DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

The Department of English, D.A.V. P.G. College, successfully organized a Quiz Competition focusing the History of English Literature (14th – 16th Century), designed to enhance students’ knowledge of the subject. The quiz was conducted for students of B.A. V Sem, M.A. I Sem., and M.A. III Sem.

The competition was held in two stages. The preliminary round took place on 10th September, 2025, where professors posed questions to students in order to select the finalists. The grand finale was conducted on 16th September, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Conference Hall.

Event Highlights:

The final round was marked by a spirit of healthy competition and enthusiastic participation.

The event was graced by the presence of:

• Professor Mishri Lal, Principal, who delivered an inspiring speech appreciating the energy and talent of the students.

• Professor Sangeeta Jain, Vice Principal & Head of the Department, who played a key role in organizing the program.

• Sri Ajit Kumar Singh,  Manager, who encouraged the students and took keen interest in their feedback.

The quiz was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Najmul Hasan and conducted by the Quiz Master, Tanishq (B.A. V Semester student). Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Prof Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Mahima, Mr. Virat motivated students to participate wholeheartedly, setting an encouraging tone for the event.

Participants and Teams:

A total of 16 participants were shortlisted from the audience and divided into four teams, each named after renowned literary figures:

• Team Thomas: Gaurav, Shankar, Himanshu (M.A. Final Year), and Riddheman (B.A. V Semester)

• Team Shakespeare: Rashmi Bhakat, Sonu Tudu, Priya Tiwari (M.A. Final Year), and Rahul (B.A. V Semester)

• Team Lydgate: Swarnil Bhattacharya (M.A. Final Year), Ayon Sahu, Deepshikha, and Gaurav Jaiswal (M.A. Previous Year)

• Team Skelton: Somdatta Roy, Rishabh Singh (M.A. Final Year), Isha Verma (M.A. Previous Year), and Rahul (B.A. V Semester)

Quiz Rounds:

The competition featured four intellectually stimulating rounds:

1. Trivia Titans Face Off – Five direct questions (10 marks each), with a negative marking of -1 for wrong answers.

2. Fast and Curious – Teams had two minutes to answer as many questions as possible (5 marks each; -1 for wrong answers).

3. Picture Identification – Visual recognition round (5 marks each; no negative marking).

4. Visual Connect – Teams had to connect two images to find a literary clue (10 marks each; -2 for wrong answers).

Results:

The competition was intense, with all four teams showcasing deep knowledge and quick thinking. The final scores were as follows:

• Team Shakespeare – 93 marks

• Team Skelton – 94 marks

• Team Thomas – 108 marks (Runners-up)

• Team Lydgate – 117 marks (Winners)

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, who expressed gratitude to the Principal, faculty members, participants, and students for their enthusiastic involvement and contribution. The History of English Literature Quiz was not only a test of knowledge but also a celebration of learning, teamwork, and intellectual curiosity. It stood as a testament to the Department’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and student engagement.

The Department of English at D.A.V. P.G. College, successfully organized an Open Discussion Session on “AI and Life” on September 13, 2025. The primary objective of the event was to provide a dynamic platform for students to share ideas, insights, and perspectives on the significant role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping our present and future.

Key Objectives:

The session was organized with the following aims:

• To foster open and critical discussion on the diverse impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

• To encourage students to explore and articulate their perspectives on technological advancements in AI.

• To enhance understanding of the ethical, social, and practical implications of AI in everyday life.

• To provide a platform for intellectual exchange between students, faculty, and guest experts.

The program began with a formal welcome to all dignitaries – Prof. Rakhi Garg, Head, Department of Computer Science, M.M.V. B.H.U., Chief Guest and keynote speaker. Sri Ajit Kumar Singh, Manager, D.A.V. P.G. College, Prof. Mishri Lal, Principal and Prof. Sangeeta Jain,Vice Principal and HOD, Dr. Parul Jain, Coordinator of IQAC,  The inaugural ceremony included the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by cordial words of welcome from faculty members. The session commenced with an insightful address by the Organizing Secretary, Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, and was enriched by enthusiastic student participation and valuable contributions from esteemed guest speakers. The discussion proved to be highly stimulating and thought-provoking. An interactive question-and-answer round set a scholarly tone for the session. The core of the event was the open discussion, which was conducted in a structured yet free-flowing manner.

Key Discussion Points:

To initiate the dialogue, participants were asked thought-provoking questions by student coordinator Mr. Swarnil Bhattacharya such as:

• What is Artificial Intelligence in simple words?

  • Rajarshee Bose (M.A. Final Year) responded: “AI is a machine created to help humans.”

  • Another student noted: “AI cannot replicate human uniqueness.”

  • Akhand Sarraf (Philosophy, Semester III) emphasized: “While AI can process and understand information about spiritual values, it cannot feel or experience them as humans do.”

  • Tanishq (B.A., Semester V) shared the example of Brain Navi, the first AI to conduct a surgical-grade operation using AI vision.

