Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, FMeH, MRIIRS hosted a webinar as a part of its monthly International Expert Lectures series. The invited resource was Dr. Darshana Liyanage, Senior Lecturer, and Head, Department of Sinhala, University of Ruhana, Sri Lanka, who gave a presentation on “Folklores as Means of Social Creative Expression.”

Prof (Dr) Maithili Ganjoo, Dean, FMeH, gave a welcoming address. Prof Ganjoo gave a brief explanation of the significance of the international lecture series and how it was designed with the international exchange of ideas and information sharing in mind. She also discussed the significance of folklore as a research and study topic in the South Asian context.

Dr. Liyanage described how cultural folklores impact “memes,” which are the most popular forms of creative social expression in the digital age.

The presentation was followed by an engaging round of audience questions and answers. Members of the faculty, students, and other participants asked pertinent concerns about how folklore can keep ancient customs and rituals alive even if they are no longer relevant or necessary in today’s world and how to preserve folklore for future generations using digital technology. According to Dr. Liyanage, younger generations are creating their folklore, which will be passed down in the future.