2020-21
1. Feed-O-Meter: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
Details of the Activity/Work Performed: The Department of English collaborated with its social partner All About Happiness in their ongoing programs FEED-O-METER AND NIWALA, from 6 July 2020 and continued till 15 July 2020. As the nomenclature suggests, the programs were a means to reach out to the stray animals and our counterparts who were facing crisis in the times of COVID-19, by feeding them. A Notice was circulated and students were asked to be considerate and contribute to the success of the event by reaching out to as many as possible. They were given a letter of appreciation for their kind gesture towards everyone. Around 50 students participated in the event, making it a success. The success of any such event lies in the awareness and realization that a student attains in context of his social responsibility and his responsibility as a citizen of this Nation. The Activity was organized to sensitize students towards the need of the hour in times of the pandemic which had just begun to set in, and millions had suffered due to the unprecedented lockdown. The drive was appreciated as a noble initiative that could be done while staying at home.
2. National Webinar on Blogging for Professional Presence: Content, Structure, and Technique – Co-Ordiantor Dr Ranjit Kaur
The Department thought of organising a webinar on Blogging, as it is the new face of Literature and will probably continue to rule the roost in the future on 21 August 2020. The webinar received an overwhelming response with around 250 participants registering for it and nearly 180 participants attending it through google meet. Ms. Manasvini Rai, a graduate in Mathematics (Hons.) from Lady Shriram College for Women at the University of Delhi, has two Master’s degrees in English, and in Mass Communication. Her rich experience as a blogger was reflected in the webinar. She is a prolific writer and her two blogs, titled ‘The Mosaic Journal’ and ‘Think Panoptic’, comprising of articles on creative writing, book and film reviews, can be read at www.wordpress.com.
The webinar began with an introduction to blogging, its definition and development over time. Ms. Rai effectively shared the basic components of the webinar, its structure and appearance. She further elaborated on the difference between institutional blogs and professional blogs. The session was taken to the next level, when Ms Rai gave the participants a hands-on experience by leading them step by step to create a blog of their own. She demonstrated every nuance of creating a blog and helped the participants in creating one.
The participants responded positively in the feedback forms circulated and received an E-Certificate for the same. The session ended with an interaction between the participants and the resource person who adroitly handled every query. Resultantly, all the teachers in the college and the departments could create and manage their own blogs during the session.
According to the suggestions given in the feedback, the participants felt that the hands-on practice though was done during the sessions was not enough and more time could be spent on it next time.
3. Writing Research Papers: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
A Two-day Lecture was organized by the Department of English of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur on “Writing Research Papers” on 7 and 8 September 2020. The Resource person for the lecture series was Prof. Rajul Bhargava, Former Head, Department of English, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Prof Bhargava introduced the students to the art of writing research papers. She elaborated on the evolution and significance of research in contemporary times. She emphasized on the structure of the paper, the art of framing an apt title, writing abstract and selecting an appropriate theoretical framework while writing a research paper. The second day of the lecture focused on the citations and use of MLA 8th Edition. Prof. Bhargava discussed in detail how it deviates from the earlier editions and discussed the format for citations with relevant examples. The session ended with a Q & A session where the students and faculty members deliberated on issues related to the use of theories, structure of the paper and citations. A more detailed webinar or a workshop was suggested in the feedback thus received tat would go into greater detail covering the fine nuances of writing Research Papers.
4. “Paed, Ek Naya Dost” Plantation Drive Report
The English Department of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur, in collaboration with All About Happiness and Swachhta Action Plan Committee, organised a Plantation Drive titled “Paed, Ek Naya Dost”, from 11 to 13 September, 2020. The event was aimed at initiating awareness among people and to sensitize them towards creating a better and cleaner environment. Trees were planted by Rev. Fr. Dr. A. Rex Angelo, S.J, Principal, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Sherry George, S.J., Vice Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur, along with the faculty members of the English Department and members of ‘All About Happiness’. As a step towards environmental conservation and sustenance, the plantation drive was a successful initiative, and the department and college hope to continue similar efforts in the future as well. The feedback suggested that it should not have been on a short notice and more days should be given.
5. Department Orientation: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
The English Department Orientation was held on 14 September 2020, on the online platform Google Meet. The programme was attended by all the first-year students and faculty members, along with several senior students. The event was focused on acquainting the new students with the teachers and older students, along with creating a familiar and loving environment in the department. The second and third year students had prepared several attractions for the freshers, including a musical performance, a short mono-act and welcome messages by numerous second and third year students. In spite of few technical difficulties, the programme went smoothly, and the first year students were enthusiastic and eager to join the department and begin their college life.
6. Guest Lecture in collaboration with Women’s Cell on Non-Sexist Language in Classrooms and Workplaces – Coordinator Dr Rama Hirawat
Language is the first important tool of communication. To build proper communication one needs to make sure that the language and use of words is not flawed. Sexism has been ruling the minds and tongues of people and they often tend to forget when to say what and why is that necessary. To spread awareness about the same and inculcate this knowledge of right words in students the Women’s cell collaborated with the department of English, to organize a guest lecture on “The Use of Non-Sexist Language at the Workplace”. Tuheena Raj, epigram blogger, writer and Tedx speaker delivered a lecture over the same. Ms Raj talked about the use of proper pronouns, importance of respecting others, their physical and intellectual being and many other things that we fail to notice and learn. It was an important session to give a break to the happenings around and make a change. The session was followed by questions and views put by students and teachers about how patriarchy, its symbols and supporters take over our ability to judge and the need to stop it in the easiest and polite manner possible without hurting the sentiments of others we address to. The event ended with a vote of thanks to the organizers and the speaker and received a wonderful, positive feedback from the attendees. In fact, the students preferred to have similar sessions in the future as well.
7. Bridge Course and Series of Expert Lectures on History of English Literature: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
The Bridge is meant to help bridge the knowledge-gap specially for students who enrol for Bachelor’s or Master’s in English without a background in Literature in their class XII or Under graduation. The course was organized from 15 September to 30 September 2020 by the teachers of the department. But a few sessions for a comprehensive view were also taken by Ms Unnati Jain, as part of Alumni Interaction. This series of online Guest Lectures as a part of the Bridge Course and Alumni Interaction from 21 September to 30 September. The series consisted of four lectures on the ‘Brief History of English Literature’ which was attended by the students of B.A. (Hons.) Part I and M.A. (English) – Previous and other interested students of the department. The resource person for the sessions was Ms Unnati Jain, Research Scholar, MNIT who is also a proud alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. The presentations focused on the different ages in the history of English Literature, focusing on the features, chronology, the literary trends, social and political changes along with prominent authors of the era and their style. The presentations were informative and engaging as they helped the students in understanding the different ages and their significance. The purpose of the lectures was to create a better understanding in terms of the shaping of English literature down the ages up to the present times, knowledge that is pivotal to the subject. The students found the sessions informative but fast paced.
8. Gandhi Jayanti – Celebrating the Mahatma: Coordinator – Dr Ranjit Kaur
The department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur celebrated Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti and International Day of Non-violence through an online event ‘Remembrances: A Lens to our Past' on 02 October 2020. The audience, led by our Principal, took the Swachhta Pledge, as part of our commitment to keep our surroundings clean and healthy. A Virtual Visit of Sabarmati Ashram was the highlight of the day as it provided greater insight and a richer experience to the audience. As part of the celebration, the Department of English had organized competitions like e-poster making, letter writing and poetry slam on the themes related to the three occasions in the previous week and the Department of Computer Science had organized an Inter-departmental e-poster competition in collaboration with Swacchta Action Plan Committee. The results of these competitions were announced to encourage the students to read, explore and learn more about the pioneers of our nation and be inspired to take the nation to greater heights.
The students could not understand the concept of an E-Poster clearly. Most of the posters lacked originality and creativity as they were cut and pasted from the internet.
9. The Enlightened Echelon – Pre Inka 2020: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
Syaahi: The seventh edition of INKA began with Pre INKA like every year but made a difference by organizing a donation drive in the name “Syaahi”, shaped by team INKA in collaboration with their Social Initiative Partner – All About Happiness. The team believed in the thought “No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Syaahi was a humble endeavour to provide recycled stationery to the less privileged students who aspire to do a lot but lack resources. This included old pen and pencils, notebooks, half-filled notebooks, course books, writing books and others. Moreover, it aimed to encourage students of the college to reuse and recycle little things to make a bigger difference and save mother Earth in their little ways, individually yet together. The students said, that this initiative could also include extra gadgets that people discard only because they have a new one like cell phones, earphones or headphones, etc.
