Workshops

A drama workshop was organized for the performance of Final Solutions by Mahesh Dattani under the guidance of Alpa Ma’am. The workshop focused on understanding the play’s themes, character development, and stage presentation. Participants engaged in script reading, scene enactment, and discussions on the social and political aspects of the play, gaining insights into the complexities of performance and direction.

As part of the workshop, a special talk was conducted by Kamal Joshi Sir, who provided valuable insights into stage performance and the fundamentals of drama and acting. He discussed essential techniques such as voice modulation, body language, and character portrayal, emphasizing the importance of expression and timing in theatrical performance. The session offered practical guidance, helping participants refine their acting skills and deepen their understanding of drama.

On September 29, 2023, the Department of English at Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University hosted a special lecture on Snehi Parmar's સભાપાત્રતાની ગઝલ, presented by Himal Pandya. The session explored the intricate layers of self-criticism, identity, and self-awareness, encouraging participants to engage in deeper introspection and intellectual discourse. Discussions highlighted how poetry serves as a medium for questioning societal norms and personal beliefs, fostering a critical approach to understanding oneself and the world.

A significant part of the session examined Abhinavagupta’s categorization of audience types—સામાજિક (social), પ્રેક્ષક (observer), and પ્રાશ્નિક (questioner)—and its relevance in Cultural Studies. The classification provided a framework for analyzing audience engagement with literature and performance, offering insights into how different individuals interpret and respond to artistic expressions. The session encouraged students to cultivate self-criticism and empathy, emphasizing the role of literature in shaping perspectives and personal growth.

To strengthen our preparation for the final exams, the Department of English conducts an annual review of internal exam sheets under the guidance of Dilip Barad Sir, along with Prakruti Ma’am and Megha Ma’am. This process allows students to identify common errors, refine their writing skills, and develop a more structured approach to answering questions. By analyzing their responses, students gain a clearer understanding of key concepts and learn to articulate their thoughts more effectively.

In addition to this review, the department organizes a workshop titled Essay Type Answer Analysis to further support academic growth. The workshop focuses on essential aspects of essay writing, including argument development, logical coherence, and clarity of expression. Through detailed discussions and feedback, students receive valuable insights into improving their writing style and enhancing their ability to present well-structured, analytical answers in the exams.

On August 17, 2023, the Department of English at MKBU hosted a photography workshop titled Imagination - an Art of Seeing, led by photographer Kaushik Ghelani. The session explored the role of imagination in photography, emphasizing that capturing an image is not just about documenting a scene but interpreting it creatively. Participants learned essential techniques such as composition, lighting, and the effective use of a camera to enhance their visual storytelling skills.

The workshop encouraged attendees to think beyond conventional perspectives and explore photography as an artistic expression. Through hands-on activities, participants applied their newly acquired skills, capturing a range of subjects from landscapes to portraits. The session concluded with a showcase of selected photographs, reflecting the creative growth and fresh perspectives gained during the workshop.

For more visit this blog (click here) 

Students of the Department of English at MKBU had the opportunity to attend a series of expert lectures on Indian Poetics, delivered by Vinod Joshi. These sessions provided an in-depth exploration of key concepts, including the theories of Rasa, Dhvani, Vakrokti, and Auchitya, which form the foundation of classical Indian literary criticism. The lectures offered valuable insights into how these principles continue to shape the study and interpretation of literature today.

The sessions were designed to enhance students' understanding of traditional poetic frameworks while encouraging critical engagement with contemporary literary analysis. Through thought-provoking discussions and illustrative examples, the lectures bridged the gap between ancient literary traditions and modern interpretations. The Department of English extends its gratitude to Vinod Joshi for sharing his expertise and to Dilip Barad for facilitating these enriching academic sessions.

A Poster Making Workshop as part of the preparations for the Youth Festival. This workshop provided a platform for students to explore their artistic creativity and enhance their visual storytelling skills. Led by experts from the Diploma in Painting program, the session introduced participants to various techniques, color schemes, and composition strategies essential for effective poster design.

The workshop aimed to equip students with practical skills to create visually compelling and conceptually strong posters. Emphasizing both artistic expression and thematic relevance, the session encouraged participants to translate ideas into impactful visual representations. By the end of the workshop, students had developed a deeper understanding of poster aesthetics, making them better prepared to contribute their creative work to the Youth Festival.