Participants also discussed the fields where AI can and cannot help humans, identifying its potential in medicine, education, and other domains, while acknowledging areas where human intuition and creativity remain irreplaceable. The discussion was lively and engaging, with students offering thoughtful arguments and posing intelligent follow-up questions. Guest speaker Professor Rakhi Garg highlighted the need for responsible human guidance in AI applications. She remarked: “AI cannot make us an author, but it can definitely help us become a better author.”

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with active participation from students across disciplines. The presence of the Principal, faculty members, and distinguished guests added immense value to the session. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students underscored the success of the program. The Open Discussion on AI and Life not only met but exceeded its objectives by fostering critical thinking, encouraging debate, and raising awareness of contemporary global issues. The session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the Head of the Department, who expressed the department’s commitment to organizing more such meaningful and intellectually stimulating events in the future, contributing to the holistic development of students.

Media Coverage :

The Department of English, D.A.V. P.G. College, organized an interactive session on “How to Prepare for NET” on 10 September 2025. The session was conducted by Mr. Dhruba Nag, an alumnus of the department who completed his M.A. in English in the batch of 2020–2022.

Mr. Nag shared his valuable insights and strategies for cracking the UGC-NET examination and preparing effective research proposals. He emphasized the need for a focused and systematic approach, highlighting the importance of consistent study habits, selection of appropriate reading materials, and the practice of solving previous years’ papers. He discussed the new exam patterns and advised students not to rely solely on old question papers, as the nature of the questions changes with each exam. He stressed the importance of Indian English Literature, Indian Theories, New Literature, and Caribbean Literature as significant areas to focus on in preparation. He also pointed out the importance of developing both thorough and random reading habits, giving the example of questions such as “How many verses are there in the Bhagavad Gita?”. The session proved highly interactive, as students enthusiastically engaged with the speaker, raising their doubts and queries. The alumni interaction not only motivated the students but also helped them gain practical strategies to excel in competitive exams and pursue research with clarity and confidence.

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The Department of English at D.A.V. P.G. College, Varanasi, organized an enlightening and thought-provoking National Workshop entitled “Enduring Scars: Trauma, Identity, and Survival in Holocaust Literature.” It was held from October 21 to October 27, 2024 and conducted virtually on the Google Meet platform. This workshop gathered scholars, students, and professionals from various institutions across India, enabling a profound exploration of trauma, identity, and resilience through the lens of Holocaust literature.

You can watch video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f5buSOhsZTQ6zeg0P5yUMDZ0TfrT4PSW/view?usp=gmail

Inaugural Session

The workshop commenced with the gracious presence of Chief Guest Dr. Shardul Chaubey, Senior Assistant Registrar at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Dr. Chaubey’s address provided a contemporary perspective on the Holocaust, connecting its historical atrocities to present-day issues and stressing the dangers of unchecked prejudice. The inaugural session also saw the participation of esteemed faculty members, distinguished scholars and educators including Dr. Bhanumati Mishra and Dr. Amit Kumar Shukla from Arya Mahila P.G. College, Dr. Supriya Singh from Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Dr. Sushma, Dr. Priyanka from Agrasen P.G. College, Dr. Sujit Kumar Singh from Mangalyatan University, and Dr. Rituparna Datta from Jeppiaar College of Arts and Science, among others.

Workshop Participants

The workshop attracted participants from prominent institutions such as the University of Allahabad, IIT BHU, Galgotias University Greater Noida, University of Kalyani, University of Burdwan, Lalit Narayan Mithla University, Global Institute of Science and Technology Haldia, Rabindra Bharati University, Mahatma Gandhi Balika Vidyalay, Phirozabad, Calcutta University, Kazi Nazrul University, Sarojini Naidu College for Women, Mahila vidyalaya Degree college, Lucknow, and the University of Hyderabad. Scholars from diverse academic backgrounds contributed to the lively intellectual exchanges, creating a collaborative environment that enriched the understanding of trauma, identity, and resilience within Holocaust literature.

Resource Person and Workshop Sessions

The sessions were led by Dr. Annie Vimala D., Assistant Professor of English from the Faculty of Science and Humanities at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. Dr. Annie’s expertise facilitated an in-depth examination of Holocaust literature, addressing its psychological, emotional, and societal impacts. Key themes discussed included:

Historical Context and Theoretical Frameworks

Dr. Annie introduced the historical foundations of the Holocaust and explored theories that frame trauma, such as Freud’s concept of trauma and Cathy Caruth’s notion of fragmented consciousness. She further examined Foucault’s ideas on power and domination, Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, and James C. Scott’s perspectives on resistance.

Psychological and Societal Implications

The workshop addressed the damaging effects of Nazi ideology, which portrayed Jews as a subhuman race, leading to the brutalities of the “Final Solution”. Participants delved into the resulting psychological scars on survivors, gaining insights into the long-lasting effects of systemic oppression and prejudice.

