In his institutional history of literature in American colleges and universities, Gerald Graff touches on the important role played by literary societies in highlighting political and cultural debates of the day. Thus as early as 1840s a number of literary societies in American colleges discussed issues like slavery and religious doubts, and debated whether one was a Carlyleist or anti-Carlyleist, a Coleridgeian or anti-Coleridgeian.
Indian universities have their own share of literary and cultural societies which fill up the gaps left by class room teaching. Aligarh Muslim University’s Raleigh Literary Society, one of the oldest literary societies in India has been performing this role admirably. Named after eminent English critic Sir Walter Raleigh who headed AMU’s Department of English from 1885 to 1887, Raleigh Literary Society has regularly been organising debates and essay-writing competitions, and staging plays and performances. The events organised by the Society not only stimulate interest in literature and culture but also give students a chance to realize their creative talents.

It is indeed very heartening to see that the office bearers of the Raleigh Literary Society of session 2022-23 have started a website entirely devoted to creative and critical writing and a YouTube channel devoted to videos on literature creatively made by students. Of all skills that a learner of English language needs, writing is the most difficult skill to master. It requires continuous efforts and regular feedback. Writing also requires regular practice of the craft. Mastery of different genres of writing is a necessary step to become a successful writer. In our digital age avenues for writing have increased. But so have the dangers before writing especially after the introduction of large language models like ChatGPT. Raleigh Literary Society must be complimented for starting an important platform for budding writers and poets. There is undoubtedly great talent in the Department of English. Raleigh Literary Society has made a successful effort to tap that talent. Sometimes great feats require just one single positive step. The beginning of a website for young writers and a YouTube channel for videos on literature is that positive step. Well done Raleigh Literary Society. Wish you luck.

The RLS is the pride of the Department of English. For more than a century, it has provided the students of the department with a platform to showcase their curricular and extra-curricular talent.

In keeping with the times, the website is a vital addition. It will attempt to bring to fruition the vision of inclusion of creative talent not only from within the university but also on a grander inter-institutional level. Students from across different disciplines and regions will participate and enrich the society and themselves.