Archive · 15 Nov 2025
VIT-AP Hosts Global Conference on Digital Inequality, Gender, and Caste
Imagine the internet is like a big town square where everyone can talk.
But sometimes, not everyone gets to speak or be heard equally.
This conference is about how things like gender and caste can make it harder for some people to be visible and active online.
Experts from India and other countries came to VIT-AP University to share their ideas.
They talked about how being 'seen' or 'heard' on the internet is connected to real-world power.
The conference also had special talks for students to share their research and workshops to learn more about these important topics.
VIT-AP University inaugurated an international conference on gender, caste, and digital inequality titled ‘Invisible Infrastructure: Gender, Caste, and the Politics of Presence in India’s Digital Space’.
The conference was held at the Amaravati campus and organized in a hybrid mode.
Key speakers included Dr Avishek Parui from IIT Madras and Prof. Lee Koi Cheng from the National University of Singapore.
The event aimed to foster dialogue on digital equity, access, and representation, highlighting the political nature of online presence.
Pre-conference activities included a workshop by Richa Das Springer and a Graduate Colloquium.
- Who
- VIT-AP University, Dr Avishek Parui (IIT Madras), Prof Lee Koi Cheng (National University of Singapore), Dr SV Kota Reddy, Dr Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti, Dr Arunkumar Sivakumar, Dr Rakhi N, Richa Das Springer, Dr Ashraf Pulikkamath, and Dr Anjitha Gopi
- What
- Inaugurated an international conference on ‘Invisible Infrastructure: Gender, Caste, and the Politics of Presence in India’s Digital Space’
- When
- Friday
- Where
- VIT-AP University's Amaravati campus
- Why
- To discuss how power structures shape digital participation and visibility, and to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on digital equity, access, and representation in India’s digital spaces.
Existing Summary
New Article
Key Speakers
Existing Summary
Key speakers included Dr Avishek Parui from IIT Madras and Prof. Lee Koi Cheng from the National University of Singapore.
New Article
Dr Avishek Parui, Associate Professor of English and Memory Studies, IIT Madras, was the chief guest. Prof Lee Koi Cheng of National University of Singapore, who joined virtually, gave an international keynote.
Purpose of the Conference
Existing Summary
The event aimed to encourage dialogue on digital equity, access, and representation, highlighting the political nature of online presence.
New Article
Dr Parui underlined that ‘presence is always political’, noting how power structures continue to shape digital participation and visibility. The conference aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on digital equity, access, and representation, and to deepen academic engagement with the social and political dimensions of India’s digital spaces.
Pre-conference Events
Existing Summary
Pre-conference events included workshops and a Graduate Colloquium, with the Indian Institute for Human Settlements as a knowledge partner.
New Article
A pre-conference workshop by Richa Das Springer and a Graduate Colloquium showcasing undergraduate research were among the major highlights.
- University
- VIT-AP University
- Conference Title
- Invisible Infrastructure: Gender, Caste, and the Politics of Presence in India’s Digital Space
- Location
- Amaravati campus
- Chief Guest
- Dr Avishek Parui (IIT Madras)
- International Keynote Speaker
- Prof Lee Koi Cheng (National University of Singapore)
- Conveners
- Dr Ashraf Pulikkamath and Dr Anjitha Gopi
- Hosting School
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities
