Monday 25 March 2013

Report on Community Living Camp



School of Education, Christ University
Report on Community Living Camp
Dated 15 and 16 March 2013
Camp Venue: Yeldur Hobli, Srinvaspur Taluk, Kolar District 


As a compulsory programme of B.Ed Curriculum, the teacher trainees are required to attend a two day Camp titled, ‘The Community Living Camp’. In this connection, The School of Education in collaboration with the Center for Social Action (CSA) organized a two day camp for the B.Ed students on 15 and 16 March, 2013. The objectives of the camps were: to promote dignity of labour, understand the importance of community living, develop social responsibility, develop social moral and cultural values, plan and execute community service and conserve natural resources.

The students were accompanied by two faculty members and CSA facilitators during the visit. Two buses were arranged to accommodate the students and the teachers. Everyone reported on time at the university campus and the buses departed from the college as per the schedule at 8:00AM. On reaching the destination, Yeldur, time was given to everyone to freshen up and settle down. This was followed by the Camp inauguration. Prof Prakasha G S of School of Education, Christ University gave the inaugural address in which he welcomed the teachers, CSA members and students. The members of CSA spoke about the objectives of the camp and the Do’s and Don’ts for the duration of the camp. 
The inauguration was concluded by Dr Sumita Rao, School of Education, Christ University who was in charge of the camp gave a vote of thanks to all the panel members. Sumptuous lunch was served to everyone after the inauguration. Committees had been formed prior to the camp and students took turns to do different tasks during the camp. The village visit was scheduled after lunch where students had to visit four nearby villages and interact with school children and villagers. Students had been divided into four groups well in advance and the four groups, accompanied by faculty members, went to four different villages. The groups were first given an hour’s time to go to the schools there and interact and play with the children as well as teach them some basic values. An instantaneous connection was formed between the B.Ed students and the school children. Next, the groups went around the village and had casual interaction with the villagers, about their lifestyle, issues and concerns, education and livelihood. They also invited the people to come for a street play that was to follow. A street play was organized by each group in their respective villages that was aimed at creating awareness among the people.

At around 6:30PM, as scheduled, the street play began. A considerable amount of people assembled to watch the street play and as the play proceeded, the crowd further increased. Students as well as the villagers enjoyed the experience. After having achieved what they had set out for, the groups returned back to the base camp with satisfaction and smiles on their faces. Once all the four groups were back, a round of refreshment was arranged, followed by some fun and games that was again organized by the students themselves. An hour of fun games, entertainment and activities where everyone participated was relaxing. Even after a long day’s hectic schedule, students were full of enthusiasm. Dinner was served to everyone and then everyone retired to bed. In the breezy night, everyone had a sound sleep and woke up and got fresh in the morning at 6:00AM per the schedule. The morning began with everyone assembling for prayer and meditation. The cool climate and the prayer and meditation had a soothing effect and gave the day an ideal start. This was followed by a formal assembly. 
A round of walking around the camp area to get a whiff of fresh air and physical exercises gave everyone the much needed energy for the day. The students got to view the scenic beauty of natural, serene surroundings of the village that was free from crowd, smoke and traffic of the cities and was very much admired by all.  Breakfast was served for everyone and everyone again assembled to have a session of reflection and feedback of the previous day. Representatives from each group shared their experience and a short discussion was held regarding the same. This gave everyone a glimpse of what each group had experienced and the overall situation in the villages. It helped create awareness among the students about the present scenario and gave them a memorable experience. Finally, after formal thanksgiving, everyone departed at 10:00AM from Kolar. 
The Community Living Camp organized by the School of Education and the CSA was a successful one and gave the students an experience to take with them for life. It was a well organized camp with fun and learning where everyone co-operated and participated to make it a successful one. 

Friday 8 March 2013

NRITTA 2013, PART - 1


NRITTA - 2013 : The Journey of Movements (University Dance Day) 
was held on 24 February 2013 at Christ University.

NRITTA 2013, PART - 2


NRITTA - 2013 : The Journey of Movements (University Dance Day)
was held on 24 February 2013 at Christ University.

NRITTA 2013, PART - 3


NRITTA - 2013 : The Journey of Movements (University Dance Day) 
was held on 24 February 2013 at Christ University.

