Events Conducted by VISH

VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH) at VIT-AP University hosted a guest lecture on 12 April, 2024 on “Empowering Rural India through Human-Centered Design: Prototyping Solutions for Sustainable Development in 2024.” The lecture was delivered by Mr. Vishal Nair, an Entrepreneur, Educator, and Co-Founder of Light N Salt, Pvt. Ltd.. It explored how design thinking can empower rural communities and turn them into a centre of opportunity and success. The speaker used the power of storytelling to explore different products and their journey of prototyping. Mr. Nair commenced the session by highlighting the Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) success story, which originated due to a milk crisis. He explained how empathy-driven prototyping played a crucial role in Tribhuvandas Patel and Dr. Verghese Kurien’s solution to the milk crisis. Following his introduction, the speaker unpacked the five key stages of human-centered design: empathize, effective resource management, technology Intervention, mobilization, and evolution. The lecture further showcased inspiring innovations crafted by individuals working towards rural development. It included Jane Chen’s Embrace: Infant Warmer. Further, he went on to discuss James Joseph’s Jackfruit 365, an initiative inspired by the abundance of wasted jackfruit; Joseph saw an opportunity to use it as an alternative for non-vegetarian products. Lastly, the speaker’s reference to Saloni Malhotra, founder and CEO of DesiCrew, an IT-enabled service company that provides back-office and support services in rural areas, was another substantial concept regarding sustainable innovations for rural communities. Mr. Nair’s lecture offered valuable insights on empowering rural India by emphasising the importance of human-centred design principles. The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session where students actively engaged with Mr. Nair on various topics. A vote of thanks was delivered by the student moderator, Ms. Devyani Sah. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Kaushik N. Bhuyan.

On March 21, 2024, VIT-AP University’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities hosted an online guest lecture titled “Regulations of Sexual Harassment in India.” The resource person of the session was Mr. Amit Kumar, Assistant Professor at The National Law Institute University, Bhopal.

Mr. Amit Kumar spoke about Sexual Harassment; he started his lecture by illustrating the importance of Supreme Court judgments on this subject. He defined sexual harassment and explained the acts which can be considered as sexual harassments. He gave the example of the ‘Bhanwari Devi’ case and highlighted how regulation related to sexual harassment started with the Vishakha guidelines. Then, he elaborated on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and explained the pillars of the POSH Act in terms of Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.

Mr. Amit Kumar highlighted how the victim’s perspective is significant in deciding what constitutes sexual harassment. He discussed the meaning and definition of workplace in the POSH Act and highlighted the constitution of ICC and LCC and the complaint procedure. He concluded the talk with punishments and the challenges in implementing the punishments. This was followed by a question and answer session. This event was coordinated by Dr. Chandan Vishwas.

On March 19, 2024, VIT-AP University’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities hosted an industry guest lecture, titled “The Basics of Journalism: How to Report, Write and Edit.” The session was graced by Mr. Ram Sundaram, a Special Correspondent from the Times of India, Chennai. His expertise was sought to enlighten the students enrolled in LIB1013 – Introduction to Comics and Graphic Narratives gathered in room 424 of the Central Block.

The discussion commenced with Mr. Sundaram elucidating the profound impact of the written word, supplemented by personal narratives from his illustrious career. He underscored the imperative of conciseness and lucidity in crafting news stories, advocating for the integration of pictorial elements, particularly in crime and technical reporting. This visual dimension, he argued, not only enhances narrative engagement but also aids in the comprehension of complex subjects.

In an era increasingly dominated by digital media, Mr. Sundaram introduced innovative tools such as image creators and chat GPT technologies. He demonstrated their utility in constructing compelling visual sequences for journalistic pieces, thereby equipping the students with modern storytelling techniques.

The lecture’s interactive component was particularly noteworthy. It provided a platform for students to present their comics journalism projects, receiving direct feedback from Mr. Sundaram. He encouraged them to pinpoint the climactic moments within their narratives, leveraging these as visual anchors to captivate their audience’s attention. As the lecture neared its conclusion, Mr. Sundaram imparted a word of caution regarding journalistic responsibility. He reminded the students to exercise ethical consideration towards the subjects of their stories, ensuring that their portrayal is both respectful and just.

This event was coordinated by Dr. Raghavi R. K.

The foreign guest lecture titled “Beyond Borders: Engineering Futures in the Korean Realm” was organized by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH) at VIT-AP University on Friday, March 15, 2024. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Hyunkyung Lee, Department of Foreign Languages, Manipur University. Prof. Lee, a renowned academician and well known for her ground-breaking researches in Korean language and linguistics. The two hours lecture (3 pm to 5 pm), commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr Sudesh Manger (School-In-Charge). The focus of the lecture was to illuminate the scope and opportunities available to engineering students, particularly those with Korean language proficiency. During the first half of the session, Prof. Lee delved into the significance of the Korean language, its scope, and the job opportunities it presents for engineers in India, particularly in Korean multinational corporations (MNCs).

In the latter half, she discussed the job opportunities and scholarships available for higher education in the Republic of Korea. This segment aimed to provide insights into avenues for further academic and professional growth for engineering students. The session concluded with a 15-minute question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker and further clarify their queries. The lecture was coordinated by Dr Naveen K. Ranjan.

The foreign guest lecture on “What was Television?” was organised by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at VIT-AP University on Monday, March 11, 2024. Dr. David Thorburn, Professor Emeritus of Literature and Comparative Media at MIT in the United States of America, delivered the talk. He is currently the director of the MIT Communications Forum, which sponsors, along with the Programme in Comparative Media Studies, a series of lectures, forums, and web-based activities comparing our current experience of changing media with earlier periods of cultural and technological transformation. In 2002, Prof. Thorburn received the MacVicar Faculty Fellow title for his contributions to undergraduate education.

The lecture compared our current experience of technological and cultural disruption with ‘the network era’ (1946–2000) and American TV’s first great age. Further, the lecture demarcated the medium’s relative stability over the past half-century, enabling an evolution that helps to explain its cultural centrality and narrative art. Prof. David Thorburn also suggested that students look at the ongoing instability of post-network television—its welter of platforms, devices, viewing choices, and economic and technological churn—which has no counterpart in older TV. Students have benefited from this lecture by gaining a historical perspective on technological and cultural disruptions in television, understanding the evolution of the medium, and being able to analyse the ongoing instability of post-network TV, which can provide insights into the current media landscape and future trends in television and media consumption. In addition to examining the evolution of television, students have gained insights into the contemporary media landscape, including the role of streaming platforms like Netflix in reshaping both television and film consumption patterns. Dr. Amar Ramesh Wayal and Dr. Anupama A. P. coordinated the foreign guest lecture.

