The Postgraduate Department of English organised the Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, 14th August 2024, under the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047,” envisioning a developed and progressive India by the centenary of Independence in 2047. The event, conducted through participative learning methods such as PowerPoint and paper presentations, aimed to foster critical reflection, creativity, and patriotism among students. A total of 90 students participated enthusiastically, comprising 18 from I BA, 25 from II BA, 30 from III BA, 4 from I MA, and 14 from II MA English. The programme was coordinated by Ms. Rosanne J, who guided the students throughout the planning and execution of the event.
This year’s celebration, marking the 78th Independence Day, centred on the four foundational pillars of Viksit Bharat as articulated by the Finance Minister — the Poor, Youth, Women, and Farmers. Students explored these themes intellectually and artistically through diverse activities that celebrated India’s past while envisioning its future.
A key highlight of the programme was the Book Review Session, where students critically examined both fiction and non-fiction works reflecting the struggle for independence and the socio-political realities of pre- and post-independence India. Through these reviews, participants analysed how the four pillars of Viksit Bharat found representation in literature, demonstrating a deep engagement with texts that combined historical reflection and national vision.
The celebration was further enriched with cultural and creative performances. Students presented a multilingual medley symbolising the spirit of unity in diversity, showcasing India’s linguistic and cultural vibrancy. Ms. Sai Madhumitha of II BA captivated the audience with her evocative poem envisioning India in 2047 — a nation thriving in progress, equality, and inclusivity. Adding a visual dimension to the event, students from II BA and III BA designed Tiranga Rangolis, each representing one of the four pillars of Viksit Bharat. These artistic displays added vibrancy and symbolism to the celebration, visually reinforcing the themes of hope and national progress.
The programme successfully achieved its objectives of fostering national pride, historical awareness, and creative expression among students. Participants developed a deeper appreciation for India’s freedom struggle and cultural legacy while reflecting on their role in contributing to the nation’s envisioned future. The event also nurtured critical reading habits as students engaged with literature through the lens of nationalism and identity, thereby linking academic learning with patriotic consciousness.
The PG Department of English organised a Video Curating Competition on “Hidden Faces of Madras” on 22 August 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in offline mode under the guidance of Ms. Rachel S. The event was conducted as part of the department’s experiential learning initiatives, encouraging students to engage creatively with the city’s historical and cultural narratives.
The competition aimed to uncover and celebrate the unsung individuals who have significantly contributed to the social, cultural, and intellectual development of Madras (now Chennai). Participants were invited to research, script, narrate, and edit short videos highlighting the lives and contributions of lesser-known figures who shaped the city before 2006.
Eighteen students took part in the competition, demonstrating remarkable creativity and analytical skill. Each video reflected careful research, effective storytelling, and thoughtful visual presentation. The activity enhanced the participants’ research and writing abilities, honed their technical competence in video editing, and improved their oral communication skills through narration and voice-over work.
