Dhammasākacchā Students' International Conference 2027: Marginalisation and Inclusivism in Buddhist Literature

The Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) holds the 14th Dhammasākacchā students' conference on Saturday 9 January 2027, 9:00–18:00 IST. The department has run this conference since 2014 to give students of Pali and Buddhist Studies a platform for their research.

Theme: marginalisation and inclusivism in Buddhist literature

The conference looks at how Buddhist literature, in different languages, treats marginalisation by gender, disability, caste, race and ethnicity, religion, economic status, language and culture, age, and political exile, and at the ideas and mechanisms of inclusivity it offers. Sub-themes include:

• Women's voices, gender equity and queer perspectives in Buddhist literature
• Disability and neurodivergence
• The Buddhist critique of caste, and Ambedkarite and Dalit-Buddhist readings
• Ethnicity, indigenous communities and colonialism
• Buddhist–Brahmanical and Buddhist–Jaina dialogue, and religious pluralism
• Poverty, labour, generosity and the monastic economy
• Vernacular languages, translation and linguistic hierarchy
• Age: novice ordination, filial duty, the elderly and youth
• Persecution, refugee Saṅghas and statelessness

Who can take part

Regular students of an academic institution: PhD and MPhil (research group), MA (postgraduate group), and integrated MA, PG diploma, diploma, advanced and foundation programmes (undergraduate group). Papers can be presented alone or in groups of up to four, in Pali, Sanskrit, Hindi or English: 15 minutes plus 5 for discussion for the research group, 10 plus 5 for the others.

The conference is held in person. Students outside India may be allowed to present online on request.

Dates and fees

• Abstracts: by 15 November 2026 (extended)
• Final papers: by 5 December 2026
• Registration fees for presenters: INR 350, or INR 750 with two nights' accommodation (Indian participants); US$5, or US$10 with accommodation (participants from abroad). Pay by 20 November 2026; the payment link is sent to registered participants.
• Attending without presenting: INR 150, including a certificate and refreshments; pay by 25 December 2026.

Fees are non-refundable, and travel costs are not covered.

How to apply

Email dhammasakacchapbs@gmail.com with your name, country of residence, university or college, course, academic year, mobile number, email and a copy of your student identity card (required), along with your abstract.