Literary Reflections of Trauma

Through the analysis of Holocaust memoirs such as “I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz” by Gisella Perl, “Five Chimneys” by Olga Lengyel, “Triumph of Hope” by Ruth Elias, and “Thanks to My Mother” by Schoschana Rabinovici, Dr. Annie provided a profound understanding of the experience of the survivors. These works illustrated how literature serves as a vital medium for preserving and reflecting on the trauma endured by survivors.

Resilience and Resistance

Dr. Annie underscored themes of resilience and resistance, examining how survivors preserved their identities and spirit amid dehumanizing conditions. This message of hope highlighted the extraordinary resilience of Holocaust survivors and their ability to withstand unimaginable adversity.

Principal’s Insights

On the fifth day, The Principal of the college, Prof. Satya Gopal Ji enriched the workshop with his invaluable insights, linking the themes of trauma and survival to psychological impacts, including PTSD, schizophrenia, and identity crises. His observations offered a nuanced understanding of how these conditions affected both survivors and oppressed communities under Nazi rule.

Valedictory Reflections

The valedictory session marked the culmination of a week of intense discussions and reflections on trauma, survival, and identity. The Chief Guest for the session was Prof. Anita Singh, Head of the Department of English at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and the Guest of Honour was Dr. Bhanumati Mishra, Head of the Department of English at Arya Mahila P.G. College.

Address by Prof. Anita Singh

Prof. Anita Singh delivered a profound address on the ethical implications of the Holocaust. She emphasized the importance of remembering this dark period in history as a means of fostering understanding and healing rather than replicating hatred. Prof. Singh highlighted the role of memory in encouraging critical reflection, asserting that revisiting such events can guide society toward empathetic relationship instead of perpetuating cycles of hatred and harm. She also explored the ethical responsibilities of artists and scholars in representing trauma, urging them to approach historical atrocities with sensitivity to avoid.

Reflections by Dr. Bhanumati Mishra

Dr. Bhanumati Mishra presented a heartfelt reflection on how Indian society often overlooks the painful histories of displacement and genocide in its own colonial and postcolonial contexts, such as Partition. She shared personal anecdotes, which added a deeply human element to her reflections on trauma, memory, and the importance of preserving these narratives to foster a more compassionate society.

Closing Reflections and Participant Feedback

The workshop concluded with participants expressing gratitude for the thought-provoking discussions and profound insights shared throughout the week. The event fostered a renewed commitment to advancing scholarship and artistic expressions that address trauma and resilience with empathy.

Conclusion

This workshop highlighted the significance of Holocaust literature as a means of exploring human cruelty alongside the resilience of survivors. By engaging with this literature, participants gained valuable perspectives on the moral and ethical lessons of the Holocaust, reinforcing their commitment to preventing similar injustices and fostering empathy in future generations. The event underscored the ethical responsibilities of creators and scholars in shaping collective understanding, inspiring participants to approach such topics with care and responsibility in their future endeavors.

The members of the organizing committee of the workshop included Prof. Sangeeta Jain, Head of the Department, Prof. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Mahima, and Ms. Sanskriti. Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Dr. Najmul Hassan were the co-coordinators of the workshop.

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Day 6:

Veledictory Session: 

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Department of English, DAV PG College, Varanasi organized a ten-day Workshop Cum Training Program on “Writing Skills” from 30^th August to 10^thSeptember 2022 in order to improve the writing skills of the students on various level from paragraph writing to essay writing. In these ten days students are separately given training of application writing, report writing, paragraph writing and essay writing. In literature and in general writing is the most important skill and if power to write lacks it changes the entire meaning. Around fifty-five students of B.A Vth Semester participated in the workshop from the department of English, Hindi, and Psychology.

Department of English DAV PG College, Varanasi Organised a special lecture on 2^nd September 2022 on the topic “Ecological Reading of Romantic Poetry”and the speaker was Prof. M.S. Pandey, Department of English, Banaras Hindu University. He said that nature, beasts, trees, bees and human beings all are integral aspects of uni verse but anthropocentric view of society from time to time separate them.He highlighted canonical texts of both east and west as a source to acknowledge the kind-heartedness and generosity of human beings towards nature. He defined theoretical and practical dimensions of eco-criticism and environmental studies. He cited examples of first Indian Poet Balmiki ji, Wordsworth, Keats, Coleridge and seminal Indian scriptures like Vedas and puranas as epitome to view the reciprocal relationship of man and nature as well as superiority of nature. Artistic imagination of Wordsworth is laced with eco-critical perspectives. Dr. Sangeeta Jain welcomed the guest, Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Head, Department of English, delivered vote of thanks and the programme was conducted by Dr. Mahima Singh. On the occasion Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani , Dr. Najmul, Ms Puja Jha and around 70 students were present.

Department of English organized another lecture on 14th July, 2022,  the Seventh day of the workshop. The speaker Prof. Sunita Aggarwal, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur delved deeper on the topic

“Expounding the Intricacies of Research Methodology.” She raised the questions and answered appropriately: –

What is Research?

What kind of knowledge is essential to pursue research?

