In an era where artificial intelligence can write poems, essays and our world is increasingly shaped by digital connections, one big question remains: what truly keeps us grounded? As identities change, attention spans shorten and uncertainty grows, the answer may not lie in more technology but in deeper understanding. This is where Cultural Studies steps in. It is a subject that helps us explore not just the world around us, but also the values, stories and symbols that shape who we are. Once seen as a small academic field, Cultural Studies is now gaining importance as a way to understand politics, media, gender, language and society itself. It doesn’t just explain where we come from but it helps young minds imagine where we can go.

Swami Vivekananda once said, “It is culture that opens the finest avenues to the highest realities.” This thought captures why Cultural Studies matters so deeply today, not just to expand skills, but to elevate spirit and insight. At its heart, Cultural Studies teaches us to look closer. It helps us see which voices are heard, which are missing and how stories shape our beliefs. In a diverse country like India, it gives students the tools to understand difference, ask meaningful questions and grow with empathy and confidence. More than just a subject, it’s a way to think deeply, lead wisely and live with awareness in today’s changing world.

Why Culture and Why Now?

We are living in a world of paradoxes. We are more connected than ever, yet often feel culturally disconnected. While our economies grow rapidly, our connection to history and heritage seems to fade. We hear many voices, but sometimes, there is little real understanding. In such times, Cultural Studies brings clarity, not only about traditions and civilizations, but also about the systems, values and invisible forces that shape our lives. This field explores everyday experiences: from cinema and festivals to social media, from language and identity to rituals and resistance. It encourages students to ask meaningful, often challenging questions such as: why are some stories told more often while others are left out? How does popular culture shape public opinion and politics? What can language reveal about power and inequality? Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its........

© Greater Kashmir