ACTIVITIES

Dr. Rafiq Ibrahim said that in times when the notion that criticism is a minor art was strong, the idea that literary criticism was an explication of writers or writings, E.P. Rajagopalan and a host of writers made a drastic change in our thinking. The editor of Ethirdisa Monthly, P.K. Suresh Kumar, kicked off the discussion, with C.K. Kunhiraman Master presiding over the meeting. Prof. K. Janardanan, C. Unnikrishnan, Sasimohan Karivellur, and A.C. Sreehari took part in the discussions. Rajagopalan Mash opined that his attempts were those of a social observer. About twenty engaged listeners made the session interactive.

The Book Talk, in connection with the Readers' Week Celebration, was jointly organised today by the Library Club and the English Club of Payyanur College at the General Library on 19.06.24 at 1:30 pm. The program was inaugurated by the renowned writer and publisher Sri Damodaran Kulappuram. He discussed the book, Art and Social Life, which he bought for the first time, the evolution of printing over time, and the writers of North Kerala. Malavika, a third-year English student, spoke about Smt. Sudha Menon's The Wounds that were Made Invisible by History. Madhumekha discussed Sri Karivellur Murali's book, My Life as a Playwright. Arya talked about reading habits in the age of social media, and Nandana Gopi spoke about the works of Mr Muhammad Abbas.

The monthly talk as a part of English Research forum activities was held online through Google meet on 14.06.24 at 7.30 pm. Ms. Aiswarya K., Research Scholar, Dept. of Studies in English, Kannur University deliberated on the topic, “The System that Breaks: A Critical Reading of Caste.” Dr. A.C.Sreehari, Head of the Department of English introduced the resource person and the significance of her lecture. Dalit literature, its significance, its language and difference from other literatures were discussed comprehensively. The talk concluded at 8 pm. Mr. Deepak Denny, former Guest Faculty, initiated the discussion which was quite engaging.

Dr P. Bhaskaran Nair, Former Professor at Pondicherry University and President of the English Language Teachers' Interaction Forum (ELTIF), had a discussion with  the 3rd DC students of the English Department at Payyanur College on 05.06.24 at 2 pm. This session focused on the "Methodology of Linguistics" for undergraduate English Language and Literature students of Kannur University. Dr. Bhaskaran Nair encouraged students to choose topics based on their interests, ranging from the Later Middle English language of Geoffrey Chaucer to the tribal languages of our region. The session was moderated by Dr. AC Sreehari, Head of the Department. Faculty members, including Dr. Santhosh VM, Principal,  and Dr. Premachandran Keezhoth, Senior Faculty, were present.

The Language Departments of Payyanur College, in collaboration with the Open Frame Film Society, Payyanur, celebrated Environment Day in the Hindi Seminar Hall, on June 5th, 2024 at 10.30 am. The event was inaugurated by Sri P. Premachandran with the screening of the film "Motherbird," directed by National Award-winner Babu Kambrath. Following the screening, Sri P. Premachandran interacted with the attendees. Sri P. Premachandran donated two of his authored books to the college library: "The Doors of the Sky," published by the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, and "The Cultural Contexts of Desires," published by Sign Books. The books were formally received by Dr. Santhosh VM, the Principal of the College.

Research Forum,  PG Department of English organized an online talk on 16.05.24 at 7.30 pm. Resource Person, Mr. Mani K.P., Assistant Professor, Department of English, Payyanur College deliberated on the topic, “Libidinal Pleasures and Movie Watching Today”. The talk attempted to trace the transformation of Malayalam film heros over the last few decades. It analyzed how the heroes who were trapped in their social contexts get changed into phantom-like beings in the cities. There was an active participation from the part of the audience which included faculty members, Research Scholars, students etc during the discussion  The programme came to an end at 8.45 pm.

As a part of the 9th International Film Festival (Regional), organized by the Open Frame Film Society, Payyanur, an open forum on the topic, “Cinematic Imagination: Between Aesthetics and Propaganda“ was held at Sreevalsam Auditorium,  Payyanur on 09.05.2024 at 4.30 pm. Dr. Shyma Pacha, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Payyanur College moderated the session where she talked about the problem in the binary classification of cinematic function as propaganda vs entertainment. She also opined that cinema is and becomes a lot many other things for people whose wants and expectations from the modern media are considerably disparate. Many film enthusiasts and critics participated in the forum.

