. C.S. Venkiteswaran has agreed to deliver the key note address. Mr.P.Govindapilla will deliver the concluding lecture.
A special session will be conducted in memory of Dr. A.P. Andrewskutty, who had been a leading figure in all the previous conferences of the Association. He was the vice president of the Association from the very beginning and the participants of various conferences still remember several hours they spent with him discussing current trends in Malayalam Linguistics. Dr.B.Ekbal, former vice chancellor of Kerala University has consented to deliver the first Dr. A.P. Andrewskutty Commemoration Lecture on 1st October 2005 at 10.30 am. He shall speak on current trends in Malayalam Language.

As part of the Annual conference ACS has announced Dr. A.P. Andrewskutty Prize for the best paper presented in the annual conference by a young researcher. The prize carries a cash award of Rs. 1001/- and a merit certificate. The presentation of papers for this prize will take place on 2nd October 2005 at 9 am.

For more details and registration, Contact:
The Secretary, ACS
scariaz@satyam.net.in
Mobile: 9847164632

ANNUAL CONFERENCE - 2003

The ACS Annual Conference 2003 will   be   held in   Sameeksha, Kalady.
Dates: 7,8,9 November (Friday, Sunday) 2003

Three   important   themes   will be discussed in the conference.
On   Friday   there   will   be   a   panel discussion   on   Kerala   Historiography.
Dr. M.G.S Narayanan, chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research shall preside over this session.
Dr.Albrecht Frenz, Dr. M.R. Raghava Variar, Dr. T. Pavithran and Mr. V.J. Varghese have agreed to present papers in this session, which is arranged as Hermann Gundert Commemoration programme.

The second day (Saturday) is devoted for detailed discussions on Popular Culture of Kerala. There shall be theoretical presentations dealing with tricky questions like the distinctions (?) among popular Culture, Mass Culture and Folk Culture, Other presentations may deal with popular/mass/folk cultural trends in food, dress, housing, sexuality, festivals, language, media, news papers, radio, television, internet, publishing, advertising, literature, film, drama, music, dance, fashion, leisure, travel, oratory, humor, mimicry, cartoon, gossip, conspiracy theory, recreation, games, sports, education, medicine, philosophy, religion, rituals, processions, slogans etc.
we are expecting papers from senior scholars, young researchers, cultural practitioners, activists and postgraduate students in this session.
Mr. Zacharia, Dr. A.P.Andrewskutty, Dr. Raghavan Payyanadu, Mr. K.M. Narendran, Mr. E.P. Rajagopal, Dr. Sreekumar, Mr. N.P. Rajendran, Dr. P. Pavithran, Dr. Shaji Jacob, Dr. K.V. Dileepkumar, Dr. Jayasukumaran, Dr. Aju Narayanan, Mr. Biju C.P, Ms. Bilu C. Narayanan, Ms. Sajitha K R, Ms. Sumi Joy, Ms. Shamshad Hussain, Dr. Shifa Rajan, Dr Vijaya Mohanan Pilla, Mr. Sasi K V and Dr. Muthulakshmi have already agreed to present papers on related topics.

On Sunday the last day of the conference there will be a symposium to celebrate the birth centenary of Professor Joseph Mundassery the great educationalist and Malayalam literary critic. Dr. K.G.Paulose, Dr. P P Raveendran, Dr. D. Benjamin, Dr. C. Rajendran, Dr. T.B. Venugopala Panikkar, Dr. N. Ajaya kumar and Mr. Sunil P Elayidom will participate in this session.