Research is based on re-exploring and re-structuring of existing knowledge. She used an acronym for explaining its meaning and relevance – S- significant, O – original, C-contribution, E- expansion of  the knowledge. She discussed the need of Research Methods and Research Methodologies. The Research Methods requires Research skills, IT skills, Bibliographical skills, Dissertation skills and Communication skills. Research methodology is application of

theory to literary texts. In her deliberation she said the students of English literature should have thorough knowledge of History of English Literature, Literary Criticism, Cultural Theories and Stylistics. It helps in producing better analytic research papers.  She discussed research skills needed for handling of Research materials. She also showcased by applying literary and critical theories like New Criticism, Deconstructive Approach, Gender Criticism, Afro-American Perspective, Postcolonial theories and Criticism, Feminist Theories and Criticism to some seminal texts like  Bama Faustina’s Sangati,  Mahesh Dattani’s Play Dance Like a Man,  Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Lastly she asks the researchers to follow the ethics of sincerely acknowledging the sources that have been used to avoid charges of plagiarism. . Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Head of the Department of English, welcomed the guest, Dr. Indrajeet Mishra introduced the   theme of the workshop and vote of thanks was given by Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani. Prof. Madhu Sisodiya, Coordinator Research Promotion Cell, Dr. Mishri Lal, Organizing Secretary of the Workshop, Dr. Punam, Dr. Najmul Hasan. Dr. Mahima Singh, Dr. Supriya Singh, Dr. Saumili from Vasant Kanya Mahavidylaya, Kamachha and Miss Puja were present at the event. All the Heads and teachers from Arts Faculty participated in the workshop.

The National Workshop aimed to explore the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives and dimensions of the research domain in Arts and Humanities to create new conceptual, theoretical, methodological and translational innovative networks and framework containing discipline-specific and discipline-beyond approaches to research. The objective of this workshop was to acquaint and train the prospective research scholars with the novel aspects and intricacies of research methodology in Arts and Humanities. Department of English organized the lecture  “Putting the Message Across: Making the Research Proposal” on  8th July, 2022 the first day of the workshop. The speaker Prof. R. P. Singh, department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Lucknow, revealed that a research proposal is a document that outlines the research topic, objectives, methodology, literature review and research gap prepared by the candidate applying for a Ph.D. Degree or Project. It is a tool that helps the scholar structure and restructure his/her research outline. He advised the students to select a new topic or less explored one and more interdisciplinary oriented. He explained the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods, various approaches and methodologies used in humanities and the role of deciding on an approach before research. He asked the students to have a good idea of the theory that they want to apply. The various topics that he covered were – the planning, writing and editing of the proposal; the use of lucid, explicit and persuasive language;  recognizing the audience and the role of the five Cs – Cite, Compare, Contrast, Critique and Connect. There were approximately 50 students from DAV PG College and VKM, Kamchha, Varanasi who took part in the event. Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Head, of the Department of English, welcomed the guest and introduced the theme of the workshop. Prof. Madhu Susodiya, Coordinator Research Promotion Cell, Dr. Mishri Lal, Organizing Secretary of the Workshop, Dr. Punam,   Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Dr. Najmul Hasan. Dr. Mahima Singh and Miss Puja were present at the event. All the Heads and teachers from Arts Faculty participated in the workshop.

Department of English and Hindi of DAV PG College, Varanasi jointly organized a special lecture on ‘V. S Naipaul and Bharat’ on 22nd March 2022. Ex. Prof. Ram Kirti Shukla, Department of English, Banaras Hindu University was the key speaker on the topic. In his lecture he focused on the triology of V. S. Naipaul which he wrote after visiting India. He remarked that V S Naipaul is an expatriate writer who constantly searches his identity, his visits to India are an attempt of self-discovery. His first visit to the land of his ancestors shocked him owing to the difference between the image he had of India out of his learning hearsay from his ancestors and the prevailing reality. He disapproves the views of Nehru regarding India and expresses his concern over child marriage, poverty, sanitation and the approach of government officers regarding these problems. However, he develops some positive ideas in his last visit to India. The program was conducted by Dr. Mahima Singh, Dr. Sangeeta Jain and Dr. Indrajeet Mishra Welcomed the guest and Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Ram, Head Department of Hindi. Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Dr. Najmul Hasan MS. Puja Jha and around 100 students were present in the program.

Department of English, DAVPG College, Varanasi, under the aegis of IQAC organized an insightful and engaging lecture on 04th March 2022, from 02:00 P.M. on the topic – “Re-presenting African Literature: Contribution of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.” The Speaker Mr. Adelokun Adetunji Oluwapelumi, lecturer in the Department of English, Skyline University, Nigeria made the students acquainted with different genres of African Literature. In his presentation, Mr. Adelokun discussed that a vast continent in Africa has a long and rich cultural tradition. However, the failure to capture the historical experiences of African literary tradition has paved way for all sorts of misrepresentations. The three renowned African writers – Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s critique this negative, stereotypical and distorted imaging of Africa They have contributed to the cultural consciousness and identity formation of the African continent through their literary writings. They aimed at correcting some of the anomalies and confuting some of the erroneous and misguided claims about the African Literary tradition. Highlighting the differences in their approaches, the speaker said while Achebe explores the roots, Soyinka hybridizes Eurocentric and Afrocentric world views and Thiong’o lays stress on native, indigenous traditions only. He discussed their important texts, style, verbal variability, artistry and stylistic variations. He also highlighted some literary movements unique to the African milieu. The lecture with beautiful power point presentation gave the students an insight into newly emerging African literary tradition along with the peculiarities and uniqueness of African literature.  Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Head, Department of English, DAV PG college welcomed the guest. Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani conducted the programme. Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Najmul Hasan, Dr. Mahima Singh and around 75 students were present in the online lecture / presentation. The students eagerly interacted with the speaker in Q & A session.