NRITTA 2013, PART - 4


NRITTA - 2013 : The Journey of Movements (University Dance Day) 
was held on 24 February 2013 at Christ University.

NRITTA 2013, PART - 5


NRITTA - 2013 : The Journey of Movements (University Dance Day) 
was held on 24 February 2013 at Christ University.

Tuesday 5 March 2013

Workshop on Contemporary Relevance of Gandhism

On the occasion of Martyr's Day (Sarvodaya Day), the Departments of Political Science and History had organised a two-day workshop on 'Contemporary Relevance of Gandhism' on 30th and 31st January, 2013 in association with the Centre for Gandhian Studies (Bangalore University) and the Sarvodaya International Trust (Karnataka Chapter).

The Workshop included the screening Richard Attenborough’s film ‘Gandhi’, a Panel Discussion on the theme, an exhibition of rare photographs on Gandhi's life and times, an exhibition of Gandhian publications and Khadi products, and a workshop on Political Mobilisation through Street Theatre.


 

Rural Exposure Program - Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science, in coordination with the Center for Social Action, had organized an overnight Rural Exposure Program for students of V Semester HEP/EPS on 24th and 25th August, 2011.

 The camp was organized in and around Hoskote, and was aimed at providing the students field exposure to governance issues that they study in Public Administration. Activities included visits to the village school and Childrens' Activity Center, interaction with a Self Help Group, interaction with the Panchayat President, interaction with Anganwadi counselors, Street Plays to spread socio-political awareness, 'Shram Daan' (wherein they helped level the village school kitchen floor with mud manually carried from a distance), and Visits to the Homes of hospitable villagers to study their access to civic amenities. Students used these opportunities to learn about Rural Health and Sanitation, education and Awareness, Socio-Political and Economic Empowerment, Development Administration, and the significance of Villages to India's Socio-Political Economy.

Monday 4 March 2013

The Fourth National Conference on ‘Emerging Trends in IT’

The Fourth National Conference on ‘Emerging Trends in IT’ was organized on 28th February 2013 by Department of Christ University, Bangalore in association with Computer Society of India (CSI). The conference provided a platform to deliberate on emerging trends in IT by bringing together researchers, academicians and industry professionals across the country. It enabled them to share and exchange information from an academic and research perspective.

The conference was inaugurated by Shri. B.S.Bindhumadhava Associate Director, Real Time Systems and Smart Grid at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Vice chairman of Computer Society of India, Bangalore chapter. Dr.Jay Bharatheesh Simha, Chief Technology Officer, ABIBA systems delivered the keynote address on the topic “The emerging research trends in Big Data”. The conference had four tracks covering the following broad areas: Data communications, Machine intelligence, SaaS, Data mining and analytics. Dr.Somu, Dean, School of Law, Christ University delivered the valedictory address.

Around 60 papers were received from various authors across the country and after a rigorous evaluation process by the review committee, about one-third of the received papers were selected. The conference witnessed good quantum of participants from across India.  The conference enabled to showcase the achievements of the past and provided thought processes to set goals for accomplishment in the future.

Report On One Day National Seminar on Contours of Development: Vulnerability and Social Justice

A one day national seminar on “Contours of Development: Vulnerability and Social Justice” was held at Christ University, Bangalore on February 28, 2013. The event was organized jointly by the Department of Sociology, Christ University and Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bangalore.

The proceedings of the seminar can be unfurled into three parts. The first part included the inaugural session, part two of the seminar consisted of four sessions of paper presentations under various sub-themes, and the final part included a valedictory session which marked the end  of the academic event.

The inaugural session of the seminar began at 9:30 am with the invocation song and lighting of lamp by the dignitaries that included Dr. Anand Imbanathan, ISEC; Dr. Anil Pinto, Registrar, Christ University; Prof Malika Krishnaswami, Dean of Humanities, Christ university; Dr. Fr. Jose C. C, Director, Department of Sociology; and Dr. Pritha Dasgupta, Head of Sociology Department, Christ University.