Sharing a Meal: The Enlightened Echelon marks the beginning of INKA by the department of English and the Literati Cell. While the fest aims to bring youth closer to literature through exciting events, Pre INKA is a social initiative to return something to the society. On 19 October 2020, team INKA organized a visit to the Hindu Anath Ashram, Chaura Rasta, Jaipur and shared a meal with the less privileged children from the age of five to sixteen. The team also ensured that each one of those children enjoy their presence and thus, did fun activities, encouraged them to showcase their interests and talent. Though the fest was conducted online due to the pandemic, the team didn’t step back from their social responsibilities also, followed all the protocols and precautions necessary. The effort was applauded and more such endeavours were wished.
10. Inka ’20 - Phantasia: Infinity and Beyond: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
Inka '20, the annual literary fest organized by the Department of English, St. Xavier's College, Jaipur, with this year's theme being Phantasia: Infinity & Beyond was held on 20 October, 2020. On 19 October, the Inaugural Session was held in which the Head of the Department, Dr. Atiqa Kelsy elaborated on the theme and need of Inka ‘20. It was followed by the blessings by Rev. Fr. Varkey Perekkatt, SJ, Manager, Rev. Dr. Sherry George and Rev. Dr. Raymond Cherubin, Vice Principals, St. Xavier's College, Jaipur. Rev. Fr. A. Rex Angelo, Principal SJ emphasized on the need for optimism by quoting the English poet, Shelley, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”. He underlined the significance of literature in uniting people and blessed the students for this endeavour. On 20 October, the major events of Inka '20 were held in which over 200 students contested in 5 events. The topic of the Debate competition was "Indian Media has lost its ability to speak Truth to Power" followed by Poetry Slam, in collaboration with Soulstuff. This was followed by the Author’s Session with Julian Peters, a comic-book artist and illustrator of Modern Poetry, from Montreal, Canada. Finally, the closing ceremony was held, wherein the results of the various competitions were declared.
11. Perceptions - PPT presentations on Research Papers followed by an Open Forum for discussion: Coordinator – Ms Banhisikha Das and Dr Rama Hirawat
The Department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur, organised ‘Perceptions’ – a Power Point Presentation Competition for the students of Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Literature on 5 November 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The PPT Competition was organised to initiate the students into research and presentation of research findings owing to the rampant use of online platform. A number of students participated in this competition with a lot of enthusiasm and the PPTs ranged from the topics ‘Gender Neutral Mudras to combat patriarchy’, ‘Homosexuality and Homophobia’ and they also touched upon the books like The Color Purple, The Namesake, The Forest of Enchantments, Pride and Prejudice, The Kite Runner to name a few. The students explored the various dimensions of gender roles, misperceptions, prejudice and different cultures. The event was a great success.
12. Movie Screening followed by Group Discussion and Movie Review: Coordinator – Ms Banhisikha Das
The Department of English, St. Xavier's College, Jaipur organised a screening of the movie 'Little Women' (2019) on 20 November 2020. The film screened is the most recent cinematic reiteration of Louisa May Alcott's book with the same title directed by Greta Gerwig. The screening began at 9 am and was followed by a group discussion which aimed to focus on 'women's struggle between familial duty and personal growth during the 19th century.' The discussion encompassed active participation from teachers, undergraduate students, and postgraduate students. Keeping the women's struggle—the central theme of the movie—as the focus of the discussion, participants further delved into various aspects that influence or come to define such gender issues. From feminism to postcolonialism and postmodernism, no stone was left unturned in discussing the nuances and interpretation of the movie. The discussion focused on marriage as an institution, and in doing so, examined other institutions like religion. How tyrannical powers weaponise such institutions was one of the main focuses of the discussion. The discussion veered into probing the freedom to dream; this further elicited responses regarding the fabric of society and its scaffolds on individual choices. Participants also debated over the tussle between artistic freedom and historical accuracy. They also discussed how a non-linear narrative affixes the past to the present. Insidious gender biases and the importance of language in creating such preconceptions shaped the later course of the discussion. Participants also discussed marriage as a virtue, marriage as a choice, marriage and personal freedom, the problem of ever-increasing materialism, and the importance of monogamy and its role in raising children. The discussion ended with participants expounding on the relevance of canonical texts like 'Little Women' in today's society; and how such relevance is a testament to the current scenario and the overall progress and shortcomings of humanity. The students felt that the movie screening would have been better had it not been online. But given the circumstances they appreciated the effort and suggested more of such screenings of adaptations based on good books as the visual medium has greater mass appeal. Some students also felt that such screening should be open for students from other departments who enjoy reading as a hobby.