Department of English, DAV PG College, Varanasi organized a lecture under orientation programme  on 15-02-2022 at 02:00 pm in online mode. The lecturewas delivered by Prof. Krishna Mohan Pandey, Head, Department of English, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Speaking on ” Literature, Language, Culture: An Insight” Prof. Pandey highlighted the role of literature in sustaininghuman values. He pointed out that humanity is above power position and status. Literature widens the horizon of mind and teaches us that even the minimal object, role and position is meaningful and valuable in itself. Literature makes no distinction in terms of class, caste and gender. Through different geners of literature we learn about cultures. He said that a piece of literature having all-inclusive vision gives essence to human life. Dr. Indrajeet Mishra conducted the programme and welcomed Prof. Pandey. He said that literature written in any language must represent the best of culture. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Najmul Hasan. Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Dr. Mahima Singh and around 110 students were present in the programme.

Fresher’s Day was organized for M.A. first-year students by M.A. final-year students of the Department of English, D.A.V. P.G. College. The event was held on 20th September at 12:00 PM in the P.N. Singh Memorial Hall. The theme of the cultural festivity was “Carnivalesque – Multiplicity of Durga Puja.”

The Vice Principal and Head of the Department of English, Prof. Sangeeta Jain, along with all the faculty members, encouraged and guided the students in successfully managing the programme. In her address, she expressed her appreciation for the students’ efforts and highlighted the cultural significance of such celebrations. The programme began with a soulful recital of the Durga Stotram. The event was hosted gracefully by Gourab Paramanik and Nishtha from M.A. final year. Professor Indrajeet Mishra extended a warm welcome to the freshers and congratulated the senior students for the successful organization of the event.

The celebration featured a series of vibrant performances by both first-year and final-year students, including singing, dancing, flute recital, mono-acting, poetry, and shayari.

• Dr. Bandana Bal Chandani praised the students for their unity and harmonious “vibes,” commending their performances. She further inspired them to work in collaboration, remain united, and stay rooted in their cultural heritage.

• Dr. Mahima Singh emphasized the importance of studying sincerely, reminding the students that dedicated learning is the foundation of a successful life.

• Dr. Najmul Hasan motivated the students with verses from Allama Iqbal, inspiring them to aim higher and reminding them of life’s vast possibilities and long journey ahead.

Among the student performances, Deepsree Mishra (M.A. first year) captivated the audience with her rendition of the Mahabharata theme song, while Debasish Sahoo’s flute performance on Raag Bhupali left everyone mesmerized. Final-year students Ritusree Gangopadhyay and Akshay Kumar energized the audience with their lively dance performance. Students of M.A. first semester also participated in a colourful ramp walk, showcasing their traditional outfits.

The event further included fun games, adding to the joy and excitement. The Fresher’s Day celebration provided the newcomers with a platform to showcase their talents while strengthening the bond between juniors and seniors. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, a lively dance session, and refreshments. The day proved to be a memorable blend of culture, creativity, and camaraderie, leaving lasting impressions on both the freshers and the seniors.

The Students of Department of English, D.A.V. P.G. College celebrated Teachers’ Day with great enthusiasm. The event was organised to honour the dedication, guidance, and invaluable contributions of their professors. The programme began with a warm welcome to all the faculty members of the department. Students highlighted the significance of the day by remembering Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is commemorated as Teachers’ Day.

The students inaugurated the event with a melodious song dedicated to their professors, beautifully reflecting the bond between teachers and students within the department. Students showcased their creativity through speeches, poems, songs, and various cultural performances. The faculty members actively participated by sharing their valuable experiences and life lessons with the students. The Head of the Department, Prof. Sangeeta Jain, appreciated the students’ sincere efforts in organising the celebration. In her address, she emphasised the importance of literature, critical thinking, and the enduring teacher–student relationship. Prof. Indrajeet Mishra spoke on wisdom and the four guiding principles of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dr. Bandana Chandnani inspired the students with the thought: “A balloon rises not by its colour, but by the air inside it.” Dr. Mahima Singh emphasised the importance of being critical and thoughtful in literature, reminding students that “One should always put forth their own views.” The teachers and students together cut a cake brought by the students, symbolising joy and togetherness. A collage photo frame was presented to the department. Students expressed their heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the constant support and mentorship of their professors. The undergraduate students also participated enthusiastically, making the environment even more lively and joyful. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the students. The celebration created an atmosphere of warmth and respect, further strengthening the teacher–student bond. It was a memorable occasion that truly captured the spirit of Teachers’ Day.