For more details and registration contact Dr. Scaria Zacharia, Professor, SS University, Kalady 8374, India

Annual Conference 2002
Venue: Kochi / Kalady

We are happy to announce that the ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2002 will be held from 8 to 12 November at Kochi/ Kalady. The main theme of the conference shall be Folklore, History and Culture.
There shall be special sessions on Inter disciplinarity of Folkloristics and Contextualising Jewish Malayalam Folklore. We invite papers highlighting the interface of Folklore and History, and Folklore and Literature. Association for Comparative Studies in collaboration with Ben Zvi Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and DC Books Kottayam proposes to publish An Anthology of 50 Jewish Malayalam Folk Songs. This critically edited volume will have critical studies, notes and hebrew translations of the songs. We hope to release this book on the 8th of November, the opening day of the conference. We invite all those who are interested in Malayalam Folksongs, especially Jewish Malayalam Women Songs to participate in this programme. We expect inputs from History, Anthropology, Linguistics, Literary Theory, Translation Studies, Ethno Musicology, Performance Studies, Malayalam Studies, Women Studies, Jewish Studies and Indology. So one of the important aims of the conference is to review the State -of- the- art and promote the interdisciplinary and integrative approach in Kerala Folklore Studies.

                 For Registration and details contact the Secretary.

Association for Comparative Studies (Estd. 1995) is a fruitful forum for all who are interested in interdisciplinary studies and research. Though it caters to the needs of both the specialists and the laymen alike its main target group is young post graduate students, research scholars and teachers

One of the most important activities of the Association every year is the three day Annual Conference in the first or second week of November. Every year there will be a major theme on which three or four invited papers are presented. There will be special commemoration Lectures by eminent scholars. There are parallel sessions in which young scholars can present papers. Senior scholars will participate in the discussions about these papers. This possibility has been very much valued by both senior and young scholars and Cultural Practitioners.
Annual Conference 2001
Theme: Theories of Aryan and Dravidian - Claims, Challenges and Changes /
Date: 9-11/2001/ Venue: Sameeksha, Kalady

Dr Keshavan Veluthatt, Professor of History, Mangalore University introduced the theme. Dr. M R Raghava Variar, Dr. Rajan Gurukal, Sunil.P.Elayidom, Bilu C Narayanan, Dr. K.V.Dileep Kumar, Dr.P.S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. N Rajasekharan (Annamalai University), H.K. Santhosh and Sumi Joy Oliappuram presented papers on related themes.

As part of the three day conference a special session was held on the literary works of M.Mukundan. Dr. D Benjamin (Kerala University), Dr Shaji Jacob, Dr. N Ajayakumar, E.P. Rajagopal, Sajitha K R, K V Sasi and Jhony J Plathottam presented papers in this session.

Two commemoration lectures were delivered by eminent scholars. Dr Reinhard Wendt, Professor of Non European History, Fern University, Hagen, Germany delivered Dr. Hermann Gundert commemoration lecture. He spoke on Indian Perception of Gundert and Kittel. Mr. Zacharia, the eminent Malayalam novelist and short story writer delivered Vaikom Mohammed Basheer commemoration lecture. He spoke on typical Malayalam humour. Dr. Sukumari Narendra Menon, the famous artist and scholar illustrated the blending of Aryan and Dravidian elements in Kerala music through a demonstration lecture. As part of the conference a special folk music evening was arranged. Karinthalakoottam, a folk music group led by the famous folklorist Dr. C.R. Rajagopal enthused and entertained the audience very much.

As part of the conference an Intercollegiate literary quiz competition, participated by 8 teams, was conducted.Sanskrit University,Kalady,won the first prize and S.B.College,Changanacherry,the second .The winners were given cash prizes, books and merit certificates. This was arranged as a special programme to celebrate the birth centenary of G. Shankarakurup, the eminent Malayalam poet.

About 30 papers were presented in the conference. The presenters and discussants included senior scholars, young teachers and young researchers. About 50 post graduate students also attended the conference. As usual deliberations were held in typical Tapasam atmosphere promoting the motto "ariyanum ariyikkanum", "to know and to let to know".

Dr. M.V.Pylee, president of the Association for Comparative Studies inaugurated the conference. He explained the working and relevance of the Association. He thanked the scholars who are contributing to the programmes of the Association. He thanked Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan for his special care for the Association. The key note address was delivered by Dr .M.G.S.Narayanan,in which he pointed out that History and Literature are intersecting circles, which share many common theories and methodologies. Kerala studies, which have developed very fast during the last fifty years, bear testimony to the positive effects of such a collaboration.
Dr. Veluthattu Kesavan (Dept.of History, Mangalore University) presented a paper on Sakuntalam outlining the possibilities of historical and literary interpretations. Mr.V.J.Varghese (JRF, University of Hyderabad) spoke on history in literature. Mr. Pradeepan Pampirikkunnu (Lecturer, SSUS) pointed out the possibilities of historicising literature. The racial and gender determinations of cultural performances are easily discerned in such an analysis.

