ICBD-2026
International Conference on Bridging Disciplines:
Expanding Horizons in Liberal Arts






Shri Ram Madhav
President, India Foundation
About the Conference
Welcome to the International Conference on “Bridging Disciplines: Expanding Horizons in Liberal Arts (ICBD-2026)”. This premier forum invites scholars, educators, researchers, and students to explore the value of interdisciplinary approaches in the liberal arts. This event underscores the importance of transcending traditional academic boundaries to address global challenges, such as Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5) to enrich educational practices.
The conference promotes collaboration, innovation, and deeper insights into complex issues by fostering connections among disciplines such as literature, history, sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and journalism and mass communication. By aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals, ICBD-2026 aims to inspire actionable knowledge and transformative practices across diverse academic and societal contexts.

Conference Objectives
Interdisciplinary Impact
To deliberate upon and critically examine case studies, scholarly research, and initiatives that substantiate the transformative implications of interdisciplinary paradigms
Critical Thinking
To cultivate analytical rigor and intellectual creativity through the integration of diverse academic epistemologies and perspectives
Bridging Theory & Practice
To reinforce the significance of the liberal arts in synthesizing theoretical constructs with real-world praxis and application
Networking & Collaboration
To facilitate meaningful academic and professional engagement that fosters sustained, cross-sector collaborations among educators, researchers, and industry leaders
Tech & Innovation
To advance the convergence of emerging technologies and the liberal arts in order to catalyze innovation and interdisciplinary advancement
Themes & Sub-Themes
Humanities and Cultural Understanding
- Literature and Global Narratives
- Ethics in a Postmodern World
- History and Memory: Revisiting the Past for a Sustainable Future
- Art and Aesthetics in the Digital Age
- Language, Identity, and Power Dynamics
Key Dates
International Speakers

Dr. J Anitha Menon
Dr. J Anitha Menon
I am a Professor of Psychology with extensive leadership experience spanning research, corporate, and education sectors. My journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Psychiatry/Health Psychology from the University of Nottingham, UK. Research and enhancing both employee experiences and overall well-being drive my passion. Over three decades, I've actively engaged in diverse research and service projects relevant to public health, alongside offering mental health services for youth and women. I lead teams in international projects and have contributed over 150 publications to peer-reviewed journals. My work has garnered attention in international media, and I've been honored with several awards. Notably, I received the Labor Day Award from the Government of the Republic of Zambia for Innovation and Excellence, the UK Alumni Award for Professional Achievement, and the African Women Leaders Award in December 2019. Recently, I was honored as the 2022 recipient of the Denmark Gunvald Award for Feminist Research and Service by the International Council of Psychologists.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay
Dr. Lobsang Sangay
Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a distinguished legal scholar and the first democratically elected leader to assume the secular political authorities of the Dalai Lama. Serving two terms as Sikyong from 2011 to 2021, he led the Central Tibetan Administration through a historic democratic transition, focusing on education, international diplomacy, and the "Middle Way Approach" for Tibetan autonomy. He holds a Doctorate of Juridical Science from Harvard Law School, where he was the first Tibetan to achieve this rank, and he currently serves there as a Senior Visiting Fellow. A prominent global advocate, he was instrumental in the passage of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act in the U.S. and became the first CTA leader to be formally received at the White House. Today, he continues to lecture globally on international law, democratic constitutionalism, and the geopolitical implications of Tibet’s struggle.

Dr. Komal Chawla Verma
Dr. Komal Chawla Verma
I am a higher education professional with varied experience in training, teaching, mentoring and as psychologist & well being expert. I have studied in top Indian educational intuitions like Panjab University Chandigarh and also have certifications from NIMANS and IIM Ahmadabad. I have done my PhD under the guidance of India’s top psychologist Prof. S.S. Nathawat studying well- being issues of employees at workplace. As a faculty I have worked with higher education institutions like Amity University, Leeds MET India Campus, NIFT and GBS. Other than my teaching role I am actively involved in Management Development Programs & Trainings related to Self- awareness, Mental Health, Stress Management, Leadership and Personal and Professional excellence. I have been involved in mentoring students outside class as well.

Dr. Al-ryanne Gatcho, PhD
Dr. Al-ryanne Gatcho, PhD
Dr. Al-ryanne G. Gatcho is an Associate Professor at the Hunan Institute of Science and Technology in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, China. He is a distinguished Filipino educator and scholar with extensive research in literature, language studies, and education. Known for his profound contributions to both academia and creative writing, he recently won First Prize in the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature under the Short Story category for his work "Goat". His pedagogical approach emphasizes continuous innovation and bridging cultural narratives.
National Speakers

Prof. Lajwanti Chatani
Prof. Lajwanti Chatani
Prof. Lajwanti Chatani is a distinguished scholar in Political Science, previously serving as the Head of Department at M.S. University of Baroda. She is also the Convenor of the Contemporary Centre on Political Theory and is widely recognized for her contributions to political philosophy and theory.