Research Forum of PG Department of English and Research Centre was inaugurated in an online session of google meet by the Principal, Prof. (Dr) Santhosh V.M. on 16.04.2024 at 7.30 pm. Dr. Resmi R., Faculty Coordinator welcomed the attendees. Dr. Sreehari A.C., Head of the Department Chaired the session.  Mr. Deepak Denny, the resource person for the inaugural session of the forum spoke on the topic, "From Printed Texts to Audio Texts: Re-evaluating paradigms of Narrative Inclusivity," introducing the nascent field of Sound Studies, and inquiring whether a shift has taken place in narrative methods with the popularization of audiobooks and podcasts. It was followed by an engaging discussion. Mr. Anand R., Research Scholar proposed vote of thanks. The session came to an end at 8.45 pm.

The Department of English organized a vibrant Mehendi Fest on 27.03.24 to celebrate the spirit of togetherness and creativity during the holy month of Ramzan. The event was designed by faculty coordinator Dr. Suhana P.A., and executed by our enthusiastic student body, with participation from students and faculty. Students showcased their artistic skills by creating intricate mehendi designs on attendees' hands. The fest which began at 1.30 pm came to an end at 3.30 pm.

Inauguration of the 2023-24 Certificate Course on Creative Writing and Critical Thinking offered by the Department for the I BA English students was held on 20 March 2024 at 1.30 pm in classroom G14. Dr. Sreehari A.C., Head of the Department of English chaired the session and deliberated about the significance of the course. Principal Prof. Dr. Santhosh V.M. inaugurated the session and addressed the students. He emphasized on the need for the correct utilisation of the available opportunities to be extraordinary individuals. Ms. Aardra V.S., Dr. Mani K.P., and Dr. Resmi R spoke on the various dimensions of the course. Students openly expressed their expectations and suggestions regarding the same. Mr. Deepak Denny, Asst.Professor on Contract delivered vote of thanks. The session came to an end at 2 pm.

Holi, the festival of colours was celebrated with joy and fervour in the department of English on 18.03.2024. Students gathered together in the afternoon and applied colours on each other with great vigour. Faculty of the department too joined in to share the festive spirit and excitement. The Celebration came to an end at 3 pm.

The Department of English organized a heartfelt farewell for the 3rd DC students in the Seminar Hall on March 11, 2024. The event was a poignant gathering celebrating the students' journey and achievements. Emotional speeches and fond memories were shared, marking the end of a significant chapter in their academic lives. Junior students arranged cultural programmes and fun games to add to the spirit of the occasion.

A department alumni meeting was held on 02-03-2024 at the Department of English. The members present discussed about the poor participation of Alumni and decided to increase the number of participants in future. The following were elected as the office bearers President: Janardhanan K.K.P Secretary: Premachandran Keezhoth Treasurer: Mini Nambiar The meeting ended at 12 pm.

Kannur University Vice Chancellor Professor Bijoy S Nandan inaugurated the newly allocated research centre at the Department of English on 01.03.2024. He opined that Payyanur College has the first place among the more than 100 colleges under the University. He fondly reminded the audience that the environmental movement was started under the leadership of Professor John C. Jacobs.  College Principal Professor Santhosh V.M. presided over the function. Payyanur Educational Society Management President Shri K. Master Ramachandran was the chief guest. Dr. A.C. Sreehari, HoD, Department of English welcomed the gathering and Head of Chemistry Department Shruti K.P extended vote of thanks.

The Postgraduate Department of English & Research Centre, Payyanur College, Payyanur organized a National Seminar on “Memory Narratives: Discoursing Memory, Imagination and Digital Space” on 29^th February, 2024 as a part of the one-week celebration in association with the inauguration of the Research Centre at the Department. Dr E.V. Ramakrishnan , Formerly Professor Emeritus, Central University of Gujarat and the winner of Sahitya Academy Award, inaugurated the programme and delivered the keynote address on the topic “Narrativising Memory and Rewriting History: Listening to the Voices from the Margins”. Dr Asha S., Associate Professor & HoD, Department of English & Comparative Literature, Central University of Kerala, delivered a talk on “Politics and Aesthetics of Memory: Narrativising the Arab Spring Revolutions'' during the first session and Dr Sreepriya R., Assistant Professor, Department of English, Government College Madappalli, talked on “Memory, Digitality and Resistance: On Archiving in Contemporary India” in the second session. Several faculty, students and Research Scholars from various institutions attended the programme.

On the 26th February 2024, the PG Department of English & Research Center at Payyanur College hosted an intercollegiate literary festival titled 'LIT WIT'. The event commenced with two sessions, inaugurated by Dr. Santhosh V M, the Principal of Payyanur College, at 10:15 AM. Registration for the literary games was available both online and offline, garnering a significant response of nearly 70 participants through online registration alone. The morning session featured five engaging literary games: Spell Bee, One Minute Reading, Literary Quiz, Find the Author, and Poetry Writing. The afternoon session took place in the Seminar hall, offering entertaining games and cultural programs presented by students from Payyanur College.  Commencing at 1:30 PM, the program continued until 4:00 PM.

