Bringing together writers, poets and scholars for a literary exchange, the Department of Foreign Languages, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), in collaboration with the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), organised the University Edition of Long Night of Literatures 2026 at the FTK Auditorium, FTK-CIT Centre, JMI on October 22.Prof. Md Faizullah Khan, Head of DFL, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of such events in enriching students’ learning experiences in his opening remarks. He also spoke about broadening the academic community’s engagement with diverse literary and cultural traditions.The programme featured Dr. Ana Svetel, a Slovenian writer, poet, cultural anthropologist, and Assistant Professor, University of Ljubljana, who explored the relationship between humans, artificial intelligence, and anthropology in her address. Antonio Franchini, an Italian writer and prominent figure in literary publishing, offered reflections on Sandokan and touched upon cultural parallels between Naples and Old Delhi.German novelist and screenwriter Christopher Kloeble reflected on cultural differences, his personal connection with India and his novel The Museum of the World, which explores colonialism and friendship in nineteenth-century India. Portuguese poet and scholar Prof. Diana V. Almeida reflected on emotions and inspiration in poetry, observing that a poem can emerge at any moment.Polish novelist and reporter Małgorzata Zofia (Margo) Rejmer discussed memory, trauma and private lives under political regimes in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Additionally, Ukrainian poet and children’s writer Olesya Mamchich highlighted the impact of war on children, particularly the psychological consequences of bombing and the destruction of books.Welcoming the guests, Prof. Tanuja, Dean of Academic Affairs, JMI, emphasised the importance of intellectual and cultural exchange and highlighted the University’s academic legacy as it marks its 106th Foundation Day. The event concluded with a photography session, celebrating literature’s capacity to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