The guest lecture on “The Relevance of Classical Political Economy in Today’s World” was organized by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Anjan Chakrabarti, Department of Economics, University of Calcutta. Prof. Anjan Chakrabarti, a renowned teacher and prolific writer, delivered an insightful lecture on the evolution of classical political economy and its significance in the modern economy. The lecture was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, faculty, and professionals from various academic institutions across India.

This special lecture sought to provide a chronological overview of political economic thought and its relevance to current economic issues. Prof. Chakrabarti explored the ideas of classical political economists, starting with the ideological battle between physiocracy and mercantilism and moving on to the evolution of the market economy with Adam Smith, as well as the idea of the division of labor put forth by Adam Smith and David Ricardo. Prof. Chakrabarti emphasized that many of the economic practices in today’s globalized world, such as the division of labor based on specialization (outsourcing, subcontracting, offshoring, and body shopping) and technological development (capital accumulation, productivity, and innovation), can be traced back to the ideas of classical economists. He argued that the differences between economic theories stemmed from their different logics and entry points, resulting in different worldviews.

Starting with a brief discussion of Adam Smith’s labor theory of value in his “Wealth of Nations,” Prof. Chakrabarti elaborated on how Karl Marx provided a detailed critique of classical political economy in his “Capital,” notwithstanding his own admiration for Smith and Ricardo. The discussion also focused on understanding the concept of exploitation in Marx’s theory. The lecture highlighted the fact that many of today’s problems can be better understood through a close reading of classical political economy, such as the injustice of exploitation, income and wealth inequality, the fundamental disorder of the business cycle/instability of the capitalist system, as well as the ecological crisis arising from the need for rapid production, delivery, and profit, resulting in the “irreparable rift” in the metabolic interaction between humans. The lecture delivered by Prof. Anjan Chakrabarti served as an important reminder for students and scholars to go beyond textbooks and develop a comprehensive understanding of how economic models are applied to real-life problems. The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Soumik Sarkar, Dr. Priyanka Ghosh, and Dr. Ashraf Pulikkamath.

The guest lecture on “In Search of Methodology: Reading Global South Cinemas” was organised by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The talk was delivered by Dr. Parichay Patra, Assistant Professor at the School of Liberal Arts and the Coordinator of the Digital Humanities Interdisciplinary Research Forum at IIT Jodhpur. Dr. Patra, an esteemed scholar in the field of global cinema studies, provided an enlightening discourse to the students, offering insights into the expansive realm of global cinema, its historical trajectory, and the emergence of transnational cinema.

The lecture underscored cinema’s dynamic nature as a reflective art form that both mirrors and shapes our understanding of the world, serving as a medium for cultural exchange and social commentary across borders. Additionally, the lecture focused on the significance of Mrinal Sen’s films within the context of transnational cinema, highlighting their role in bridging cultural divides and providing global dialogue. Through the lecture, students stand to gain a multifaceted understanding of cinema’s global evolution, from its early roots to contemporary transnational exchanges. They can develop an appreciation for the diverse cultural narratives and cinematic traditions that shape our collective cinematic landscape. Furthermore, by examining the work of filmmakers like Mrinal Sen, students can glean valuable insights into the ways in which cinema serves as a medium for cultural exchange and social commentary across borders. In fact, the lecture offers students an opportunity to engage with cinema as more than mere entertainment but as a dynamic and reflective art form that mirrors and shapes our understanding of the world. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Anupama A. P. and Dr. Amar Ramesh Wayal.

Rahul Varma, an Indo-Canadian playwright, Activist, and Artistic Director of “Teesri Duniya Theatre” delivered a guest lecture titled “Bhopal Industrial Disaster: The Aftermath Is Still Unfolding, And It Is Gendered” on Wednesday, 14th February 2024. The lecture was attended by undergraduate students, research scholars, faculty, and professionals from various institutions across India. In his poignant discourse on the aftermath of the Bhopal Industrial Disaster, Varma delved deep into the multi-layered repercussions that continue to haunt not just the survivors but also the generations to come. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and insights gained from his father, Varma elucidated the hidden, gendered nature of the catastrophe and its enduring impact. Varma’s narrative revolves around the unsaid, the unseen, and the silenced voices that reverberate through the tragedy. Through the lens of his play, aptly titled “Bhopal,” his lecture portrayed the essence of the pain, suffering, and systemic injustices perpetuated by the collusion between the state and multinational corporations.

Central to Varma’s discourse was the portrayal of Zarina, an unborn child symbolizing the unseen casualties of capitalism. Her silent suffering speaks volumes about the indescribable pain inflicted upon innocent lives, echoing the larger question of what standard of living is permissible for children in the developing world. Through Zarina’s presence, hidden beneath a rug, Varma prompts introspection, challenging audiences to confront the realities obscured by corporate agendas and government collaboration. The playwright also discussed other fictional and nonfictional characters present in the play. Moreover, Varma highlights the gendered dimensions of the disaster, emphasizing how women bore the brunt of its consequences, both immediately and intergenerationally. The harrowing accounts of mothers giving birth to deformed babies underscore the long-lasting effects of the toxic exposure, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and injustice. In his discourse, Varma advocates for the power of fiction to reveal profound truths, asserting that while facts are immutable, imagination offers a pathway to deeper understanding and inquiry. By fictionalizing the events, Varma seeks to dismantle dominant narratives and expose the underlying conspiracies perpetuating systemic injustices.

In essence, Rahul Varma’s talk on the Bhopal Industrial Disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability, highlighting the enduring legacy of tragedy and the urgent need for collective action to address its gendered ramifications. The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Karishma Bisht, Dr. Amrita Purakayastha, and Dr. Priyanka Ghosh.

Dr. Chandan Roy, Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, Christ University, delivered a guest lecture titled “Navigating the Path to Net Zero Neutrality: Evaluating the Environmental Impact of the G20 Summit 2023” on Friday, the 9 February, 2024. The lecture was attended by undergraduate students, research scholars, faculty, and professionals from various institutions across India. The guest lecture focused on the environmental impact of the G20 Summit 2023. Dr. Roy elaborated on how this summit emerged as a critical juncture in addressing the global climate crisis, given that member nations collectively account for 80% of global emissions. He underscored their pivotal role in combatting climate change. The summit embraced a decisive agenda, endorsing the ambitious target of tripling global renewable energy capacity and stressing the urgency of peaking emissions before 2025. Moreover, to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, the G20 emphasized a substantial imperative: a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. There was a pressing call for financial mobilization, seeking US$5.8-5.9 trillion for developing countries before 2030 and an annual commitment of US$4 trillion for clean energy technologies by 2030, crucial components of the broader strategy to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, Dr. Roy highlighted the significance of individual-level lifestyle changes in emission reduction. Students were encouraged to embrace sustainable living practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Amrita Purakayastha, Dr. Priyanka Ghosh, and Dr. Karishma Bisht.

