STUDENT PAPER PRESENTATION October 2020

STUDENT PAPER PRESENTATION

The Department organised an open-ended Student Paper Presentation on October 9, 2020. During this presentation, Dr. Meena Bhargava - our new Coordinator - was also introduced to the students. The various narratives discussed during this SPP dealt with colour symbolism, art and activism as well as gender portrayal. Scrutinising these details of media narratives, especially during the time of pandemic, was an essential aspect of our department’s research pedagogy. As the fast-changing pace of technological advancements has engulfed the method of research, teaching and learning, this SPP provided an essential platform for students to discuss their ideas with confidence, supported through positive critique and feedback.

The presentation started with the paper on ‘Colour Symbolism across cultures: A Dichotomy between Indian and European Contexts’, which was presented by Soumi Dutt and Vanshika Gupta (Second Year). One of the pertinent factors of their presentation was interviewing German respondents within the limited time-frame, thereby helping in their global exposure. The next presentation focussed on ‘Art and Social Media Movements.’ It was presented by Anjani Chadha (Third Year). The research paper analysed the emergence of #BlackLivesMatter discourse in the US, thereby contextualising its power within the realms of social media. This presentation was followed by a paper on ‘Student Activism and Art’, discussed by Ananya Chauhan and Debaruna Bhattacharjee (Second Year). The paper discussed the analysis, contexts and narratives of protests and activism, along with their respective impact of student-led movements in the country.

The next presentation focussed on ‘Exploring Gay Characters in Popular Romcoms’, presented by Aishwaryaa Kunwar (Third Year). It explored the nuances of how subtle categorization of young gay characters is narrated with ‘gay’ undertones to off add humour to the script. After this discussion, Kokkondona Shivani and Niharika Agri (Second Year) presented their paper on ‘Portrayal of women as Gold-Grubbers in Punjabi Songs.’ This presentation discussed the various paradigms through which women are objectified and commercialised in the Punjabi Music industry. The last presentation aimed at questioning the ‘Depiction of Women in Selling ‘Household’ Products in Indian Advertisements’, discussed by Sanskriti Tiwari (Second Year). She highlighted the binary of division of labour within Indian households, thereby making them seem ‘natural’ yet stigmatising women and their roles.

In a nutshell, the Student Paper Presentation organised by the Department was a learning experience for the students, who currently participated from their homes in different parts of India. It also aided in endowing them confidence and clarity to use both technology and ideas.

Poster of the Event