Dear Scholars,
It gives me immense pleasure to present to you the first issue of Volume 2 of LitCult: A Journal of Literary and Cultural Discourse (ISSN: 3049-1266). Litcult emerges as a testament to the profound influence that cultural and literary studies exert in shaping our comprehension of human experience across time and space.
In cognizance to Raymond Williams’ conceptualization of culture as "a whole way of life," LitCult is committed to investigating the ways in which literature, as a cultural artifact, reflects and shapes lived experience. Williams’ insights illuminate how our engagement with the world is mediated through cultural practices, positioning literature as both a product and a critique of its cultural milieu. This aligns with the notion that "there is nothing outside the text," as cultural and textual practices are inherently interdependent, each influencing and being influenced by the other. Through this lens, LitCult endeavors to interrogate the intricate relationship between the textuality of culture and the culturality of the text, analyzing how literary works serve as embodiments and articulations of their socio-cultural contexts.
Beyond literature, LitCult broadens its scope to encompass the intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic dimensions of cultural practices, exploring various forms of artistic expression, including music, painting, sculpture, theatre, and film. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the journal’s commitment to fostering a holistic understanding of cultural phenomena.
The journal also seeks to bridge the “Two Cultures” divide, as articulated by C.P. Snow, emphasizing the necessity of integrating the humanities and sciences to enrich our understanding of culture. Literary studies, once marginalized as cultural backwaters, are now rightly recognized as central to comprehending the nuances of culture. LitCult aspires to contribute to this recognition, creating a dialogue that values diversity and seeks to provide a platform for examining and celebrating cultural multiplicity.
This edition of LitCult exemplifies this commitment, presenting a curated selection of twenty-three research articles, two book reviews and two poems, and a play. Together, these contributions underscore the journal’s mission to uncover and articulate the multifaceted intersections of literature and culture. This issue also marks the introduction of Dialogues, a new feature in LitCult aimed at fostering alternative modes of academic exchange and critical debate. In this inaugural installment, LitCult presents the intellectual insights of K.V. Raghupathi under the title Dialogues from K.V. Raghupathi.
I extend my deepest gratitude to all contributors, supporters, and members of the Editorial Board, whose invaluable efforts and support have brought this vision to fruition. LitCult begins its journey with an unwavering commitment to fostering critical discourse and celebrating the richness of cultural diversity.

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