On December 21, 2023, Dr. P. Arul Nehru, Assistant Professor at the School of Education, Azim Premji University, Bangalore, delivered a compelling virtual lecture on “Strategic Communication Skills in the Social Media Era.” The lecture aimed to enhance the understanding of undergraduate engineering students on effective communication strategies within the dynamic landscape of social media platforms. The virtual session, scheduled from 2:00 to 3:00 PM IST, provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain insights into the significance of strategic communication skills in the context of their academic and professional journeys. Dr. Nehru commenced the lecture by highlighting the pervasive role of social media in contemporary society. One of the key objectives of the lecture was to equip students with practical skills for leveraging social media platforms for professional networking. Dr. Nehru shared practical tips on crafting a compelling online profile and using social media to stay updated on industry trends and opportunities. Furthermore, the lecture addressed the potential pitfalls of social media and the importance of maintaining a professional and ethical online presence. Dr. Nehru cautioned students about the risks associated with inappropriate use of social media and emphasized the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to digital communication. He facilitated discussions on real-world scenarios, encouraging students to share their experiences and challenges related to social media usage. The event was coordinated by Dr Tannistha Dasgupta and Dr Kankan Das.

VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH) successfully organized the 3rd Annual International ATHENA 2023 Conference on “Exploring Northeast India through the Lenses of Social Sciences and Humanities” from December 5-7, 2023, in an online mode.

Former Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, currently the Chancellor of Assam University, was the chief guest in the inaugural session of the conference. His powerful speech laid the foundation for the rest of the conference. Renowned journalist and activist Ms. Patricia Mukhim (Editor, The Shillong Times) and Dr. Shobhana Chelliah (Professor, Indiana University) graced the conference as keynote speakers, providing insightful perspectives on Northeast India. Moreover, the scholarly plenary lectures delivered by distinguished faculty members from various universities in India and abroad further ignited scholarly dialogue, fostering interdisciplinary debate and discussion. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr. S. V. Kota Reddy, Registrar Dr. Jagadish Muduganti and Dr. Thahiya Afzhal, the Associate Dean of VISH also graced the occasion and addressed the august gathering.

Over the three days, sixty-five academic papers were presented at the conference, spanning diverse themes related to Northeast India across seventeen single and parallel sessions. The attendance across the sessions was robust, with lively discussions and Q&A.

The ATHENA 2023 conference served as a significant platform for scholars to delve into the social, cultural, and political intricacies of Northeast India. With an impressive lineup of keynote and plenary speakers, along with diverse sessions covering a broad spectrum of themes, the conference significantly contributed to the scholarly understanding of the region. It helped in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the broader field of Social Sciences and Humanities. Overall, ATHENA 2023 provided a rich intellectual space for exploring and dissecting the multifaceted realities of Northeast India and contributed to knowledge production in the field.
The feedback collected from the participants revealed that the conference greatly benefited the academic community and stimulated further interest in the nuanced study of Northeast India. Moreover, the inclusion of awards for outstanding papers not only recognized and celebrated academic excellence but also motivated scholars to elevate the quality of their contributions.

Additionally, the positive impact of ATHENA 2023 extended beyond the immediate conference period. Many attendees expressed their intent to integrate the knowledge gained into their ongoing research and teaching endeavours. The collaborative spirit fostered at the conference is expected to result in joint research projects, publications, and other scholarly activities that will further enrich the academic landscape focused on Northeast India.

As convenors of the conference, Dr. Deepjoy Katuwal and Dr. Pragya Sengupta coordinated the event with the active assistance and participation of every faculty member and research scholar from the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at VIT-AP.

VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH), in collaboration with the Photography Club at VIT-AP University, organized a national-level photography competition. This event took place in conjunction with the prestigious Athena 2023- International Conference organized by VISH (December 5-7, 2023).

The overarching theme of the competition was aligned with the conference’s focus on “Culture, Society, and Politics: Exploring Northeast India through the Lenses of Social Sciences and Humanities.” The intent behind the competition was to provide a platform for photographers of all calibers, ranging from seasoned professionals to passionate amateurs, to contribute their creative insights and perspectives on the rich and diverse tapestry of Northeast India.

Enthusiastic participants from across the length and breadth of the country actively engaged in this event. The submissions showcased a myriad of interpretations and visual narratives, each reflecting the unique lens through which photographers perceived the multifaceted aspects of Northeast India.

After careful evaluation by a panel of judges, the top honours were given to three exceptional photographers. Najima Begum from Assam claimed the first prize, capturing the everyday life of the region with remarkable finesse. Gautham N C from Kerala secured the second prize for his outstanding portrayal, while Sayan Mazumder from West Bengal clinched the third prize with a wonderful portrait.

The competition not only celebrated the art of photography but also served as a commendable avenue for fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural, societal, and political dynamics within Northeast India. The success of this event is a testament to the collaborative efforts of VISH and the Photography Club, reinforcing their commitment to promoting artistic expression and cultural exploration within the academic community at VIT-AP University. The photography competition was coordinated by Dr. Aby Abraham.

A guest lecture on ‘Design Thinking: From Insights to Viability’ was organized on November 20, 2023. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Rohan Shah, a Design Thinking and Innovation Consultant, and CEO of HedWeeg. The session began by highlighting that every person is unique and has their creative way of solving problems.

The speaker discussed the different eras of design thinking for creating a product. First, he spoke about the production era, where the focus was on the scale and consistency of production. Then, he mentioned the specialization era, where the emphasis was on the quality and continuous improvement of the product. Finally, he spoke about the service era, where it became important for a product to be convenient to use. He emphasized the significance of pushing our imagination to innovate or redesign a product, and stressed the importance of imagining solutions without worrying about whether these ideas will be successful or fail in the future, or if they are even possible in the real world. The speaker engaged the participants in an activity of designing their ‘ultimate desk,’ and many of them came up with wonderful and innovative ideas, making the session more interactive and lively.

During the Q&A session, students were actively engaged with the speaker on several issues such as the steps of redesigning and the future opportunities of specific courses in the field of design thinking. The session was attended by more than 105 students, faculties, and guests across all disciplines. The lecture ended with a vote of thanks by the student moderator, Ms. Pratibha Mishra. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Kaushik N. Bhuyan.