In the evening Dr. M.R.Raghava Variar delivered Prof. Elamkulam Kunjan Pilla commemoration speech on the Structure of Manipravalam Literature. The lecture was followed by lively discussions.
On the second day of the annual conference two parallel sessions were held. In the first session on Folklore, History and Literature Dr.Scaria Zacharia (Secretary, ACS), Aju Narayanan (Research Scholar,SSUS), Shamshad Hussain (Lecturer, SSUS) Sr.Deepa ( Lecturer,St.Stephen's college) and Suma Cyriac (Lecturer, Assumption college) presented papers. The second session included papers on Language, Literature and Philosophy. Dr.A.P. Andrewskutty (Professor of linguistics, University of Kerala), Dr.C.M. Neelakantan (Reader, SSUS),Dr.P.Geeta (Lecturer, Govt. College, Malappuram), Dr.Dharmaraj Adatt (Reader, SSUS), Dr.K.V. Dileepkumar (Lecturer, SSUS), Sumi Joy Oliappuram (JRF,S.B.College) and Indu Edappally (P.G.Student) presented papers in this session. In the afternoon Dr.Margrette Frenz (Berlin University) delivered Hermann Gundert Commemoration lecture on Tellicherry Records. She presented a copy of her doctoral dissertation on Tellicherry Records to the secretary of the Association. In the same session Dr. Joseph Scaria presented a complimentary paper on the Discourse Analysis of Tellicherry Records. At 3 pm Dr. B.Rajeevan, well known Malayalam critic delivered Kuttipuzha Krishanapilla Commemoration Lecture on the Intellectual Traditions of Keralites. In the evening there was a special session for general discussions. On 12th November, the last day of conference there was a symposium on History and Literature in the works of Anand. Dr.Rajan Gurukkal (Professor of History, M.G.University), Dr. D.Benjamin (Professor of Malayalam, Kerala University), Dr. N. Ajayakumar, Dr. Shaji Jacob, Dr.P.Pavithran, Sunil.P.Ilayidam, Sajitha. K.R (Lecturers, SSUS) and Sasi.K.V. (M.Phil student) presented papers on various aspects of Anand's works.
We are very happy to report that Anand was kind enough to sit through many of the sessions of the conference. He intervened in the discussions and responded to the points raised by the discussants. The conference was attended by 52 registered delegates. The hallmark of the conference was the
active participation of delegates in discussions.

The opening ceremony of the conference was held in the Research centre of St. Berchman's collage. Dr. M.V Pylee, president of ACS chaired the session. Dr. M.G.S Narayanan inaugurated the conference. Dr. N.P.Unni, vice chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya university of Sanskrit released the proceedings of the annual conference held in 1998 at Kalady. Prof. I. Istak received the first copy. Prof. M.R Raghava Variar delivered a special lecture on Indian system of medicine and it cultural implications. Dr. B.Ikbal spoke on the information, revolution and its implications in the emerging world order. Mr. Anand Parthasarathy (The Hindu) delivered D.C.Kizhakkemuri commemoration lecture on information technology and current trends in publication. Mr.K.K Marar delivered Dr. Hermann Gundert Commemoration Lecture on Folk Arts of North Malabar. About 30 papers were presented in four parallel sessions. Dr.Raghavan Payyanadu (Calicut university )chaired the session on Malaylam folk epics. Dr.C.P Sivadasan (Kannur University) moderated the session on Malayalam short stories. Dr. N.R.Gopinatha Pilla (University of Kerala) delivered opening lecture in the session on Malayalam language. Many papers presented by young scholars opened the way to lively discussions. We are grateful to senior scholars like M.G.S Narayanan, Dr.M.V.Vishnu Nampoothiri and Dr.A.P.Andrewskutty who encouraged young scholars with active participation in the discussions. We are grateful to all the participants especially invited speakers for their collaboration and generous support. We are most enthused by the young teachers and researchers who spent three days for collaborative intellectual discourses in a mood of give and take.
A colourful feature of the annual conference was Mahakavi Ulloor Memorial Quiz Competition on Malayalam Literature. Ten college teams participated in it and Maharajas college won the first prize. Cash prize of Rs.1001 and books worth Rs.501.