13. National Symposium on Changing Dimensions of Literature: From Real to Reel to Digital: Coordinators – Dr Rama Hirawat and Ms Banshisikha Das
A National Symposium on "Changing Dimensions of Literature: From Real to Reel to Digital" was organised by the Department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur on 27 November 2020. The symposium was attended by eminent academicians, researchers, faculty members and students from reputed educational institutions from different parts of the country. The keynote speaker for the event was Prof. Sudha Rai, Former Head and Dean, Department of English, University of Rajasthan. Prof. Rai deliberated on the changes, causes, movements and different platforms that have enriched literature and made it more inclusive. The presentations included areas like Graphic Novels, Spoken Word Poetry, Myth- making in Fan Fiction and Digital Media in the present times. The symposium enabled meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas amongst students, scholars, and faculties. The students found the symposium highly informative but wished more time would have been given. The organisers also felt that due to paucity of time, they could not reach as many scholars outside the institution as they had wanted to. Advanced planning well ahead in time for the next session was advised by them.
14. Alumni Interaction Session - Career Opportunities in French & France!: Coordinator – Dr Ranit Kaur
“The limits of my language would mean the limits of my world”
This wonderful quote holds so much truth and correspondence with the title of our session which was held by a prolific speaker and a former student Ms. Taniska Jain on January 18, 2021. The session was organised as part of alumni interactive series titled " career opportunities in French and France" organized by the Department of English. The session was organised online, and it was attended by students from various departments. The session was wholesale and worthwhile. It discussed in detail the vocational prospects of learning French. It was evident that the speaker was a distinguished polyglot who has authored several books and has gained a noteworthy command over one of the most enticing language of all time- French. She shared her journey with the students, and she is a successful language trainer. She gave the perfect recipe for success for French language learners. There were a lot of students who were extremely inquisitive and wanted to know more about the subject. Many of which were pursuing French as their optional subject. Ms. Tanishka handled each query with utmost care. She briefed out the golden prospects that come with learning French. She is teaching both French & English internationally in Sri Lanka, Canada, India, London, France and other European countries. She used her vast repository of experience to experience to make the students understand the importance of learning a second language.
The session was insightful. The students were greatly benefitted by the session. After the session the students could easily examine different dimensions of looking at the art of language accusation and its scope both nationally and internationally. Some students felt that they did not get enough information about the institutions from where they can learn French more authentically and other related information.
15. MoC Club Auditions: Coordinator – Dr Shruti Rawal
The audition for the MOC was conducted online through Google Meet Platform on 21 January 2021 with the intention of including the first-year students in the upcoming events of the college. The event included a short bio-note of the student, their ability to write, compere and their impromptu reactions to certain situations that arise during events. Rev Fr Dr Raymond Cherubin, SJ, Vice Principal and Administrator questioned the different students and appreciated their efforts. Thereafter, the results were compiled and the results were declared in the form of a Notice. About 20 students participated in the audition and showcased their talent as well as eagerness to participate in college events.
16. National Level Story Telling Contest: Coordinator Dr Ranjit Kaur
On 26th January 2021, Tape a Tale, the biggest storytelling platform in India, organised the first phase of the National Level Story Telling Contest, STELLER, in collaboration with Department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. It was successfully conducted virtually via. Zoom platform. The department hosted the contest and many students of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur participated in it intending to voice their stories. The contest was judged by a panel of three judges - Kopal Khanna, Founder of Tape a Tale; Ali Hussen, Co-founder of Tape a Tale; and Jaishree Soni, Community Manager for Tape a Tale and National Manager for STELLER Contest. Students from different courses and years participated and enthusiastically narrated their stories. Stories covered many genres, from psychedelic to comedy, and presented the creative insights of every individual. The participants were judged based on creativity, literary accuracy, expressions and narration. Among all the incredibly talented minds, Ishika Gupta of BBA third year stepped up to the next phase of the contest with her creative writing quill, as per the judges’ decision. The event ended on an encouraging note for the students from Dr. Ranjit Kaur to keep brainstorming stories and sharing them with the world and Tape a Tale shared its words - “the world is a web of
interlinked stories” with the entire Xavierian family.