The M.A. Final Year students presented PowerPoint presentations on various research and course topics, showcasing their talent, critical thinking, and innovative content. employing diverse theoretical lenses, the students analyzed the prescribed texts and explored a range of topics, including:

– Absurd literature

– Feminist issues

– Hegemony

– Marginalization

– Mythological dimensions in Girish Karnad’s “The Fire and the Rain”

– T.S. Eliot’s “Tradition and Individual Talent”

– Philip Larkin’s “Church Going” and “Next Please”

– Rasa Theory

– Stage to Screen: Adapting Literary Works for the Screen

– The Power of Spirit and Intellect on Stage: A Dramatic Comparison of T.S. Eliot and George Bernard Shaw

– Analysis of Raja Rao’s “The Serpent and the Rope”

– Theme of Hope in Sri Aurobindo’s “Savitri”

This student-centric activity significantly enhanced the students’ knowledge, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it helped them develop essential communicative skills, including public speaking and presentation.

The success of this activity is a testament to the students’ enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to learn. It also reflects the department’s commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

On Thursday, September 26th, the final-year students of the Department of English at D.A.V. P.G. College organized a Fresher’s Program for the newly admitted students. The event aimed to provide both batches with the opportunity to interact with each other and the faculty, helping the freshers familiarize themselves with the department and the institution. The program featured a variety of performances, including speeches, songs, poetry recitations, dances, and a ramp walk. It was graced by the presence of all the professors from the Department of English, who played a crucial role in supporting and encouraging the success of the event. The program was hosted by Ragini Didwania and Sarthak Jaiswal from the third semester. It commenced with a welcome speech by Pushpa Bharti and an introduction by Ragini Didwania, followed by inspiring words from professors Prof. Sangeeta Jain, Prof. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani, Dr. Mahima Singh, and Dr. Nazmul Hasan. They emphasized the importance of social activities and management skills alongside academic achievements. After the speeches, there was a melodious musical performance by a group of third-semester students led by Astha Singh, with Ritushree from the first semester. Dance performances followed, featuring Snigdha, Sara, Rajashree, Shikha, and Amit from the first semester, along with Ragini and Astha from the third semester. Amit’s folk dance from Uttarakhand received special appreciation from everyone. Additionally, there were self-composed poetry recitations by Ankit Kumar, Pushpa Bharti, and Nishant Nishchal from the third semester. The celebration concluded with a thank-you note by Shweta Singh and closing remarks by the Head of the Department, Prof. Sangeeta Jain, who highlighted the significance of cultural roots for the younger generation and stressed the importance of preserving traditional art forms like folk dances. The program wrapped up joyfully, with students taking group photos, sharing lunch, and enjoying music and dance together. The aim of the program was to hone the hidden potential of the students by providing an opportunity to showcase their talents and foster interaction between the M.A. final-year students and their juniors.

An interactive session with the alumnus of D.A.V. P.G. College was organized on April 18, 2024, focusing on preparation strategies for UGC NET/JRF and GATE exams. The session was led by Karitikey, who provided valuable insights on effective preparation techniques for the exam. During the discussion, Karitikey engaged the students, addressing their questions and concerns regarding the preparation process. He shared a list of significant books that could be beneficial for their studies and discussed essential strategies for exam success. Karitike emphasized the importance of key skills such as time management, handling peer pressure, and maintaining focus throughout the preparation period. His guidance was well-received, offering the students practical tools and strategies to enhance their chances of success in the exam.

Department of English, DAV PG College, Varanasi organized a one-day lecture on the topic How to Prepare NET/JRF. The Invited speaker was Mr Anubhav Bhargava, an alumnus of DAV PG College. He completed his UG (2019), and PG (2021) and qualified NET (Dec. 2019) and JRF(June 2020), and currently preparing for Civil Services. The session was coordinated by Dr Bandana Bal Chandnani. Mr Anubhav detailed the students about the papers and the syllabus for NET and JRF. He shared the strategies that he had followed during his preparation. The speaker shared his sources of study and mentioned important texts, useful books and online resources. For the preparation of Paper-I the students are asked to explore free lectures by Unacademy Trainers, Talvir Singh and Navdeep Kaur. He emphasized mock practices. He suggested the students to solve the previous year question papers and to prepare short notes for each chapter. The session was interactive, informative and useful for students preparing for UGC NET / JRF.