Dr. Akash Deep Muni
Dr. Akash Deep Muni
Dr. Akash Deep Muni currently serves as the Dean at Amity University, Kolkata. With extensive experience in academic administration and research leadership, he has played a pivotal role in shaping multidisciplinary education frameworks.

Dr. Manu Sharma
Dr. Manu Sharma
Dr. Manu Sharma is the Head of the Department of History at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. A specialist in historical narratives and institutional memory, he has extensively published on regional history and cultural preservation.

Prof. Ajoy Batta
Prof. Ajoy Batta
Prof. Ajoy Batta is a senior academician at Lovely Professional University, serving as the Head of the Department of English. He has lead numerous initiatives in liberal arts education and linguistic studies.

Dr. Krishna Mishra
Dr. Krishna Mishra
Dr. Krishna Mishra is an expert in Clinical Psychology at the National Forensic Sciences University. Her research focuses on behavioral sciences and the psychological underpinnings of forensic investigations.

Prof. Maheswar Satpathy
Prof. Maheswar Satpathy
Prof. Maheswar Satpathy is a prominent figure in global health research, associated with the Global Consortium of Global Health Actors. He specializes in health psychology and community-based health interventions.

Prof. Vijay Chechi
Prof. Vijay Chechi
Prof. Vijay Chechi is the Dean of the School of Education at Lovely Professional University, Punjab. He is a prominent academic leader with expertise in educational frameworks and institutional development.

Dr. Krishan Kumar Soni
Dr. Krishan Kumar Soni
Dr. Krishan Kumar Soni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He is recognized for his contributions to mental health research and clinical psychology.
Conference Highlights
Scopus-Indexed Publication
Selected papers will be published in reputed Scopus-indexed journals, ensuring global academic visibility and recognition
Best Paper Awards
Outstanding research contributions will be recognised with Best Paper Awards across every technical session
ISBN Conference Proceedings
All accepted papers will be compiled into official conference proceedings with a registered ISBN number
Global Networking
Connect and collaborate with distinguished scholars, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world
International Speakers
Gain insights from renowned academicians and thought leaders delivering keynote addresses on interdisciplinary themes
Certificate of Participation
All presenters and attendees will receive official certificates recognising their contribution to the conference
Submission Guidelines
Please ensure your research is original and has not been published elsewhere. Plagiarism checks will be conducted strictly.
Prepare Abstract
Submit an abstract of 250-300 words with 5-6 keywords. Follow APA/MLA 9th Edition style.
Submit for Review
Send your abstract by clicking the below button. All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review.
Wait for Acceptance
Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email by the specified date.
Full Paper Submission
Upon acceptance, submit the full paper (min 7000 words) adhering to formatting guidelines.
Registration
Complete the registration process first to ensure your participation.
About Parul University
India's youngest private university to receive NAAC A++ accreditation in the first cycle
Nestled in the vibrant city of Vadodara, Gujarat, Parul University has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. With a sprawling 150+ acre eco-friendly campus, the university is home to students from every Indian state and 75+ countries, making it one of the most culturally diverse educational destinations in the country
Recognized for its world-class infrastructure, industry-aligned curriculum, and outstanding placement records, Parul University houses state-of-the-art research facilities, dedicated innovation and incubation centers, and a diverse range of disciplines across multiple faculties. These include the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Management Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Computer Science and Applications, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Design, Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Agriculture, and Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, creating a multidisciplinary academic ecosystem that encourages innovation, research, and holistic learning.






Faculty of Liberal Arts
Parul Institute of Liberal Arts (PILA), established in 2016, is a constituent institute of Parul University, aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PILA adopts a flexible and multidisciplinary approach to learning. The Faculty of Liberal Arts at Parul University offers diverse programs in Psychology, English, JMC, Political Science, History, Geography, Sociology, and Economics at UG, PG, and PhD levels. With over 1000+ students and 35+ faculty members, it fosters a strong culture of mentorship, research, and interdisciplinary learning. The curriculum blends theory with practical application to address real-world challenges. The Faculty promotes holistic development through events like Literature Fest and Maadhyam(Gujarati Biggest Media Festival), and encourages global exposure through international collaborations. Supported by modern infrastructure and active research initiatives, it prepares socially responsible and globally competent individuals.



