Chandigarh November 19, 2020

The Department of English and Cultural Studies has become the first department in Panjab University to organize an online “Ice Breaking Session”  under the guidance of Prof. Deepti Gupta, Chairperson. This event was an effort by the students of MA English Final Year to welcome the new batch.

Prakhar Sinha, Class Representative, MA Final Year welcomed everyone and introduced his classmates who were serving as the speakers and mentors, to their juniors.

The new students introduced themselves with their respective career aspirations and academic backgrounds. They were high on energy and posed several questions about the department and its academics. Senior students enthusiastically resolved their queries and briefed them about various highlights of the department. COVID-19 had put students through challenging times but the Ice Breaker and a hearty conversation cheered everyone up. Marking pattern, Hostel admission procedure, Optional subject choice related questions were the most frequent ones. Many of them were anxious about the new syllabus introduced in 2019, but final year students reassured them with the promise of thorough guidance. The pandemic didn’t allow the senior students to meet and greet the new batch, but technology allowed them to connect which left everyone ecstatic. Senior students spoke about the kinds of challenges they faced when preparing for exams and provided juniors with study strategy and tips to score well. Inspiring examples of the class toppers were given to motivate juniors for meritorious academic performance.

The boarding students spoke about plenty of student accommodations available for students who don’t qualify for a hostel. Senior students discussed the major attractions of Punjab University like Annual Fests, Departmental events, Campus life and the liberal hostel life. New students were reassured about the University’s institutional support, gender inclusive space, innumerous platforms for talent and an equal environment for all. Regular initiatives taken by the senior students to bond with junior students were also discussed in detail. Seniors concluded by saying that all students should support each other.

The new students felt that the interactive session had been immensely helpful to them. They expressed their gratitude to the senior students for the warm welcome. The session ended with everyone hoping to meet soon.

Chandigarh November 17, 2020

The Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Panjab University organized a special online Gandhi Katha” by Smt. Shobhana Radhakrishna ji on the World International Day of Students and on commencement of the new Academic Session of MA 1^st Semester of the session 2020-21.

Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson introduced the topic and the speaker and other invited guests, faculty members and students.

In his inaugural address Professor Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, PU informed the audience that with the introduction of the new academic session, new positive vibrations will bring positivity for everyone and in the present times the relevance of Gandhian philosophy is very much relevant and the kind of his ideology which takes everyone together which is the need of the hour can be seen in the activities of this department. He also redefined the concept of ‘Satyagraha’ and its difference with the ‘Passive -Resistance’. Satyagraha can be used for mass mobilization as well as resolving the conflicts of many issues. He also asked the teachers to reintroduce the concept of Gandhian philosophy via the curriculum as the concept of Values, Life and Thought, attitude of mind, living together concept and especially of Peace when incorporated in the system then the results will be more visible in terms of Gandhian ideology and the same is added via the New Education Policy of 2020.

In her narration of Gandhi Katha by Shobhana Radhakrishna ji who is a globally renowned Gandhian recognized for her invaluable contribution to literature, social service and spreading the vision of Mahatma Gandhi. She is on a mission to reintroduce Mahatma Gandhi to the people of India and abroad. She has imbibed Gandhiji’s values as she was born and brought up in his Sevagram ashram, Wardha in Maharashtra. Shobhana’s focal point is the Gandhian way of life and serving humanity. The basic idea of the Gandhi Katha was to reintroduce the Gandhi’s vision and its relevance and an attempt to provide some principles, ideas and alternatives that can help us in our quest for more significant substance and help address pressing social, communal and ecological challenges of our times specially of the COVID 19 like situations.

These lessons gleaned from Mahatma Gandhi’s life offer us invaluable advice on leading an enlightened, more meaningful, self-aware, socially responsible and saner life. In her address she also narrated how the different personalities of the world have seen and conceptualized Gandhian principles which are as relevant as they were for the past centuries. Further, she also talked about the different influences on Gandhi which shaped him from a simple layman to a Great Soul as Mahatma. She also talked about the Three Gifts from Gandhi’s life as Satyagraha or non-violent resistance to establish justice, non-cooperation with evil and civil disobedience. Second gift as Constructive Activities or service to humanity for restoring the dignity of the poorest of the poor, thirdly as EkadashVrata or Eleven vows for building inner strength and bring about transformation. In case anyone follows these three principles in life, he will become Mahatma.

 The special katha on Gandhi ji was well attended by various faculty members of the Department as well as the new enrolled students and faculty members and students from other departments. Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson proposed a vote of thanks to all for attending the event.