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If you’re wondering about the South-Asian SFF world, we’re here with the freshest scoop. Introducing IASFS (Indian Association for Science Fiction Studies), which is a non-for-profit Association that contributes to the research in the field of Science Fiction by organising conferences and conducting SF writing workshops for all ages and levels. It was established on Asimov’s birthday on January 2, 1998. The date falls on Isaac Asimov’s birthday, who was an American literary pioneer prolific for his contribution to the Science Fiction genre.
The Association aims to provide a platform with guidance for students who are interested in pursuing their research for their Masters and Doctoral degrees in the field of Science Fiction and to provide a platform for likeminded South-Asian SF enthusiasts where they can share their views in the form of presenting papers, read self-authored stories, actively partake in panel discussions, attend special guest lecture sessions, and obtain valuable insight from the giants dominating the SF genre.
The Association was even publishing a quarterly magazine entitled Indian Journal of Science Fiction Studies. It consisted of papers and stories presented in the previous conferences and various reviews of stories previously workshopped during conferences. The magazine has since ceased publishing since then, but worry not, their conferences are still widely popularized.
In fact, there’s a conference coming up right around the corner. The Japan Association for South Asian Studies, Center for Science Fiction Keio University and Japanese Science Fiction Writers’ Association are jointly organizing an online event with IASFS on Saturday March 14, 2026: 15:00 hours IST in which the hosts wish to discuss Indian Science Fiction with the Japanese SF team. Save the date! To check out more, their website is linked below: https://iasfs.in/conferences/
Raazia Naqvi is a business management student by day, aspiring fantasy writer by night. Originally found drifting in the waves of Karachi, she is now based in Islamabad, where she pens down gothic South-Asian historical fantasy pieces. While helping manage the wonder that is Tasavvur, she is also an alumni for The Salam Award Workshop 2025.