A field visit was organized for LIB1001 Anthropology: An Introduction during the Fall Semester 2023-23 on 30 October 2023, as part of the curriculum. The field visit focused on understanding the heritage and culture of the place where the university is situated, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. In the field visit, students were explained about the 2nd-century Buddhist history associated with the Amaravati region through the artefacts that are restored in the museum. Through an anthropological perspective, Prof. Himabindu explained the importance of participant observation and excavation. All the students enrolled in the course and Dr. Naveen Kumar Cherupally of VISH attended the field visit. The students actively interacted with the people of the museum and stupa; and understood various aspects of the place. The feedback from the students was incredible and they said they thoroughly enjoyed the brief trip. The field visit was coordinated by Prof. Kanaka Himabindu Pottumuthu.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (VISH) organized a national seminar on “Exploring Diverse Perspectives of Ecocriticism in the Anthropocene: Culture, Literature, and Environmental Consciousness” from October 17th to 21st, 2023. The seminar aimed to provide a platform for participants to delve into ecocriticism and gain insights into its significance in contemporary society. Attended by 132 scholars, faculty, and professionals from reputed institutions such as the University of Lucknow, University of Kalyani, University of Burdwan, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur, the seminar featured seven sessions from India and abroad. The inaugural session on October 17th began with a welcome address by Dr. Thahiya Afzal, the school’s Associate Dean. The international guest speaker, Dr. Scott Slovic from the University of Idaho, Moscow, USA, addressed the audience. Dr. Slovic discussed environmental awareness and communication strategies, emphasizing the role of literature, art, and photographs in shaping environmental values and attitudes. He highlighted how awareness of environmental degradation has led to ecological action.

The second session featured Dr. Nibedita Bandyopadhyay, who spoke on “The Relevance of Postcolonial Ecocriticism in the Anthropocene.” She underscored the significance of postcolonial ecocriticism in unraveling connections between colonial histories, environmental degradation, and cultural diversity. Dr. Bandyopadhyay drew attention to the marginalization of nature in the face of current-day natural calamities, paralleling the uncertainty experienced by tribal communities.

On the second day, Dr. Rajashree Bargohain from Cotton University, Guwahati, delivered a talk on “Climate Refugees of the Anthropocene: Reading Moria Hula as Cli-fi fiction.” Her critical examination of the narrative contributed to the discourse on literature’s role in addressing climate challenges and fostering empathy for those impacted by environmental changes.

In Session 4, Dr. Chasul Phogat from Bennett University explored the intersection of ecocriticism and tribal literature, discussing learning sustainable practices from indigenous people and tribal literature. She used stories from Temsula Ao’s work to demonstrate the non-human world’s concern about human exploitation and the need for symbiotic living. The fifth session, delivered by Ann Mary Joseph from VIT AP University, focused on “Exploring Cinema through the Ecocritical Lens: Understanding the Narratives in Film.” Her talk contributed insights into how cinematic narratives shape societal attitudes towards the environment. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh from OP Jindal University discussed “Disclosures of Ecocriticism and Climate Change in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide and The Great Derangement” in the sixth session. His analysis highlighted Ghosh’s contribution to literature and the discourse on environmental issues.

The seminar concluded with Dr. Sanjit Kumar Mishra from IIT Roorkee discussing “Eco-consciousness and Literature.” He explored the interdisciplinary nature of eco-consciousness, tracing the path from primitivism to modernity and illustrating the interconnection between nature and culture through the works of Kalidasa, Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. The event was coordinated by Dr. Priyanka Ghsoh, Dr. Karishma Bisht, Dr. Tania Chakravarty and Dr. Amrita Purakayastha.

A guest lecture was organised for LIB1001 Anthropology: An Introduction and HUM1104 Exploration of Social Inequalities during the Fall Semester 2023-24. Dr. Sipoy Sarveswar, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, is a passionate researcher in understanding social organisation, kinship, etc. The talk focused on explaining the basic understanding of caste inequalities in the Indian context. He further explained the real-life examples of caste in various social aspects like politics, food, place of living, etc. Through an anthropological perspective, he explained statistical representations of inter-caste marriages, untouchability, and vegetarianism. All the students enrolled in the courses and some of the VISH faculty members attended the talk. The students actively interacted with him and asked thought provoking questions about his opinion on caste. The lecture was coordinated by Prof. Kanaka Himabindu Pottumuthu.

From September 25th to 29th, 2023 (Monday and Friday), the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (VISH), in collaboration with the SIAS Research Forum, held a workshop on academic writing for researchers from Indian colleges and universities. The primary aim of this workshop is to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to craft compelling and well-structured manuscripts. By providing expert guidance and fostering interactive learning, the workshop aims to empower scholars and writers in enhancing their scholarly communication abilities. It offers a valuable opportunity for individuals, from novices to seasoned authors, to refine their manuscript writing skills and effectively contribute to their respective fields. The workshop was conducted in a physical mode at [insert location, if applicable] and was attended by approximately 70 faculty members, scholars, and students from Indian universities.

Participants immersed themselves in in-depth discussions, grasped essential techniques for manuscript structuring, and received valuable feedback on their writing. The workshop provided a platform for scholars and writers to refine their scholarly communication skills. Through interactive sessions, they delved into the intricacies of crafting compelling manuscripts. This event facilitated the honing of their writing abilities, ensuring that they can make more impactful contributions to their respective fields by presenting their research and insights in a well-structured and engaging manner.

The workshop concluded with participants feeling more confident and equipped with enhanced manuscript writing skills, ready to apply their new found knowledge in their academic and professional endeavours. The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Sudesh Manger, Dr. Raghavi R, and SIAS Research Forum members, who served as the organizing team.

From September 12th to 16th, 2023, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (VISH) held a workshop on academic writing for research scholars at the university. The workshop aimed to enhance the language skills and writing abilities of scholars, familiarize them with the standards and conventions of their disciplines, and enable them to demonstrate their credibility and authority as researchers. The workshop was conducted in physical mode and attended by approximately 60 scholars from various schools, including the School of Advanced Sciences, the School of Computer Science Engineering, the School of Electronics and Engineering, and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The workshop began with a welcome address by Dr. Thahiya Afzal, the Associate Dean of the School. The workshop was divided into three sessions based on specializations: engineering, science, and the humanities. Each session was chaired by a faculty member with expertise in the respective field: Dr. Raghavi R. K., Dr. Amar Ramesh Wayal, and Dr. Pragya Sengupta. The fifteen faculty members from the School of Social Sciences and Humanities served as resource persons for each session. The resource persons discussed topics such as research ethics, mechanics of writing, research proposals, AI, and qualitative analysis.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Thahiya Afzal and Dr. Raghavi R. K. Dr. Anupama A. P., Dr. Amar Ramesh Wayal, Dr. Aby Abraham, and Dr. Pragya Sen Gupta served as the organising team members. The session ended with the school dean reiterating the significance of academic writing among research scholars. The workshop was a significant event for research scholars, as it provided them with a platform to enhance their writing skills and develop their knowledge of the conventions and standards of their respective disciplines. The scholars from various schools benefited from the workshop as it helped them demonstrate their authority and credibility as researchers. The workshop was a successful initiative by VISH to promote language enhancement and academic writing among research scholars.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (VISH) recently hosted an International Conference on Disability Studies from August 10th to 11th, 2023. The event, conducted virtually, brought together a diverse array of scholars, researchers, professors, and experts from different parts of the country, representing various multidisciplinary fields. The conference aimed to delve into the complex dimensions of disability, challenge existing stereotypes, and advocate for inclusivity and accessibility across society.