The Payyanur College Seminar Hall was filled with an air of academic achievement and celebration on 23-01-2024 as the English Association inaugurated its activities for the academic year 2023-24. The event, which began at 11:30 AM, was marked by insightful talks and addresses. Dr. Vinod Kumar KV, Assistant Professor at Government Women's Polytechnic was the Chief guest. Following the inauguration, a special function unfolded—a Ceremony recognizing the academic achievements of two postgraduate students, Nesla and Devadathan. Both had successfully qualified for the UGC NET examination. The mementos were handed over by the College Principal, Dr. V.M. Santhosh.

The Payyanur College Seminar Hall was filled with an air of academic achievement and celebration on 23-01-2024 as the English Association inaugurated its activities for the academic year 2023-24. The event, which began at 11:30 AM, was marked by insightful talks and addresses. Dr Vinod Kumar KV, Assistant Professor of English at Government Women's Polytechnic, Korom, did the honor of inaugurating the English Association. The ceremony gained cultural and literary significance with the Aashan Memorial Talk, focusing on the life, work, and social activities of the poet Kumaran Asan.

On January 19, 2024, Department collaborated with other language departments to host a one-day seminar on "Sahithyathile Nadodi Jeevithangal" as a part of “Payyanur Sahithyotsavam” organized by Payyanur Nagarasabha in the seminar hall. Sri C.J. Kuttappan served as the chief guest, with talks by Dr. Y.V. Kannan on "Payyannur Paattile Payyannur '' and Dr. A.S. Prasanth Krishnan on "Nadodi Eenangalum Cinema Gaanangalum." The seminar aimed to deepen understanding of regional narratives and their artistic representations.

The Christmas celebrations hosted by the English Department at Payyanur College on December 22, 2023, were vibrant and festive. The event featured a traditional cake cutting ceremony, adding a delightful touch to the gathering. Santa Claus made a cheerful appearance, spreading joy among students and faculty alike. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, reflecting the spirit of the season.

The PG Department of English and Research Centre, Payyanur College, Payyanur conducted an interactive session with the eminent alumnus on 20.12.2023 at 10.30 am in the III BA English Classroom. A graduate in cinematography from the Pune Film Institute and very popular in the Mumbai film industry, winner of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy Award for the film Carbon, K.U. Mohanan was the resource person who graced the occasion.  Sri. K.U. Mohanan described himself as a cinema practitioner who didn’t believe in the systematic way of looking at things. He spoke for more than two hours about his artistic journey and film to the new generation in the English department, where he studied in the seventies. Students and faculty members actively participated in the discussion.

Inauguration of the activities of “Movie Maniacs,” the film club of Payyanur College for the year 2023-2024 was done by the very popular Cinematographer and winner of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy Award, Sri. K.U. Mohanan on 20.12.2023 at 11 am. Dr. A.C. Sreehari, HoD, Department of English welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest. A graduate in cinematography from the Pune Film Institute and a doyen in his field, Sri. K. U. Mohanan inaugurated the club by revealing the logo and thereby extending a comprehensive lecture on films.

The English Club at Payyanur College celebrated Perumal Murugan's "Fire Bird," winner of the 2023 JCB Prize for Literature. Hosted by Nived Narayan and organized by 3rd-year BA English students under Mr. Mani K. P. 's guidance, the event began with an introduction to the significance of the JCB Prize. Riya presented Murugan's literary achievements. The focal point was an analytical discussion led by Riya Rajan on "Fire Bird," exploring its themes and characters. Anjali Sreedharan concluded with thanks, emphasizing the event's role in promoting Indian literature

The online commemoration program for the late Gieve Patel, a distinguished playwright, poet, and painter, was conducted by English Club on 12 November 2023, at 7:00 PM,. The virtual session began with a warm welcome from Nihala K P, 1st Ma English student. Gieve Patel's significance, evident in his post-humanistic qualities and deep connection to nature, was beautifully portrayed throughout the event by the students through poetry recitation, reflections on his life and paintings etc.

Cultural Cachet,” hosted by the English Club in collaboration with National Book Stall on November 6th and 7th, 2023, at the New Block, was a vibrant book and knowledge fest. Featuring engaging activities like quizzes and picture reading competitions, the event attracted avid readers and enthusiasts alike. Participants showcased their literary prowess and creativity amidst an atmosphere abuzz with intellectual exchange.