The conference was keenly attended by 75 registered participants and an equal number of casual participants from the neighbouring places. About 40% of the participants were postgraduate students. An enthusiastic team of young university teachers and researchers formed another 40% of the participants. The presence and active participation of about 25 senior scholars including vice-chancellors, eminent professors, creative writers and cultural practitioners enhanced the quality of deliberations in the conference. About 65 papers were presented in three parallel academic sessions.
Special sessions on Folklore Literature and Women Studies attracted keen attention. The keynote addresses by Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan, Dr. Murkoth Ramunny, Dr. N.V.P. Unithiri, Dr. K.G. Poulose, Dr. K.C.Narayanan, Dr. B. Ikbal, Dr. Sebastian Painadath evoked active academic discussions. Mr. Zacharia, the well-known Malayalam writer delivered Kumaranasan Commemoration Lecture on 'The World -View of Keralites'. The presentation was intellectually very provocative and heated discussions followed in the columns of periodicals. Dr. Albrecht Frenz, Chairman Hermann Gundert Foundation Germany delivered Gundert commemoration Lecture on Mappila heritage of Malabar. His well-documented presentation was very valuable. Dr.M.V. Pylee, president of the Association presided over the inaugural session of the conference held at Sree Sankaracharya university. He introduced the theme of the conference. Dr. N .P. Unni, Vice-chancellor of the university inaugurated the conference. Most of the registered participants of the conference were accommodated at Sameeksha, Kalady.

The seminar opened with Ananda Kumaraswami Commemoration Lecture
delivered by Dr.G.B. Balamohan Thampi (I M G director & Formar Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University) on contemporary literary theories. Dr. Veluthattu Kesavan (Dept.of history, university of Mangalore) delivered the keynote address.
Dr.M.G.S. Narayanan, eminent historian spoke on 'Hindutva and Nationalism'. Mr. Sanal Mohan (Lecturer, School of Social Science, M.G.. University) presented his paper on Nationality and Ethnicity. As part of the seminar two special sessions were arranged to discuss 10 select Malayalam Novels. Mr.Joseph Scaria (Thattakam,Kovilan),Jose Antony (Madhuram Gayathi, O.V.Vijayan), Sajitha .K.R (Maveli Mandram, K.J Baby) ,Sebastian Antony (Vyasanum Vighneswaranum, Anand), Scaria Zacharia (Enthundu Visesham Peelathose, Zacharia), Sunny Sebastian (Oru Dalith Yuvathiyude Kadana Katha, M. Mukundam), Hari (Daivathiinte Kannu,N.P.Muhammed),Suresh (Prathimayam Rajakukumariyum, Padmarajan), Subhadas (Charama Varshikam, K.P.Ramanunny) and Biju .C.P (Perumkaliyattam, T.V.Kochubava) presented papers. These presentations were followed by interesting discussions involving researchers and post graduate students. Dr. Albrecht Frenz, the well known German Indologist and the chairman of Hermann Gundert foundations was a special guest of the seminar. Dr. Veluthattu Kesavan released the latest edition of Dr.Hermann Gundert's book 'Herrmann Moegling, A biography' edited by Dr.Albrecht Frenz. The meeting provided an opportunity to felicitate Dr.Frenz on his 'shastipurthi'. Mr. D.C Kizhakkemuri presented him a momento. Dr. Sadananda (Principal, UTC,Manglore.), Dr.M.H. Maheswariah (Institute of Kannnada Studies, University of Dharwar)Dr.P. Somasekharan Nair (university of kerala) and Dr.A.P. Andrewskutty (University of Kerala) spoke on the occasion.