Commencing on August 10th, the Inauguration Ceremony set the tone for the conference’s intellectual pursuits. Dr. Karishma Bisht, the Master of Ceremonies, commenced proceedings by inviting Dr. Thahiya Afzal, Associate Dean, VISH, VIT-AP, for the welcome address. This was followed by the inaugural address by Dr. S.V. Kota Reddy, Vice Chancellor of VIT AP University. The Honorable Justice A. Muhammed Mustaque, the chief guest, emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive mindset within the social fabric to promote collective growth. Dr. Jagadish Mudiganti, the Registrar of VIT-AP University, also addressed the attendees, with Dr. Ankita Swetaparna expressing gratitude through the vote of thanks.

The conference’s first plenary session featured Dr. Pchelina O. from Volga State University of Technology, who spoke on “Disability, Culture, and Religion in Western Literature.” Her insights shed light on Russian cultural practices that sensitize the public and counter social taboos surrounding disability. The subsequent parallel sessions, themed around “Literature and Disability,” continued to engage participants.

The second plenary session, held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, featured Dr. Sachin Sharma from Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, discussing “Disability Construction and the Role of Law.” The ensuing sessions, “Disability and Law” and “Disability in Popular Culture and Media,” delved into various facets of the subject matter.

Dr. Sanjit Kumar Mishra from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, delivered the third plenary session on “Disability in Contemporary Indian English Fiction”. The second day of the conference commenced with Dr. Tariq Khan from the Central University of Indian Language (CIIL) presenting a plenary address on “Disability from the Vantage Points of Language Sciences”. This was followed by a sequence of presentation sessions covering diverse themes within disability studies. “Disability and Language,” “Disability and Health, Polity, and Economy in India,” and “Gender and Disability” were the focal points of these sessions, each chaired by esteemed professors.

The conference’s culmination involved a plenary address by Dr. Amina Hussain from Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Her topic, “Gendering Disability: Intersectionality and Inclusion”, added an essential layer to the discussions. The valedictory address by Dr. Mahi Thavarathu reflected on the conference’s accomplishments. It highlighted the event’s success in amalgamating concerns from diverse fields and charting a path towards inclusivity and independent representation for the disabled community, in alignment with the motto “Nothing about us without us”. The conference’s coordination was managed by faculty members from VISH, including Dr. Mahi Thavarathu, Dr. V. Balasingh, Dr. Ankita Swetaparna, and Dr. Karishma Bisht. In sum, the International Conference on Disability Studies facilitated a profound exchange of ideas, contributing to a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

A five-day Faculty Development Program on “Enhancing Teaching Practices in Language and Literature” was organized by VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities from 18 – 22 July to equip the educators with innovative approaches, pedagogical strategies, and technological advancements to elevate the teaching and learning experience in the domain of language and literature. The program aimed to foster an enriching academic environment and enable faculty members to adapt to the evolving needs of the students. The resource persons for the event came from all over India to share their knowledge and expertise in this particular domain. The program successfully empowered faculty members and other academicians with the skills and knowledge to enhance their teaching practices. Participants expressed enthusiasm about implementing the newly acquired strategies in their classrooms and the sessions provided a good platform for discussions and interactions with the resource persons.

The FDP served as a platform for educators to upgrade their skills and knowledge, enabling them to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. By adopting modern pedagogies and integrating technology, faculty members are now better equipped to nurture the intellectual and personal growth of their students in the language and literature domain. This FDP was coordinated by Dr. Mahi S Thavarathu, Dr. Ankita Swetaparna, and Dr. Balasingh V.

A guest lecture on “Gender and Technology: A Power Struggle” was organized by VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP University, on 16 July, 2023. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Archana Patnaik, Assistant Professor, IIT Kharagpur.

The deliberation explored the intersectionality of gender and technology in recent times. The speaker discussed various aspects of technology and how it plays a vital role in shaping the perceptions about gender roles. Citing instances of cockpit designs in aeroplanes that have historically favoured male pilots, the speaker gave emphasis on the challenges for women in the navy or air force, as technology did not consider their specific needs. Dr. Archana spoke about the importance of empathy in understanding the unique challenges women face in technology, and she suggested adopting inclusive design practices to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. She longs for a better environment, being empathetic, and understanding women’s experiences which can create an environment of equality and sustainability for everyone.

During the Q&A session, students were actively engaged with the speaker on several issues such as new innovations, policies, and practices to cater the purpose. The session was attended by more than 70 students, faculties and guests across all disciplines. The lecture ended with a vote of thanks by the student moderator, Ms. Apoorva Parashar. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Kaushik N. Bhuyan.

The three-day virtual international conference on “Gender Perspectives and Representations: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges” was organised from 20.06.23 to 22.06.23 by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH). It received approximately 350 abstracts. After a thorough review process, 75 abstracts were selected for presentation across 13 sessions spanning 3 days. Two prominent plenary speakers- Prof. Kari J. Winter, Professor of American Studies at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, and Dr. Irda Nalls, a lecturer at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, addressed the conference. The paper presenters hailed from Algeria, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and different states of India- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu, New Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, and so on. The conference, being interdisciplinary in nature, included discussions and deliberations on literature, partition narratives, education, sociological issues, comics, fan-fiction, cyber world, speculative fiction, sports, myths and folktales, cultural studies, theatre studies, cinema, disability studies, management studies, domestic spaces, and many more. The conference aimed to dismantle gendered portrayals and narratives. It also aided in providing an opportunity to form networks and collaborations. The sessions were highly interactive and opened new avenues for further research on gender. The conference was coordinated by Dr. Shubhra Ghoshal and Dr. Anindita Shome.

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities organized an International webinar on the topic “La Coopération internationale: de l’idée à l’action” to provide participants with essential information about how to carry out international project and collaboration. The event took place on May 29th, 2023, and was hosted by Dr. Chandan Vishwas along with Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, and Mr. Carlin. The speaker of the webinar is Prof. Carlos Bergeron, Professor at Cégep de Chicoutimi Quebec, Canada the webinar aimed to provide participants with an understanding of the nuances to carry out projects.