17. Debate Club Auditions: Coordinator – Ms Banhisikha Das
St. Xavier’s College, as an institution, not only believes in imparting quality education but also works towards the overall development of the students by providing them the opportunity to be a part of various cultural clubs and represent the institution at different events held at national and international level. Our principal, Rev Fr Dr A Rex Angelo has stood by the virtues of the institution and has always supported us throughout the year in organising various cultural events and allowing the college clubs to enrol new members through auditions. With all due permissions, the Xavier’s Debating Society held its auditions for the session 2020-21 on 2nd February, 2021 to provide an opportunity to the new batch of students to become a part of the club. As the club aims to help its members hone their public speaking skills and present their opinions in a graceful and confident manner, it invited all the interested students to speak live during the auditions in an online meeting. The topic given for the auditions was “Is Internet Curbing Creativity?” while the decision to choose the stance was left open to the participants. Students from across different departments participated in the auditions and presented their opinions in a quite commendable manner. The interjections to the arguments of these young debaters were raised by the club teacher coordinator Ms Banhisikha Das and the existing club members. The auditions concluded with deliberations by Ms Banhisikha Das on the arguments put up by the students and how they can improvise them. The auditions got extremely late due to the pandemic situation and other things
thus taking precedence. The students expected early auditions like before in the next session.
18. Alumni Interaction Session - Higher Education in the UK and Writing Answers for a Better Score: Coordinator – Dr Ranit Kaur
The Alumni Interaction Session by the Department of English held on 20th February, 2021, was marked by the presence of Ms Roxanne Castellas, an alumna of the college from the batch of 2016. The interaction with Ms. Castellas proved to be a blessing for the students to have an accomplished senior to guide them through the right pathway and help them to do great in their respective choices. Ms. Castellas has a graduate and a postgraduate degree in English Literature from St. Xavier’s College, after which she taught in St. Xavier’s College as a lecturer in English Literature for a year. As a scholar student, she continued her further education in Victorian Literature from the University of Glasgow, UK and has been currently serving in the Royal Navy (Logistics Branch). While sharing her personal experiences, she addressed the concern literature students face while pursuing this field. She sighted to motivate students about reading more books and scrutinizing them from every aspect. She discussed her problems and experiences which she has faced while continuing her choice of literature and cleared the delusion of limited scope in the same. Keeping in mind the importance of literature, she advised students to choose their particular subject of interest in English Literature for further studies.
Being a university topper once, she shared some useful strategies about writing answers for better scores and how to even prepare for the exams. She inspired us by leading a way to develop a disciplined reading habit to avoid any kind of insufficiency in further studies. She also discussed the impact and essence of literature in practical lives. She highlighted the part where being a Xavierite had always given her opportunities to scale greater heights and outdistance oneself. The students felt that they could not get the maximum benefit out of the session despite the speaker giving out a lot of useful information due to network issues. More bandwidths would be ensured at both ends for such sessions next time.
19. Jaipur Literature Festival: Coordinators – The dept. of English
Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a sumptuous feast of ideas. As the world went into an unprecedented lockdown dictated by a devastating pandemic, the fest management embraced the increasingly digital medium. Having created their own portal for the streaming of various sessions, JLF fraternity this year provided its audience a great experience to listen to their favourite celebrity writers overseas through 19th February to 28 February 2021. At the 15th edition of this extravaganza, lakhs of literature and art enthusiasts got to hear from more than 300 renowned personalities like Bill Gates, Anupam Khair, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Manoj Bajpai, Amish Tripathi, Malala Yousafzai, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and so on. Followed by the talks over several debatable and worth discussing agendas each day came to an end with the melodious touch music at Jaipur Music Stage virtually. Though being virtual this time the other eye-catching element of the fest which been an unavoidable reason to visit was missed terribly by all the attendees, food and artful market; still the sessions been capable enough as ever to bring over certain poking topics and discussed them to quench the thirst of peculiar curiosities and yet again left the spectators waiting for the next one. More than 100 students of the department were benefitted by it. The students of course, missed the physical JLF at Diggi Palace.
20. Whisper No More : Sanitary Napkin Donation Drive in collaboration with Women’s Cell and SAP- Sanitation and Hygiene: Coordinator – Dr Rama Hirawat
62% of young women in the country use cloth for menstrual protection, says NFHS.
Women’s Cell, St Xavier’s College, Jaipur along with the Department of English in collaboration with Sanitation and Hygiene (SAP), St Xavier’s College, Jaipur stepped forward to help underprivileged young women and donate Sanitary napkins to them. The donation drive began on 1 February 2021, with the name - Whisper No More: Sanitary Napkin Donation Drive, with the placing of cartons in the college campus for a month, where people could donate sanitary napkins. On 4 March 2021, the faculty and student members of the Women's Cell, Department of English and SAP visited Government Senior Secondary School, Banipark, Jaipur, to donate these sanitary napkins. The drive not only helped the underprivileged with the donation but also raised awareness about menstruation and the urgency to uproot the hesitancy women and men feel in talking about it, considering it a taboo.