The Research and Postgraduate Department of English, Payyanur College organised a programme " Threads that Bind" to celebrate the cultural hybridity of Kerala on the 'Keralapiravidinam', November 1st, 2023. As a part of "Threads that Bind'', students of the department were asked to dress to celebrate this plurality and diversity of Kerala Society. Cultural programmes of the students were also organised as a part of the same from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm in Room no. G14, in which students and teachers showcased their multifaceted talents

The PG Department of English & Research Centre, Payyanur College, conducted an invited talk on Research Methodology, Project Proposals and Field Work as a part of a series of talks under the banner "Alumni Scholar Lecture Series".The talk was delivered by Amritha Mohan, a PhD Research Scholar at Monash University, Australia, and an alumna of the department. Amritha's talk focused on the various challenges and potentialities of research by sharing her own experience as a research scholar at Monash University. Particularly, she highlighted the possibilities of field work in English literature research. A total of 70 participants including the members of the faculty were there.

The PG Department of English Payyanur, in collaboration with Dr Ambedkar Arts and Science College, Periye, Kasaragod organised an invited talk by Mrs Sajana M K, Assistant Professor, Dr Ambedkar Arts and Science College, as a part of the "Empower, Exchange and Excel: Faculty and Resource Collaboration Programme". Mrs Sajana M K delivered a lecture on the poem "The Shield of Achilles" to the third-semester PG students from 10.30 pm to 1.00 pm in their classroom on 25/10/23. Meanwhile, the students of  Dr Ambedkar Arts and Science College, who visited the campus, made use of the department library resources.

An online session celebrating the declaration of Nobel Prize 2023 was conducted by the English club of Payyanur college on 14th October 2023, saturday at 7:30pm. The program which saw the participation of students and teachers of the English department celebrated the awarding of the Nobel Prize in literature to Norwegian writer John Fosse. Siyana from 2nd DC English hosted the event  After that, Anjana from the same class talked about the history of the Nobel Prize. Next Nayana gave an idea about the works and literary life of John Fosse; the master of mystic realism.  Fosse's writing style was again mentioned by Deepak Sir of the English Department when he commented on the session. The session came to an end after Zahra delivered the vote of thanks.

On 5th September 2023, at Edanad UP School, Edat, Department of English decided to add a unique twist to the celebration by allowing students to step into the role of teachers for a day. Some students of the Department of English who completed TTC took initiative to visit the students of the school and engage them as student teachers. The school's students were keen on participating in the activities provided by their teachers. In the afternoon, department's first year students were given an orientation on their academics as well as other common queries within the campus. The third-year students resolved the challenges of the students by sharing their experiences and tips with the freshers. The aim of these programs was after all for unlearning what has been taught/learned and to promote peer learning.

Department celebrated ‘Poplonam’ on 25^th August 2023 in a vibrant and culturally enriching way.  The college campus was adorned with colorful floral arrangements, rangolis, and traditional lamps. The entrance was embellished with a grand Pookalam, a floral carpet, showcasing intricate designs created by talented students. Students of the department showcased enthralling performances of Thiruvathira, and Pulikali. A sumptuous Onam Sadhya, too, was prepared.  To add an element of fun and competition, various traditional games were organized, including the thrilling tug-of-war and the exhilarating Uriyadi. There were also contests for the best traditional attire and the most creative Pookalam design.

The primary objective of the Freshers' Day event held on 22.08.23 was to provide a warm welcome to the first-year students of the English Department. The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Devapriya, who introduced the purpose of the gathering and emphasized the importance of unity within the department. Each new student was invited to introduce themselves. Fun ice-breaking activities were organized, including group games and team-building exercises. Some of the new students showcased their talents through cultural performances. This provided an opportunity for students and faculty to mingle and engage in casual conversations.

A reels making competition for all the students, on the theme, "Freedom” was organised by the Post Graduate Department of English, Payyanur College, Payyanur in association with IQAC as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 15 August 2023.   First Prize was secured by Jeevan K of II DC English and Second Prize was shared by Jibin J B and Karthik of II Dc Economics. The winners were given cash prizes and certificates. The program was coordinated by Amritha Vydoori S P, Assistant Professor of the department. Screening of the reels was done in room no. G13. The program was made a grand success by the active participation of students and teachers.

The English Club, in collaboration with the Central Library, Payyanur hosted an art exhibition by 3rd DC student and artist, Anjali S. Kumar, on June 26th, 2023 from 1.30 pm-2 pm. The event, held at the Central Library, was inaugurated by esteemed artist and writer, P.K. Bhagyalakshmi. The exhibition not only highlighted Anjali's talent but also provided a platform for artistic expression and cultural appreciation. It was a well-received gathering that celebrated both emerging talent and the power of visual arts to inspire and connect.