On 5th September 2022, the students of MA II and B.A. V and B. A. II Semesters organized Teachers’ Day with great enthusiasm. The beautiful decoration of classrooms done by students enthralled everyone. After the lockdown of the Covid 19 pandemic, this offline celebration filled the students with great enthusiasm. Abhay Yadav started the program by chanting the mantra to express his reverence. He told about the great teacher Dr. Sarvapali Radha Krishnan and his contribution to society. He thanked the teachers for shaping their beliefs, for motivating them time to time, and for patiently solving their problems. Chandan gave the welcome speech. Dharmeer Yadav and Rajkumar sang songs. The students from B.A. II Sem mesmerized and enthralled everyone by their poetry recitation, elocution and speech. Trithedu Ganguli chanted Sarswati Vandana. The Head Department of English, Dr. Indrajeet Mishra told the students the glorious tradition of Teacher and taught (Guru-Shisishya Parmpara) of India.  The respect and sanctimonious feelings that teachers receive here is unparalleled. He advises them to inculcate humanitarian values. Dr. Sangeeta Jain emphasized the significance of fellow feelings and the efforts of the teachers in DAV PG College for the holistic development of students. Dr. Bandana, Dr. Mahima, Dr. Najmul, and Miss Puja gave their best wishes to the students and appreciated the efforts of students for arranging such a wonderful programme for teachers to show their reverence and love.   The students of B.A. V Sem offered a bouquet and memento to the department and students of M. A. II Sem presented books to all the teachers. Pratikshit Shubham thanked the teachers for enlightening them by reciting his creative poem. The programme ended with great fun, frolic and a group photo.

Department of English, DAV PG College organized Students’ Presentation – Literary Perception on 26th and 27th August 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. for M.A. IInd Semester students.The aim was to hone the communicative and PPT presentation skills of the learners, encourage peer learning and provide a platform where the students can share their perception of the prescribed texts.

The students explained concepts and initiated discussions on a topic of their choice from the syllabus. Some of the topics presented by the students were:

1. “Application of Hamlet in Drama Therapy” by Shubham Kumar. He discussed Drama Therapy for the treatment of various psychological disorders.

2. “The Feminist Standpoint in the Poem “Avatar” by Mahabir Mahapatra. He explained that the poem presents an antithesis between the modern men and the benign God Lord Vishnu who incarnated himself in different shapes for the wellbeing of humankind.

3. “Translation Studies” by Rupak Biswas. He discussed the Key concepts of Translation Studies and issue in the area of Comparative Literature.

4.  “Comparative Study between Beloved and Mother of 1084” by Soumyajit Chowdhury

5. “The Mystery behind the Birth of Adonais as a Pastoral Elegy” by Ankit Kumar Dan.

“A Room of One’s Own: Concept of Androgynous Mind” by Jona Lal Baski.

The first meeting of The Savant’s book club, constituted under the mentorship of Dr Sangeeta Jain, saw a fruitful embarkment. Brainchild of the students of English Masters, First Year, the Savant’s seeks to be a safe and cultivating space for bookworms and conversationalists likewise.

For the first meeting of the club, the members shared a varied number of views on the relevance of literature in their life. The members talked about their first experiences with literature and the books or the situations which decided their fate and paved their way toward literature. Till the middle of the session, everyone had their attention captured by the intensity of the discussion. Several situations of life were talked about which led people towards literature.

 At the end of the session, it was concluded that whatever the hustle may be of the members but the common destiny came out to be artistic and literary. The session was thoroughly guided by the admin of the club Shreeyukta Basnet MA 1^st Year.

The motto of the book club was to find like-minded people and create a safe space for riveting conversations.

Theme of The Month

First Experiences – First brush with literature which ultimately led to seeking a career in English Literature

Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Head, Department of English conducted a training programme for the students of M.A.  Sem. on English IPA Sounds prescribed in the course. The students learnt with fun.  The session held in Digital Language Lab

Department of English, DAV PG college organized One Day Students’ Seminar – Literary Perception on 18th April 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. for MA Ist Semester students. The students, through their presentations, shared their viewpoints and perspectives on the prescribed texts. This seminar aimed to hone students’ communicative skills, develop their literary taste, further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the English literary studies and give an outlet to hidden potentialities. The students explained concepts and initiated conversations and discussions on a topic of their choice. This seminar became an effective tool of peer learning because they were both a recipient and donor of knowledge. The topics presented by the students were:

Department of English, DAV PG organized two lectures on the topic ‘How to Prepare for JRF, NET & GATE’ on 16th April 2022, from 12:00 P.M. to 1.15 P.M. and 1.30 P.M. to 2.30 P.M. The Google link to the programme was –

https://meet.google.com/jst-yise-hbb

The two speakers of the day Mr. Rajit Chakrborty and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, alumni of Department of English, DAV PG College briefed the students about important books, websites, YouTube links, topics, challenges, obstacles and mental issues. Rajit who qualified GATE in 2020 and NET in 2021 emphasized having an analytical outlook of one’s strengths and weaknesses that help in the long run. He highlighted the difference between GATE and UGC-NET. He asked them to devise their own strategies. Mr. Neeraj who qualified GATE and NET twice asked the students to have in-depth knowledge of the prescribed syllabus of BHU from B. A.  to M. A. He told about the importance of mock test. Both of them emphasized the significance of voracious and in-depth reading and rereading. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani and was organized by the Head, Dr Sangeeta Jain. Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Najmul Hasan, Dr. Mahima Singh, Ms. Pooja along with 55 students were present throughout the lectures.