It was an opportunity to know about this side of these young girls' life, which has always been hidden under the veil of ignorance. The students felt that more schools can be targeted next time when such a drive is undertaken.
21. Alumni Interaction Session - Higher Education and Scholarship Opportunities in the US: Coordinator – Dr Ranit Kaur
The English Department of St. Xavier's College, Jaipur organized an Alumni Interaction Session on 6 March 2021, with Mr. Siddharth Arora, who is presently a PhD student in English at the Oklahoma State University. Mr. Arora then began with his presentation by explaining the very basic structure and requirements for scholarships and studies. He explained that the process of applying in a foreign university should be meticulously planned and every step must be followed carefully. Advice was given that students should engage in regular reading of books and research papers and also indulge in writing as many research papers as possible. Furthermore, formats and requirements of an application form were discussed. An application has to be attached with various documents and in this session, Mr. Arora explained each document required, in extensive detail. Beginning with the form, an Applications form includes all the personal and professional details. Copies of the marksheets of the previously undertaken Bachelors, Masters and Diplomas need to be attached. Then comes the competitive exam scores. For a PhD in English the students are required to give some important competition exams like GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc. Good scores of these exams are essential to prove the merit of any student. Mr. Arora along with describing the exam process suggested many books to refer to take these exams. Next, comes the Statement of Purpose, which is the most crucial part of an application. This is a document specifying who you are, reasons for opting for a particular university and why you are planning to undertake the course and what are your plans after completing the course. A well written Statement of Purpose will be the key to a good university. Other required documents are Resume, which should be effectively written with powerful words, Letter of Recommendation, which can be taken from the department professors and also from professors outside the department. This will signify that the student is not only good in his/her department but also well known among other fields i.e, this reflects the versatility of a student. The session was extremely helpful and informative for the students planning to pursue studies in foreign countries. Mr. Siddharth Arora successfully elucidated on every significant aspect for an application and tests to be taken. All the students were truly grateful and were benefited immensely by this session. The students rated this Alumni session as the best as they felt every aspect of the talk was covered in great detail.
22. Phoenix Inked Essay Competition Report:
‘Phoenix Inked’, the National Essay Writing Competition was organised by Jaipuria Institute of Management and St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. The participants were given a month’s time to submit their essays on one of the five topics: (a) Agriculture reforms in India, (b) One nation, one election, (c) 5 trillion economy: Financial perspective, (d) Global warming: Global or local, and (e) Vocal for local. The results of the competition were announced in an online zoom meeting on 20 March 2021, where the Chief Guest was Dr. Debarshi Mukherjee, MBA, PhD, who commended the participants for their brilliant efforts. The key speakers for the programme were Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, Director of Jaipria Institute of Management, Jaipur; Rev. Dr. A. Rex Angelo, S.J., Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur; Dr. Daneshwar Sharma, Dean, Student Affairs at Jaipuria Institute of Management; and Dr. Ranjit Kaur, Asst. Professor, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. All speakers brought novel insights and suggestions in their remarkable addresses. While there were winners and runner-ups in both post-graduate and under-graduate categories, the overall winner was declared to be Kashish Kumar, an under-graduate student from St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur, whose essay was on the topic “One Nation, One Election. There was a strict examination of all submitted entries, including plagiarism checking, grammatical accuracy, etc. Overall, it was an intellectual endeavour that tested the participants’ writing capability along with
their knowledge base and aptitude.
23. Feed o Wings: Coordinator Dr Rama Hirawat
The Enlightened Echelon under the aegis of the Department of English, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur collaborated with ‘All About Happiness, a Jaipur based NGO to organize FEED-O-WINGS, an initiative feed the feathered family by keeping water pots and bird feeders on the terraces. This ongoing event commenced on May 1 and will be declared over on May 21, 2021, but we’ll encourage the participants to carry on the good work. Team ABH led by Founder CA Manan Ailani and coordinators Prateek Jain and Chitrakshi Khangaroth were helped by Rupal Arora, Vanshika Arora and Nitika Singh, from St Xavier’s College, Jaipur, under the guidance of Principal Rev Fr Dr A Rex Angelo and teacher coordinators Dr Atiqa Kelsy and Dr Rama Hirawat, to make the event a grand success, witnessing more than 250 participants. The students found this activity very useful but also mentioned such endeavours should not have an end date.
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