Following the lighting of lamp, a series of short speeches were delivered by the dignitaries which  included a welcome speech by Dr. Dasgupta, a brief insight on the theme of the seminar by Dr. Imbanathan, and keynote addresses by Dr. Pinto, Prof Mallika Krishnaswami and Dr. Fr. Jose. C. C. The inaugural session concluded with the delivery of vote of thanks by Dr. Joyce. G. John from the Department of Sociology.

Four sessions of paper presentations were successfully held under the sub-themes titled Conceptual framework; Structures of inequality and dependence; Role of state and civil society; and Nature of participation and empowerment: Rural and Urban Governance. Four papers were presented in the first Session that was chaired by Dr. Imbanathan. The first presenter, Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee from Centre for Women’s Studies, Bangalore, spoke on “Endogenous Development: A Post Modern, Inclusive Developmental Alternative for Indigenous people”. Mr. Karthik and Dr. K. Hemalatha from the Department of Social Work, Christ University presented a paper titled “Indicators related to non Institutional Delivery”. Ms. Musarrath Banu from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, presented a paper titled “Social Justice and Muslim Women: An agenda for the Nation’s Inclusive Growth”; and finally, Ms. Maya Mohan from the Department of Sociology, Christ University, presented a paper titled  “Community Forestry and the Indigenous Participation”.

The first session of paper presentation was followed by a short tea break, and the second session that was chaired by Dr. K. Asha proceeded at 11:30 am. The papers that were presented include “Recasting Inequality in India: Precedence of the ‘Practical’ in Andre Beiteille’s writings” by Dr. L. T. Om Prakash and Dr. Pritha Dasgupta, Department of Sociology, Christ University; “The Power to Change: From marginalization to empowerment” by Dr. Pritha Dasgupta and Dr. Joyce G. John from the Department of Sociology, Christ University; “Shortcomings in the Implementation of Women Empowerment Programmes” by Ms. Kalavathi. P, Department of Sociology, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore; “Organizational predictors of sexual Harassment at workplace” by Ms. Noopura Sundaresh and Dr. K. Hemalatha from the Department of Social Work, Christ University; and “Women are not the weaker sex” by Dr. Berin Lukas. Suarna Kar, Dr Hemalatha and Anwesha Tewary presented a paper on social security concerns among women working in the unorganized sector.

Sessions three and four of paper presentations were held post lunch. Dr. Babu form ISEC chaired the third session where four papers were presented. Mr. Xavier V. K from the Department of Economics, Christ University, presented a paper titled “Inequality and Instability as Deterrents to Economic Growth: A Study on Indian States”. Dr Asha K from ICMR presented a paper on “Socioeconomic Status and Health Care Access - The Challenges Ahead”. Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu, from the Department of Sociology, presented a paper titled “Reachability of Health Communication to the Vulnerable Section in India: A Review”. Finally, Dr Tony Sam George, Department of Psychology, Christ University, presented a paper titled “Group Interventions and Social Disability in OCD in India - Bridging Gaps in Client Outcomes”.

The third session was followed by another short  tea break. The last session of paper presentation was chaired by Dr Sangitha. The presenters of this sessions involved scholars and academicians from ISEC, Bangalore. The first speaker, Dr. Imbanathan, spoke on “Challenges to Leadership: Women and Scheduled Caste Presidents of Panchayats”. Dr Babu presented a paper titled “Decentralization and Social Justice: Some Observations from Karnataka”. Dr. Mansi presented a paper on “Urban Governance in Water Supply Services- Case Studies of Five Cities in Karnataka”. Dr. Sangita presented a paper on “Decentralised Governance, Vulnerable Sections and Inclusive Development in India: Theory and Evidence”. Finally, Dr. Dilip Kumar presented a paper on “Village Self Governance, Panchayat institutions and the State in the Context of sustainable management of natural resources: Revisiting Joint Forest Management arrangements”.

The seminar concluded with the valedictory programme wherein a paper presenter as well as the students of MA Sociology shared their experiences and reflected upon the academic event. The individuals who shared their experiences, on behalf of the groups that they represent, felt that the event was fruitful and highly enriching.  Adding on to that, the day long event indeed provided a platform for thought provoking discussions that was initiated and laid down by persons of  high intellectual caliber, through their presentations on diverse areas of development, vulnerability and social justice.

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