Workshop on folklore held in Mysuru

Mysuru

Dr. J.A. Duggirala, retired professor from the Department of Folklore, has emphasized the importance of selecting relevant research topics in folklore studies and explained that the researcher should choose a subject that has academic, cultural, and social relevance.

He was speaking at a workshop titled “Ph.D. Research: Methodology and Challenges in Folklore” organized by the Department of Folklore Studies, University of Mysore. This program, aimed at guiding Ph.D. scholars in the field of folklore.

He said the chosen topic must be studied deeply with a sense of passion and dedication, and the outcome should contribute meaningfully to the field. Research is not just an academic requirement but a journey that transforms the scholar intellectually. Folklore as a discipline encompasses a vast range of oral traditions, customs, and collective memory, and any research conducted in this area should be rooted in fieldwork and firsthand observation. Without field-based data collection, he added.

The seminar continued for 15 days. During this time, resource persons with deep knowledge of folklore provided valuable insights. They shared their expertise on how to identify research topics, plan fieldwork, document folk elements, and apply analytical frameworks.

The Ph.D. scholars were guided on choosing research-worthy topics and aligning them with the methodology. They were also given training in proposal writing and how to prepare a comprehensive research design. Various sessions covered the theoretical foundations of folklore, practical fieldwork techniques, and academic writing practices.

Participants were encouraged to identify gaps in existing literature and design their research to address those gaps. They also received hands-on experience on how to approach folk communities respectfully and how to document oral traditions, rituals, performances, and customs authentically.

Dr. K. Chetana, Dr. Shashikumar, and other scholars shared their perspectives on traditional knowledge systems, the importance of local narratives, and contemporary trends in folklore research.

Several questions were raised during the interactions such as challenges in folklore fieldwork, what qualifies as a valid Ph.D. topic in folklore? And how can one make a meaningful contribution to the field?

In response, the speakers explained that the essence of folklore lies in understanding lived experiences, community memory, and cultural expressions. Without deep involvement in the field and analytical rigor, the research would be superficial.

In the final session, Dr. K.C. Chetana stressed that future folklore research should adopt an interdisciplinary approach and be grounded in both theory and practice. She noted that students should move beyond textbook knowledge and cultivate critical thinking and ethical sensitivity while engaging with field data.

In the valedictory session, the top-performing scholars in the workshop were honored: R. Gopalakrishna received first place with a score of 77, N. Shobha secured second place with 58 marks,

M. Suresh came third with 42 marks.

P.V.T.G. student researcher received a special prize for scoring 40 marks in folklore analysis.