Prof. Carlos has talked in detail about the nuances of how to carry out international projects. He has given the example of his own international projects like establishment of the largest Quebec Literature Library in Goa, His projects in Morocco etc. and given a valuable insight to put your ideas into action and highlighted some of the personal traits like passion, believe in yourself, hard work, perseverance etc. to carry out international projects.

The session concluded with a Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts about the topics discussed. Finally, the event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Dheeraj. The webinar is coordinated by Dr. Chandan Vishwas.

The foreign guest lecture on “Strategies for Effective Interview Skills” was organised by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University on 29/05/2023. The talk was given by Dr. Christophe Premat. He is an Associate Professor of French with a major specialisation in Cultural Studies at Stockholm University. He is a member of the editorial board of the review Sens Public, an international web journal of social sciences, and he is the co-editor in chief of the Nordic Journal of Francophone Studies.

The speaker enlightened the students by imparting knowledge on how to balance between the interviewer and interviewee, how to prepare yourself, how to create a dynamic exchange of views, how to create your own narrative, how to present facts about yourself, and how to highlight your reflection on your gaps and hills. Most significantly, the speaker in this talk expounded on the concepts of own story, positive communication, the conquest of autonomy, and the structure of the interview. The foreign guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Amar Ramesh Wayal and Dr. Anupama A. P.

VIT-AP School of Social Sciences & Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP University, organized the third session of the Public Service Lecture Series on Monday, 24 April 2023. In this session, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra delivered a lecture titled ‘Ganga: Reimagining, Rejuvenating, Reconnecting.’ Mr. Mishra is a retired IAS Officer and the former Director General of Namami Gange. Currently, he serves as the Chief Advisor at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, India.

At the beginning of his lecture, Mr. Mishra briefly explained the importance of the Ganga River and introduced the significance of the integrated basin approach in managing the river ecosystem. He then discussed the complete trajectory of the evolution of the basin approach, starting from the Ganga Action Plan in 1985 to the Namami Gange Mission in 2014. Mr. Mishra described the strategic areas of intervention in the Namami Gange Mission, particularly highlighting the challenges faced in creating Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along the course of the river. In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of conserving the river ecosystem to maintain river health. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Priyanka Ghosh and Dr Tania Chakravarty.

A guest lecture on “Learning English with Cinema” was organised by VIT-AP School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP University on 21 April 2023. The lecture was delivered by Ms. Damini Kulkarni, Researcher, Department of Media and Communication Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune.

In the current times, students are acquiring their education in a landscape that is saturated with ‘content’. Various media products—each packaged more spectacularly than the last—are demanding their attention, with the result that watching movies, or indeed, series that are designed to look like cinema, has become an everyday experience. The session delivered by the speaker examined how cinema offers multiple learning opportunities for students, especially a chance to locate language with the social and cultural contexts in which it occurs.

Ms. Kulkarni in the session made students understand of various levels of English-language fluency that helped the participants to discover how cinema can lead them to a richer appreciation of the language. She further guided the students on how to use their experiences of cinema-viewing to grasp the ways in which English is spoken. The session specifically emphasized the capacity of cinema to lead students towards greater familiarity with a language’s colloquialisms and idiomatic turns. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Ann Mary George.

Prof. Eric Leclerc, a Geography Professor at the University of Lille, was invited to deliver a guest lecture at the university on 24 March 2023. Eric has been working on urbanization in Andhra Pradesh for the past few years, focusing on changes in mobility and spatial relations induced by ICT. His research is initiated by a case study of Indian software professionals, and focuses on digital humanities methodologies (web mapping, networks representation) and their social and political dimensions. The creation of the new capital of Andhra Pradesh (India), Amaravati, constitutes a privileged field of application. Eric discussed the timeline of Amaravati – the people’s capital – with its merits and demerits. He discussed his views on the previous government’s vision for a futuristic, world-class, green city. Prof. Eric’s insights on our region were enlightening and interesting. After the lecture, he patiently heard the opinions of the students and faculty. The post-talk interaction was fantastic; everyone expressed their contentment about the discussion. About 80 students and faculty attended the session, which was coordinated by Prof. Kanaka Himabindu Pottumuthu.

A 5-day workshop on Doing Digital Humanities: A Workshop on SPSS and QGIS was organised by VIT-AP School of Social sciences and Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP University from 13 March to 17 March, 2023 in collaboration with International Institute of Geospatial Science and Technology (IIGST), Kolkata. On 13 th and 14 th March, sessions on QGIS were conducted by Mr Aakash Saha, IIGST. He showed the participants how to operate QGIS, geo-reference a map and add shapefile layer to it. On 15, 16, and 17 March, Dr Suresh Govindapuram, Assistant Professor, VIT-AP University, conducted sessions on SPSS. He explained and demonstrated how SPSS can be effectively used to big data management. The objective of the workshop was to introduce participants to the use of digital tools in Social Science and Humanities research. In course of the 5 day workshop, resource persons discussed the concepts of QGIS and SPSS and its importance in gathering, analysing and structuring data. Participants were also given hands-on experience in QGIS and SPSS so that they can explore possibilities for new forms of research in Social Sciences and Humanities, by themselves. The workshop was co-ordinated by Dr Tania Chakravarty and Dr Priyanka Ghosh.

A Hands-on Academic Workshop on ‘How to Polish your Academic Writing’ was organized by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University on 11 March 2023 at Einstein Hall. The first session of the workshop (2.30 pm to 3.30 pm) was conducted by Prof. Aparna Jith who instructed the students on Academic Referencing Styles. The students were briefed on formatting, plagiarism and introduction to different stylesheets including, MLA, APA, Harvard, Chicago, IEEE, ASA, and LSA followed by a detailed discussion on APA and Chicago Style.

The next session was guided by Prof. R Harikrishnan (from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm) who addressed the students on Technical Communication across cultures. He directed the students on ethical and legal issues, the different bodies of laws including copyright, trademark contract, and liability, usage of social media ethically and legally, and communicating ethically across cultures. At the end of these two sessions, the students were given some tasks, including description of photographs in cross-cultural scenarios and changing referencing styles from Chicago to APA. After the tasks, the session was open for audience interaction.

On Monday, March 13, 2023, Dr. John Bowen, a professor in the Department of Geography at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, USA, delivered an invited lecture titled “A Geographic Perspective on Myanmar”. During his lecture, Dr. Bowen covered a range of themes including the country’s geographic situation, climate, natural hazards, population, cultural diversity, military repression, and poverty. He drew parallels between India and Myanmar, and provided detailed information about the physical geography of the country, specifically tropical cyclones. Dr. Bowen also elaborated on the ethnic and cultural diversity of Myanmar, highlighting the mistreatment of certain ethnic groups such as Burmans during the British colonial era. He provided insights into the political trajectory of Myanmar since its independence, culminating in the recent coup in 2021. Overall, his lecture provided new insights into the diversity of Myanmar and helped listeners view the country from a fresh perspective. The invited lecture was coordinated by Dr. Priyanka Ghosh and Dr. Ankita Swetaparna.

