BGSBU Research Scholar Saddiya Gull Successfully Defends PhD on Disability Discourse

Mrs. Saddiya Gull, a research scholar in the Department of English at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, has successfully defended her PhD Viva Voce under the supervision of Dr Romina Rashid. Her doctoral thesis, titled **“Disability Discourse in the Selected Autobiographies by Indian Women,”** explores disability through the lens of humanities and literature while highlighting the experiences and voices of disabled women in India. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Research addresses important gap in Disability Studies

The research makes a significant academic contribution by addressing an area of Disability Studies that has traditionally received greater attention from sociological and medical disciplines than from literary and humanities scholarship. Through the study of selected autobiographies written by Indian women, Saddiya Gull examines how disability is represented, narrated and understood within literature. Her work focuses on bringing forward perspectives that have often remained marginalised within mainstream disability discourse as well as Indian feminist literary studies.

Focus on voices of disabled women

A central contribution of the thesis is its emphasis on the lived experiences and narratives of disabled women. The study amplifies voices that have frequently remained underrepresented in dominant academic discussions and seeks to understand how autobiography becomes a powerful medium for expressing identity, dignity, discrimination, resilience and social inclusion. By analysing literary narratives rather than relying solely on medical or sociological approaches, the research offers a broader understanding of disability as a cultural, linguistic and human experience.

Tracing India’s indigenous disability discourse

The thesis also traces the historical development of disability discourse in India, examining how attitudes, language and representations have evolved from earlier historical contexts to the present day. The research highlights the importance of recognising India’s own indigenous perspectives on disability rather than viewing the subject entirely through imported theoretical frameworks. It further discusses how literature can contribute to developing more inclusive conversations around disability, identity and social justice.

Advocates inclusive language and policies

Beyond literary analysis, the research proposes recommendations for promoting inclusive policies and more sensitive discursive practices in Disability Studies. It advocates the use of inclusive language while encouraging greater awareness of how words, narratives and public discourse influence the representation of persons with disabilities. The study underlines the need for academic, social and policy discussions that recognise disabled individuals as active voices within society rather than subjects of exclusion.

BGSBU marks another academic achievement

The successful defence of the doctoral thesis marks an important academic milestone for Saddiya Gull and reflects the continuing research contributions emerging from the Department of English at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri. Her work adds to the growing body of interdisciplinary scholarship connecting literature, gender studies, disability studies and inclusive social thought, while contributing valuable perspectives to contemporary academic research in India.

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