International seminar on 'Cultures of Football'

The School of Media, Communication and Culture, Centre for Studies in African Literatures and Cultures, Jadavpur University, and Valerian Soccer Foundation, India is going to organize a three day International Seminar on ‘Cultures of Football’ on April 20, 21and 22, 2010 at Jadavpur University.

Within the broad arena of ‘Sports Studies’, football has drawn a particularly large academic interest in recent years, globally and in India. One of the reasons for scholarly attention to the game of soccer in India has been the emergent interest of ‘Cultural Studies’ in the cultures around football.

Subhransu Roy, President Valerian Soccer Foundation said “We believe that our continuing endeavor to understand the nuances of Indian popular culture remains unfulfilled if we don't strive to study cultures around the game of soccer in India. Calcutta, being the Mecca of Indian football and Jadavpur University, being a pioneer in Film, Media and Popular Culture Studies in India, would provide the ideal location for what is probably going to be the first major national conference on football in India”.

Novy Kapadia, noted football columnist and historian will deliver the key note address of the seminar while legendary football player Sailen Manna will grace the opening ceremony. Among the other speakers will be eminent football scholars and journalists, along with a good number of representation from players, coaches, ex-players, govt. representatives, club officials and even fans.

Some of the foreign scholars invited have also confirmed their participation. The organisers also intend to host exhibitions and film screenings on the occasion.

According to Dr.Abhijit Roy,Joint Director The School of Media, Communication and Culture, this seminar, which would have a far-reaching impact, is going to be the stepping stone for creating a forum in near future where soccer scholars, practitioners and fans can freely dialogue with a view to meaningfully contribute towards the betterment of Indian football.