A research project titled "500 years of Kerala- A Culture Study "was formally inaugurated by the well-known historian and writer Dr. M.G.S Narayanan. This is an interdisciplinary enquiry to be conducted over a period of time and which involves a number of academicians, students, journalists, institution and other agencies.
Several papers were presented at the seminar and they included 'The Malayali's Malayalism (Zacharia), Linguistic and Literary Research in Malayalam (Dr. K.M Prabhakara Variar), Malayalam Grammar (Dr. N.R Gopinatha pillai), The Linguistic Philosophy of the Malayali (Dr. A.P. Andrewskutty), Casteism and Racialism in Kerala (Sanal Mohan) and Revenue Documents of Kerala (Donald Davies). Dr.T.B Venugopala Panikkar, Dr. N.N Moosad, Dr. K. Saramma, Dr. Vijaya Mohan Pillai, Dr.K.M Venugopal and others took active part in the discussions.

Shri P. Govinda pillai delivered the Swadeshabhimani Memorial Lecture on The Renaissance of Kerala. The Hermann Gundert Commemorative Lecture was delivered by Dr. Mary .J. Gentes of the University of Texas. Mr. Donald Davies, a research scholar from Texas University (USA) presented a paper on old Malayalam documents with special reference to Vyavaharamala. An interesting session of the seminar was the sharing of reading experience by the participants. Around ten modern stories were chosen as the topics for discussion. Papers presented were followed by active discussions. Dr. M.N.Karassery (Calicut University) inaugurated the session and shared his experience of reading the works of Basheer with particular emphasis on Anapooda. Other stories taken up included O.V.Vijayan's Chengannoor Vandi (Dr.Ajayakumar), Madhavikutty's Rukminikkoru Pavakutty (Suja Susan George), Sara Joseph's Muditheyyam Urayunnu (Jaya Sukumaran), N. Prabhkaran's Kidappararahasyam (Sunny Sebastian), Zacharia's Oru Nasrani Yuvaum Gauli Sasthravam (Josy Thomas) and N.S.Madhavan's Chulaimedile Savangal (Biju C.P). The theoretical mould for these readings has been largely taken from cultural studies, a burgeoning discipline in modern universities.

Shri. Murkot Ramunny inaugurated the seminar and spoke on Literature and Anthropology. Shri. Hafeez Muhammed, Lecturer in Sociology,Farooque College and a writer,who presided over the inaugural session presented his paper on 'Literature and Sociology. Dr. A.P.Andrewskutty delivered the Kerala Paniniyam Centenary Memorial Lecture. He spoke on 'Comparative methods in linguistics'. Dr Albecht Frenz, Director, Gundert foundation, Germany delivered Dr. Hermann Gundert Commemorative Lecture on 'Comparative Methods in German Indology.
Dr. C.Rajendran spoke on comparative Approaches in Literary theory and Literary criticism. Dr. V.C Harees analysed the possibilities of evolving a methodology for the comparative study of literary works. In the evening the delegates assembled in an informal mood to discuss the role and meaning of silence in our everyday life.
A special meeting was held on 1 November-Kerala day, which was presided over by Prof. K.M Chandy. R.Ramachandran Nair, Chief secretary to the government and vice-chancellor, SSUS, Kalady delivered the Keynote address. Shri D.C.Kizhakkemuri, Prof. P.C Menon, Prof. N.S Sebastian and Shri. Murkot Ramunni spoke on related themes. Two volumes of Tuebingen University Malyalam manuscript series were released in this meeting. In the concluding session, Prof. K. P. Saratchandran moderated the proceedings in which three papers were presented. Dr. D.Radhakrishan spoke on 'Comparative Approach in Narratology' Shri. R.RamanNair(Librarian, Kerala Agricultural University.) spoke on Information Technology and its relevance in modern research. Shri. Gopi Krishnan's paper was on 'Electronic News Room'.