Florida State University (FSU) is set to host the **12th Annual South Asian Media and Cultural Studies (SAMCS) Conference** on **January 29-30, 2026**. This event will serve as a prominent international platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in discussions about media and culture in South Asia. Participants from around the globe will present on various topics, including challenges in journalism, cultural resilience, demographic media engagement, and identity representation through media.
Conference Theme and Keynote Speakers
This year’s theme, **“Resilience and Renewal: Tradition, Innovation, and Media Futures in South Asia,”** will delve into the critical role of media and communication in preserving cultural identity, disseminating knowledge, and adapting to change among local, Indigenous, and urban communities.
The conference will feature two distinguished keynote speakers. **Michael R. Ogden**, dean emeritus of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Zayed University in Dubai, will present **“Indigenous Responses to South Asia’s Climate Crisis”** at **17:30 ET** on **January 29**. Attendees can join this talk in-person at The Globe Auditorium, located at **110 S. Woodward Ave.**, or watch the livestream online. Ogden brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, filmmaker, and storyteller. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Hawai‘i and has held various faculty and leadership roles throughout his career.
Another keynote address will be delivered by **Taimur Shamil**, president and executive director of the think tank Policy East. His talk, entitled **“The Narrative Power: Mapping South Asian Think Tanks and Their Influence on Policy Formulation,”** is scheduled for **13:30 ET** on **January 30**. Like Ogden, Shamil will present in-person at The Globe Auditorium and will be available for livestream. With over 15 years of experience in national security and foreign policy, Shamil has previously hosted a prime-time program on Pakistan Television focused on the country’s foreign policy.
Additional Highlights and Registration Information
The conference will also showcase a photo exhibit and book launch highlighting the work of **Kids of Kathmandu**, a nonprofit organization led by **Bhushan Dahal**, a doctoral candidate at FSU. Dahal’s organization has made significant strides in building schools in Nepal, collaborating with local groups over the past decade. He will be present at the conference to discuss his experiences and answer questions.
Conference panels are scheduled from **07:00 to 14:30 ET** on **January 30**. All sessions will be livestreamed on the SAMCS YouTube channel, while the opening and closing keynotes will be accessible through the College of Communication and Information’s YouTube channel.
Registration for the SAMCS Conference is free and open to the public. Interested participants can register by visiting the **FSU College of Communication and Information** website. For more information regarding the conference and the **Kids of Kathmandu** initiative, visit their respective websites.
This conference promises to be an enriching experience for those interested in the intersection of media, culture, and societal issues in South Asia. FSU invites all to engage in this vital dialogue.