The guest lecture on “From Story to Screen: Directing A Short Film” was organised by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University. The talk was given by Mr. Pampally. He is an Indian Film Director, Screenwriter, Oscar Jury Member and the winner of more than thirty-five national and international awards for his contributions in the fields of literature and cinema. He was the recipient of two prestigious awards at the 65th National Film Awards ceremony, which honoured the best films of 2018.

The speaker enlightened the students by imparting knowledge on how to direct a short film, capture the attention of the audience, use dynamic camera work, and write a script. Most significantly, the speaker in this talk expounded on the concepts of location, issues, budget, subject, and storyline. He made the students understand that the technique for directing short films is one of the most straightforward showcases of a filmmaker’s talent. The industry guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Anupama A. P. and Dr. Amar Wayal

The industry guest lecture on “Digital Transformation in Agriculture: Scope and Potential for Entrepreneurship” was organised by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, VIT-AP University on February 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm. The talk was given by Mr. Roshan Mammen, Vice President for Exports in the NACL industry. His scholarship appears in the Latin American market with 22 years of experience in the agri-input industry, the domestic market, and international businesses.

The speaker enlightened the students by imparting knowledge of entrepreneurship, start-ups, and their vital role in agriculture and discussing the ways of pitching ideas to investors for funding their businesses. The speaker familiarised students with various concepts used in understanding processes involved in entrepreneurship and business formation and development. He made the students understand the digital transformation of the agricultural world into the digital world and focus on those technologies to get jobs in various sectors. The industry guest lecture was organised by Dr. Amar Wayal and Dr. Anupama A. P.

An International Webinar titled, “Travel through Academic Lens” was conducted by VISH on January 21st and 22nd, 2023 via the Zoom platform. Dr. Rajneesh Mishra, Dean, VISH welcomed the gathering and shared his ideas on travel and its relevance in the contemporary times. The first session of the webinar (10:00 am-11:00 am) was titled “Digital Transformation in Tourism” by Dr. Ankita Devnath. She elaborated on the digital transformation in the tourism industry, the online travel ecosystem, and the digital solutions to change the course of travel/tourism. The session was followed by a brief discussion. The second session (02:00-03:00 pm) was titled “Travel Psychology for all” and the speaker Mitesh Jain talked about the various travellers, their purpose of travel and the role of a travel psychologist in helping the travellers. The session was followed by a brief discussion. In the third session of the webinar (07:30-08:30pm), “Travel and Literature: Reflections on the Deep Connection between Story and Place”, the travel writer Mary Morris shared her travel experiences and read excerpts from her travel memoir. Her talk was followed by an interactive question and answer session.

The second day of the webinar (09:00-10:00 am) began with Prof. Nelson Graburn’s talk on “Tourism Imaginaries; How, what and why we think about Destinations. He elaborated on the ways by which tourism imaginaries differ from one traveller to the other. The final session (02:00-03:00 pm) of the webinar was on “Remembrance of Things Past: On Women Documenting Memory and History of their Travels” by Dr. Devika .S. She spoke about the ways by which European women travelled and documented their travel experiences. After a brief discussion, Dr. Susmitha Shyamsundar, Associate Dean, VISH, addressed the gathering and thanked the guest speakers, the organizers and the participants of the webinar for its successful completion. Dr. Arpana Venu proposed the official vote of thanks. The webinar was coordinated by Dr. Arpana Venu, Dr Tania Chakravarty, Dr. Priyanka Ghosh, and Dr. Ilakkiya L.

Aboli Patwardhan delivered a guest lecture on 6 February at 11.30 am to discuss the food culture and cuisine in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Aboli Patwardhan is a German language trainer from Pune, Maharashtra. She runs an institute called Kaleidoscope in Pune for German Language courses. She is also a visiting faculty at the German Section, Department of Foreign Languages, Savitribai Phule Pune University. The Guest Lecture was aimed at familiarizing the students with German cuisine and introducing vocabulary related to the same. The session began with a discussion about Indian food items that students love. The speaker then went on to discuss with the students the types of food that are important to German cuisine with the help of graphic representation. This included foods such as Gebackenes (Bakery Products), Milchprodukte (Dairy), meat & vegetables etc. The speaker also gave insights into German cuisine regarding the seasonal favourites and likes and dislikes of Germans out on her own experiences in Germany. This was followed by a discussion on the food habits of Germans e.g., German meals, timings, table manners, greetings as well as new trends in food. The session ended with an informative video about fun facts related to German food. The Guest lecture was organized by Dr Renuprasad Patki.

A guest lecture was organized on 18 January 2023 for the B.A./M.A. 2nd year Public Service students of the university. The resource person of the session was Ishita Ray, a facilitator and trainer in the field of business and intercultural communication and design thinking. She mentioned in her talk that storytelling is a powerful tool that can help professionals to cut through the noise and connect with their audience. Storytelling is an important skill for professionals in the 21st century, regardless of their industry or field. A good story can capture the imagination, engage emotions, and make information more memorable. She shared tips for effective storytelling which include knowing your audience- before you start crafting your story, you need to understand your audience- what are their interests, values, and beliefs- what problems are they facing, and how can your story help them, keeping it simple- good story doesn’t need to be complicated, using visuals- Visual aids can help to bring your story to life and make it more memorable- consider using images, videos, or infographics to help illustrate your points, and practicing your story until you can deliver it confidently and without hesitation. This will help to connect with your audience and make a lasting impression. She concluded the session by reiterating that storytelling is a powerful tool that can help professionals to connect with their audience, communicate complex ideas, and stand out in a crowded job market. By understanding the elements of a good story and following these tips, professionals can create stories that engage, inform, and inspire their audience. The guest lecture was organized by Dr Tannistha Dasgupta.