Department of English organized Students’ Seminar – Literary Insights from 11-13 April 2022 from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. The students of M.A. IV Sem gave their PPT presentations on the new perspectives and dimensions of prescribed texts. Some of the topics presented by the students were:

‘The Development of personal Joyce from Stephen Hero to Daedalus’ by Rounak, ‘Reverse Racism in Disgrace’ by Anisha, ‘Women in love and the malady of civilization’ by Shirsendu Chakraborty, ‘Exploration of postmodernism technique and literary interpretation in French lieutenant women’ by Harsh Prasad, ‘Social relevance in God of small things’ by Dhruba Nag.

Department of English, DAV PG College organized the annual Literary Fest from 11- 13 April 2022. The events of the Fest were Literary Quiz, Poetry Recitation, Debate and Students’ Seminar – Literary Insight. The programmes were coordinated by Dr. Najmul Hasan, Dr. Mahima Singh, Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani and were organized by the Head, Dr Sangeeta Jain. The first day was dedicated to Literary Quiz to develop students’ in-depth understanding of English literature and helped them prepare for competitive examinations. The quiz was organized in two parts, the first one was in the written mode and the second one was a pictorial quiz. The written quiz brought awareness about the literary facts whereas the pictorial quiz ignited the sparks of imagination of around a hundred participants of M.A. IV Sem, M.A. I Sem and B.A. VI sem. Dr. Najmul Hasan coordinated the event. The second day witnessed the hues of creativity through the poetry recitation in English. The students showed great passion and competence in reciting their self-composed poetic pieces on different topics like Night, Corona, Tree, River, Internal Conflicts etc. The renderings of the event unfurled the imaginative wings of poetic passion and joy of around twenty participants along with the audience. Dr. Mahima Singh evaluated all participants’ recitations and presented a comprehensive view. During the Covid 19 pandemic, the world witnessed the proliferation of online education and exams in the academic world. In the post-Corona world, there is an emergence of a new controversy/debate on the topic of Offline mode of Education vs. Online mode of Education- which is better and why? This emerging issue became the topic of debate on the third day of the literary fest.  The students presented their propositions from different perspectives in Favour/opposition of the topic very strongly.  Dr. Bandana Bal Chandnani concluded the event with a comprehensive view of education and learning with passion. She said it is the passion for knowledge that matters more. Barriers to any mode of education are mental construction. It is true for the evolution of learners’ mental faculty online mode of education is very conducive. But for the holistic and integral development – of physical, vital, spiritual beings of learner’s offline mode is required. Through the literary events students have shown their scholarly ethos, competence and literary inclination. To promote interdisciplinary approach the student from other departments were encouraged to participate in the event organized by department of English. Rajan Kumar VIth semester, Hindi Honors participated in debate. The fest culminated with the certificate distribution and showering of blessings by the principal of the college, Dr. S.D. Singh. This fest saw the emergence of many budding talents who would showcase their literary talent in the literary fest next year. Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr. Bandana, Dr. Najmul Hasan, Dr. Mahima Singh, Ms. Pooja along with students were present throughout the literary fest events.  The names of the winners of all three events are:

Result of Quiz

Result of Poetry

Result of Debate

DAV PG College organized youth fest UDAAN from 5^th of April to 7^th of April 2022. The festival saw several events in which students showcased their talents in Arts, Music and Literary activities. They participated in events with full dynamism and enthusiasm. Some events in which students from the Department of English participated in and bagged prizes were – Shubham Kumar, MA 1^st sem. He got First Prize in Poetry Recitation. The title of his self-composed Poem was ‘Accord of the Earth.’  Abhishek Pradyot, B.A. VI Semester, bagged 3^rd Prize in Poetry Recitation. The title of his poem was ‘Nature’. Shubham Kumar, MA 1^st Sem. got Second Prize in Essay writing Competition. The Topic of the essay was ‘Social Media the New Pillar of Democracy’. Abhishek Pradyot, B.A. Semester VI bagged 1^st Prize in Elocution (English), 1^st Prize in Turncoat and 1^st Prize in Debate (English)

Department Of English Vasanta College for Women, Rajghat organized sixth Student’s Colloquium on the topic ‘Women’s Writing in India: Reconnoitering the Folk, Regional and Tribal Domains (Inter College Meet) 19 February 2022. The students who participated from English Department and presented papers were:

1. Shirshendu Chakraborty, M.A. II Sem. presented a paper on ‘Mahabharata Through Her Eyes: Kavita Kane’s Exploration of Women in Epics.’

2. Rounak Gupta, M.A. II Sem. ‘Subversion of Ramyana into Sitayana: A Modern Retelling, Analyzing Volga’s ‘The Liberation of Sita.’

      3. Abhishek Pradyot B.A. VI Sem. presented on “Disparity Between Theory and             Practice: In Reference To ‘Mutating Goddesses: Bengal’s Laukika Hinduism and           Gender Rights.’