Loreto College, Scottish Church College Host 'Historia 2026' Conference on Nationalism and Globalization in Kolkata

The conference, organised this year by the Department of History at Loreto College with the Department of History at Scottish Church College, was themed "Nationalism and Globalization: Currents and Cross Currents in the 20th Century."

Organisers said it offered students and scholars a platform to examine how nationalism and globalization have interacted and shaped political, social and cultural developments.

The first day, held at Loreto College, opened with a virtual keynote address by Prof. Sanjukta Dasgupta, Associate Professor in the Department of Oriental Studies at Sapienza University of Rome.

Parallel undergraduate paper sessions brought together students from different colleges and universities, with presentations on migration, citizenship, national identity, cultural heritage, media and the experiences of marginalised communities.

Judges' questions and feedback during the sessions encouraged students to refine their arguments and engage critically with their subjects, according to the organisers.

The second day, held at Scottish Church College, included a paper session for postgraduate scholars and researchers, offering a forum for advanced academic discussion and the exchange of research findings.

A formal Oxford-style debate was held on the motion "Artificial Intelligence Requires Global Governance Rather Than National Regulation."

The debate extended the conference's concerns with global interconnectedness to a contemporary issue, asking participants to consider how national policies relate to international cooperation in addressing emerging challenges.

Organisers credited faculty members, judges, presenters and student volunteers for the event's success, saying it encouraged the exchange of ideas, research and presentation skills, and engagement with differing historical interpretations.