Mr. Monu Rajan, a senior content writer at A.P. Moller-Maersk, delivered an online guest lecture on Wednesday, 18 January, 2023. In the beginning, he briefed the students on the importance of audience while writing reports for newspapers, and the different styles adapted by the reporters depending on the Newspaper brand they work for. He explained the structure of writing reports, and how a writer and editor should focus on logical accuracy and factual consistency. With the examples of demonetization reports from different media channels, he familiarized the students with perspectives on argumentation. Next, he spoke about the significance of voice and tone in representing a brand. He explained how language can differ for brands that cater to the general public, and those who cater to other companies or industries. Additionally, how a single content’s description should be differently represented in web pages and social media was explained with illustrations. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Pragya Sengupta

Fabiana Crispim delivered a guest lecture on 16 December 2022 at 7 pm IST to discuss how English – a global lingua franca- is enhanced by diversity or varieties. Fabiana Crispim is a business English expert from São Paulo, Brazil. The talk aimed to help students employ different varieties of English to communicate meaningfully in multinational workplaces. The session began with a discussion on the necessity to know about different varieties of English in the current globalized world. Students could be working or staying in multinational spaces and might encounter colleagues or clients speaking or writing in different varieties of English like British, American, or Canadian. In such situations, they need to communicate with individuals who use different varieties of English. Hence, it is important to be aware of the diversities associated with English. Fabiana suggested that while taking an exam, students need to conform to one of the varieties of English instead of using more than one variety. She also discussed how British, American, or Canadian English varies by spelling and pronunciation. She demonstrated by giving examples from a list of common words which are spelt and pronounced differently in different varieties of English. At the end of the session, students asked her questions and requested suggestions to improve their speaking skills. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Tannistha Dasgupta.

A guest lecture was organized on 12 December 2022 at 4 pm IST to discuss the opportunities and challenges of intercultural communication and stereotyping, and to improve intercultural communication skills among students. The resource person of the session was Karin Heuert Galvão, a business English expert and a corporate trainer from São Paulo, Brazil. The lecture aimed to develop effective communication skills using appropriate intercultural conventions. The audience of the talk was the 1st year engineering students of the university. Karin opened the session with questions on assumptions related to culture and stereotyping. Next, she discussed intercultural sensitivity and intercultural diversity. She advised students to understand and appreciate cultural differences that promote appropriate and effective behaviour in intercultural communication. Karin further added that if an individual aimed to work in a multinational workspace, then he/she needed to broaden perspectives and promote inclusion and engage in meaningful dialogue, increase intercultural awareness, and develop social responsibility. Then she answered queries raised by students regarding working in a multinational and multi-ethnic workplace. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Tannistha Dasgupta.

Shweta Paropkari, TESOL Qualified Teacher and Teacher Trainer with expertise in Business English, IELTS and ESP, Hyderabad, delivered a virtual guest lecture on 07 December 2022 at 7 pm IST. She interacted with the 1st year engineering students of the university. In the session, she discussed polite conversational etiquette for conversing in a group and virtual and in-person meetings. In the talk, she discussed how etiquette changes from place to and as aspirants who wish to join MNCs, students needed to be updated and aware of such aspects. She raised awareness among students on various aspects like- body language, company etiquette, cultural and emotional intelligence, etiquette video-conferencing, telephone, and email. Next, students were introduced to different kinds of workplace communication- in-person talk, email, instant messaging (IM), telephones, and meetings. Ms Paropkari also discussed the two very important aspects of workplace communication- email etiquette and body, at length. The session ended with a question-and-answer session between the speaker and the audience. The event was coordinated by Dr Tannistha Dasgupta.

Dr Tasnuba Jerin, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University delivered an invited lecture titled “Anthropogenic channel network development in forested watersheds by recent stream channelization practices in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri Ozarks” on Saturday, 26 November 2022. Dr Jerin first provided background information on bio-geomorphic interactions through the formation of sand dunes in coastal areas. Through this example, she explained to students the scope and content of bio-geomorphology. In her talk, she explained the concept of bio-construction, which is the accumulation of materials by biota which enlarges, stabilizes, or covers a surface for a period of time. She brought a specific example of bio-construction from her research and explained how natural vegetation or plants trap sediments to create a lateral bar in a particular river channel. Additionally, she explained the concept of bio-protection by drawing examples of coastal sand dunes. In the later part of her talk, she explained the anthropogenic impact on channelization or the deepening of the channel and how that impacts the overall morphology of a fluvial system. In sum, her lecture enlightened students about the effects of vegetation on the landscape evolution process in a fluvial system. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr Priyanka Ghosh and Dr Tania Chakravarty.

Mr Anurag Wasnik, Innovation Lead, Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI-Aayog, delivered a guest lecture titled “My Journey into the Field of Public Policy” on Monday, November 14th at 10 AM. At the beginning of his lecture, Mr Wasnik discussed his academic and professional background before joining the NITI-Aayog. In his talk, Mr Wasnik explained the role of NITI-Aayog in creating policies for India and how it creates competition among different states on diverse parameters such as health, education, and innovation. In particular, he discussed the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which is a flagship programme of the Government of India to create and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. He then talked about various initiatives launched by AIM, like the Atal Tinkering Lab, the Atal Incubation Centre, the Atal Community Innovation Centre, etc. Finally, he encouraged the students to learn about public policy in India so that they could contribute to society and impact the lives of many in a short time. Dr Priyanka Ghosh and Dr Tania Chakravarty coordinated the invited lecture.

A guest lecture for the Design Thinking Fall Semester 2022-23 batch was organized on November 6, 2022, with an industry expert as the speaker. The speaker was Ms. Sumaiya Ahshan, a first-year BBA student at VIT-AP University, who co-founded a digital works firm named Phantasm in Vijayawada with her brother, an alumnus of the same university. During the COVID pandemic, they started their firm at home and have since made a name for themselves in the digital marketing industry, catering to clients in India and abroad. Initially, Sumaiya spoke about her firm without revealing her identity as a student of the university. She shared case studies from her work, highlighting design elements and client requirements. Their primary focus is on providing the best possible service to clients in the realm of digital marketing and advertising, with a particular emphasis on color coordination, content development, and marketing strategies. Sumaiya started working as a designer at the age of 14, which provided her with real-world experience beyond what she learned from books. The students were surprised when Sumaiya revealed her identity as a student of their campus. Her inspiring journey was well-received by many. The event was coordinated by Prof. Kanaka Himabindu Pottumuthu.

Workshop on Proposal Writing for Funding Agencies was conducted on 14th June 2022 by the School of Social Science and Humanities for the research scholars of VIT-AP. It was instructed by Dr. Sudesh Manger to help them understand the basic structure of research proposal. The workshop was scheduled for 2 hours, where research scholars from SCOPE, SENSE, SMEC, VISH, SAS, VSL and VSB participated. The workshop focused on training the various components of proposals such as writing style, importance of grammatically correct sentences, punctuations, research questions, highlighting the importance of the research undertaken, logical connection with paragraphs etc. The sample from different proposals were shown and discussed the way it is written and why is it a good way of writing. The samples taken are from SENSE, SMEC, VISH, SAS, VSL and VSB papers published in the scopus journals. At the end of his presentations, the students asked questions on what are the possibilities for getting a research funding in their respective areas, what else should one do if one is not trained in research, how to come up with the research question, identify, and validate. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sudesh Manger.

Some of the pictures taken during the sessions: