English Academy Report of the Year 2-13-2014

Philosophy Department

It is 25 years since the English Academy began in Morning Star College. Ever since its inception it has served as a platform for building confidence in effective communication for the students of B.A. and Philosophy. Most of the students come from non-English background, with no fluency in speaking and also with no knowledge of debate, declamation, elocution, extempore speech and symposium. Having been introduced to these various modes of communicating they do exhibit an admirable level of fluency and confidence at the end of their three year of stay. These also enhance their general knowledge and critical outlook on the day-to-day events happening around the world. In group-wise activities they also pick up leadership qualities and skills of organizing them.

The academic year 2013-2014 too witnessed similar series of activities and consequent growth of the students. While the activities are quite the same in nature every year, the choice of topics differs from time to time. Groups are different. Leadership and guidance by the moderators matter a lot. Also the enthusiasm and competitive spirit with which the students participate in the various sessions make the academy really lively. This year following topics were touched upon:

1.Violence against Women; 2. Is Plastic Useful or Harmful; 3.Influence of Politics in our Lives; 4.Computer the Craze and the Need of the Age; and 5.Corruption in Society.

Once every month two precious hours of class time are set aside for this English Academy and they are not wasted. Many a topic, however relevant and current, may not get to be touched in regular class hours. We get an opportunity and a platform to discuss them in the English Academy. They indeed add to our holistic growth. We are therefore thankful to the Institution and the moderators who with their experience and expertise guide us through this academy. This year we are grateful in particular to Frs. Pradeep Mondal and Saroj Roy respectively, both Redemptorist Fathers, who in their short stint here in Morning Star did much for us as the two consecutive moderators of the English Academy. Kudos and thanks a lot to them. May the English Academy too continue to nurture many more students year after year!

  Reported by Br. Sanjay Minj

  English Academy President

  

IS PLASTIC USEFUL OR HARMFUL!

The report of the fourth session of the English academy held on 22^nd November, 2013.

            The session commenced with a short bhajan by Bro. Jairam Nayak of 1^st year philosophy. After that the President welcomed Miss SaswatiSarkar, the chief guest of the day. Then, the President presented the report of the previous session which was held on 13^th September, 2013. Thereafter Bro. Pankaj Minj,the chairperson of theday, was called upon to take the day’s programmeforward. The chairperson gave the participants some guidelines and made all the participants to be welcomed with big round of applause.

            The agenda of the day was debate by group “A” of second year philosophy. The main topic of the debate was “IS PLASTIC USEFUL OR HARMFUL. “The judges were Roshan Tigga, Sangdup Lepcha and Amit Kujur. The secretary was Gabriel Mandi of 2^nd year Philosophy.

            Under the topic “IS PLASTIC USEFUL OR HARMFUL, “the first speaker, Bro.PatrickRai, gave the introductory talk and illustrated the topic and told the advantages and dis-advantages of plastic. Since in this world, the utilization of plastic is rising, all the speakers for the motion as well as against the motion put forward the reliable and sensible arguments, above all reasonable and valid arguments, which held the audience spellbound. Soon after the debate Miss Saswati was called upon to give a few words of appreciation. She appreciated and congratulated the participants for their good effort and presentation. She also emphasized on the real nature of debate. She said the use of gestures, pitch and tone of the speaker’s voice also matters a lot. Finally, the moderator of the English academy, Fr. Saroj Roi also shared his views and overall happiness to see the preparation done by the participants.

            At last the President thanked the chairperson for chairing the programme diligently. He also thanked the floor, judges and all the participants of the day. Thus the third session of English academy came to an end with a short prayer.

                                                                                                                        President                          Bro. Sanjay Minj

                                                                                                                                            

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

             The report of the third session of the English academy held on 13^th September 2013.

            The session commenced with a prayer led by Bro. Sunil Hansda and was followed by the reading of the report of the previous session held on 23^rd August 2013. Thereafter Fr. Saroj Roy, the moderator of the English academy, warmly welcomed Bro. Sanjay Minj as the new president of English academy for the year 2013-14, and wished him all the best for new responsibility. The new president too thanked his predecessor Bro. Sangdup Lepcha for his dedicated works and expressed his sincere gratitude to all, for choosing him as new president. He then requested Bro. Zakrias Lakra, the chairperson of the day to proceed with the programme.

            The agenda of the day was symposium by the 2^nd group of 3^rd year philosophers. The main topic of the symposium was VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. The judges were Sheetal Lakra,Hemant Minj and Babulal Hembrom. Under the topic ‘violence against women’ there were many sub-topics which were indeed well prepared and beautifully delivered. All the 14 participants elaborated the concept from different viewpoints. They highlighted so many aspects through which women are being dehumanized. They mostly highlighted different causes, effects and defects. Overall,they gave us many sources to cultivate good behavior and attitude towards women because they are the motivators, peacemakers and harmonizers. Above all, they are the backbones of our society and without them the existence of the society is not possible.

            After the symposium Miss Soumali Boral appreciated and congratulated the participants for their tremendous efforts and wished to have many more programs on such a relevant topic which certainly provides a golden opportunity to honorwomen and celebrate their inestimable self- worth.

            Finally Fr.Saroj Roy, the moderator of the English academy thanked all the participants for their effective and wonderful presentation. Then the session came to an end with the evaluation of the whole session by the moderator.

   President Bro. Sanjay Minj

    

NEW BLOG PHILOSOPHY SECTION

NEW BLOG PHILOSOPHY SECTION

          In this Blog from session 2012-2013 we will bring to you interesting and informative write-ups on different spheres of life ranging from spirituality, politics, religion and much more. 

         These are in fact papers are presented and debated upon by the students of MRS+C during their monthly brainstorming Academy sessions.



        PRINCIPAL 
               &
DEAN OF PHILOSOPHY:                              Rev. Dr. Vincent Aind

MODERATOR ENGLISH ACADEMY:        Rev. Fr. Arun Francis Tamang