The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) recently organised a seminar titled “Bhawaiya: Songs of Desire and Defiance”, which explored the intersections of voice, marginality, gender queer politics and the politics of emotion embedded in folk traditions.

The session witnessed strong participation from students, with discussions moving beyond passive listening to active questioning and critical reflection on how folk songs reflect social realities and cultural narratives.

The seminar created a space for examining how Bhawaiya music carries layered meanings related to identity, emotion and resistance within traditional and contemporary contexts.

Dr Nasrin Khandoker facilitated the session and delivered a thought-provoking presentation that encouraged participants to engage critically with the subject matter.

Organisers expressed appreciation for the active engagement of students, noting that their curiosity contributed significantly to the depth and quality of the discussion.