A Workshop on Seeing Language through a different lens

Date: 22/01/2026

The Synergia Club, Department of English, in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organised Eloquence Extravaganza, a language-focused three-part workshop on 22nd January 2026 at the MCA Gallery Lab, 6th Floor, M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Bengaluru. The session was attended by BA Ist and IInd year students, fostering an interactive and reflective academic environment.

The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Anushka Chandra and Sadaf Parveen, students of IV Semester BA Political Science, Journalism & Optional English, who welcomed the gathering. The guest speaker, Ms. Drishti Rakhra from St. Joseph’s University, was formally introduced, setting the context for the workshop’s thematic focus on language, storytelling, and everyday expression.

As a gesture of respect and sustainability, the guest was felicitated with a bouquet by Ms. Rebecca J., Head Faculty Coordinator. Ms. Drishti Rakhra’s session revolved around rethinking English beyond rigid norms, encouraging students to view it as a tool of communication, creativity, and identity. She initiated the discussion with thought-provoking questions such as “English as a skill - how do we use English in our everyday lives?” and “When and why do we want to be ‘good’ at English?”, prompting students to critically reflect on their relationship with the language. The discussion also explored the idea of “Which English?”, highlighting the plurality of linguistic expressions across cultures and contexts.

The workshop was structured into three interactive segments. The first segment, inspired by “Monsoon Memories” by Deepak Bhat, involved an individual activity where students were asked to describe a familiar smell, enabling them to connect sensory memory with descriptive language. This exercise encouraged personal reflection and expressive writing. Following a short break from 11:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the second segment drew from “The Presidential Barber” by Gabriel García Márquez. Students engaged in discussions on storytelling, addressing questions such as “Who is a storyteller?” and “What does it take to be one?”, thereby linking narrative skills with observation and empathy.

The final segment of the workshop “Ice-Box, Live Heart, and the Man Who Drove and Drove”, where students were asked to describe a person in their lives they usually do not pay attention to. This individual activity aimed to cultivate attentiveness, narrative depth, and an appreciation of ordinary lives through language. The session concluded at 12:30 p.m., leaving participants with a renewed perspective on English as a dynamic, inclusive, and expressive medium. The workshop successfully blended literary texts with practical exercises, enriching students’ understanding of language beyond conventional academic frameworks.

The event was coordinated by the Department of English, with Faculty Coordinators Ms. Rebecca J., Ms. Bhavya Bharathi, and Ms. Aarathy Sajith, under the leadership of Ms. Pushpalatha B.V., Head of the Department of English. The event was organised under the guidance of Principal Dr. Pushpa H. and Vice-Principal Prof. Jayarama B.S. Eloquence Extravaganza proved to be a meaningful academic initiative, reinforcing the importance of language as a lived and evolving practice. The Photography and Videography was taken care by Lakshmipriya and Mohammed Firoz.

“Adapted for Impact; Lessons through Literature and Biopics” Workshop

Date: 31 January 2025

The Department of English’s SYNERGIA Club, under the IQAC initiative, successfully organized a workshop titled “Adapted for Impact; Lessons through Literature and Biopics” on January 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mother Teresa Auditorium, MSRCASC. The event featured Dr. Manjula Veerappa, Associate Professor at Vijaya College, Bengaluru, as the esteemed guest speaker.

The workshop commenced with the arrival of guests, followed by an invocation song by Lakshmi Priya H. Then, Ms. Arhatha J. initiated the proceedings, while Ayan Mukerji introduced the dignitaries. Addresses were delivered by Dr. Pushpalatha B.V. (HOD, Department of English) and Prof. Jayarama B.S. (Vice-Principal, MSRCASC), after which Ms. Aishwarya Dharani welcomed the guest.

Dr. Veerappa’s session was highly engaging, beginning with an ice-breaking activity that grouped students based on their favorite literary genres. She led discussions on the impact of literature and biopics, exploring topics such as the significance of literature, its relevance in modern society, and how narratives shape cultural identity, social justice movements, and personal resilience. The discussion extended to biopics and literary adaptations, highlighting the influence of jockographies (sports biographies) and other impactful narratives.