Multilingual Reading Session

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Report :

On 26^th March 2025, the Cross-Literary Awareness Cell organized a Multilingual Reading Session for the club members. The organizer took the opportunity to introduce the Cross-Literary Awareness Cell, emphasizing its crucial role in promoting a diverse range of literary expressions across various languages. The cell’s work in fostering cross-cultural understanding through literature was highlighted, illustrating its significance in broadening perspectives and celebrating the richness of global literary traditions.

After the introduction, students eagerly participated in a reading session where they shared their visions, interpretations, and personal perspectives on the books they had chosen. This exchange of ideas sparked a thought-provoking discussion on various novels, touching on the unique elements of each work and how they were shaped by the cultural and linguistic contexts in which they were written. The students reflected on the stories, characters, and themes, offering insights that led to a deeper appreciation of the literary works.

The session then shifted to an interactive format, where thought-provoking questions were posed by the facilitators. These questions encouraged students to delve into translations, exploring how literature transcends language barriers and the complexities involved in conveying meaning across different languages. The discussion also touched on the broader dimensions of literature, highlighting how narratives can be reinterpreted and enriched through diverse linguistic lenses.

The entire session created a greater understanding of multilingual literature and left participants with new perspectives on the importance of cross-cultural literary exchanges.

Strengths of The Programme :

The Multilingual Reading Session was a valuable program that promoted diverse literary expressions and fostered cultural awareness. Its interactive format encouraged student participation, allowing them to share interpretations and engage in meaningful discussions. Expert guidance from the faculty expanded students’ understanding of translations and the nuances of multilingual literature. Overall, the session enhanced critical thinking, broadened perspectives, and celebrated the richness of literature across languages.

Challenges :

The challenges in the Multilingual Reading Session included language barriers, varying proficiency levels among students, and difficulties in conveying nuanced meanings through translations. Additionally, managing diverse literary styles and themes across languages required extra effort to ensure clear and inclusive discussions.

Programme Outcome :

The outcome of the Multilingual Reading Session was the enhanced appreciation of diverse literary traditions, improved critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of translations across languages. It encouraged inclusivity and enabled students to engage with literature from different linguistic backgrounds.

Invited Talk – Unveiling Bharathiyar’s Bilingual Legacy

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Report :

 The 11th Remembrance Day of R.A. Padmanabhan was marked with a speech that began by discussing Bharathiyar (1882-1921). Harshitha, a student, elaborated on Bharathiyar, describing him as a renowned Tamil poet, Mahakavi, social reformer, and freedom fighter. The discussion transitioned to R.A. Padmanabhan (1917-2014), the author of Chitra Bharati, a biography of Bharathiyar that has been translated into 16 languages. Bharathiyar’s contributions in both Tamil and English were highlighted, particularly his work as a medium for political journalism and his role in bridging cultures. It was mentioned that Bharathiyar had written a letter requesting ₹150 to publish his book and that he composed a sonnet in Tamil at the age of 15.

Bharathiyar’s personal life was also touched upon, including his child marriage to Chellamal when he was 14 and she was 7. It was noted that he often ended his songs and drew inspiration from poets like Shelley, whose works he avidly read. Among Bharathiyar’s English works, “The Fox with the Golden Tail” stands out. He was described as a self-designed man, with freedom and “The Level of Stars” being important aspects of his writing. His legacy as a bilingual writer, his ideas illustrated as cartoons, and the photography of Bharathiyar were also discussed. A myth surrounding his death was mentioned, along with the Bharathiyar Memorial House in Triplicane.

Strengths of The Programme :

The program effectively connected the lives and contributions of both Bharathiyar and R.A. Padmanabhan, offering a comprehensive understanding of their cultural and literary impact. By incorporating personal anecdotes, historical context, and Bharathiyar’s bilingual works, the talk created a rich, engaging narrative that resonated with attendees on multiple levels.

Challenges :

A challenge for the program was effectively conveying the depth and complexity of Bharathiyar’s contributions in both Tamil and English, given the diverse audience’s varying familiarity with his works.

Programme Outcome :

The program successfully highlighted the enduring legacy of Bharathiyar as a poet, social reformer, and bilingual writer, inspiring attendees to explore his literary contributions in both Tamil and English.

The discussion deepened the appreciation for R.A. Padmanabhan’s role in documenting Bharathiyar’s life and work, fostering greater recognition of his influence in shaping Tamil literature and culture.

 

International Invited Talk on Crossing the Border: Understanding Tibetan Narratives

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Report :

On October 8, 2024, the Seminar Hall I at SDNB Vaishnav College for Women in Chennai hosted an enlightening International Invited Talk by Tenzin Tsundue, titled “Crossing the Border: Understanding Tibetan Narratives.” The session, held from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, offered a profound insight into the ongoing refugee situation and the broader socio-political issues surrounding Tibet.

Tenzin Tsundue, a prominent Tibetan activist and poet, captivated the audience with his personal narratives and reflections on the Tibetan diaspora. He discussed the hardships faced by refugees who had fled Tibet, emphasizing the struggles of maintaining cultural identity amidst displacement. Tsundue also addressed the significance of storytelling as a medium for preserving Tibetan history, traditions, and aspirations, even in exile.

A key highlight of the talk was Tsundue’s reading of his own poetry. Through his verses, he brought to life the emotional and physical journeys of Tibetan refugees, conveying the pain, resilience, and hope embedded in their narratives. His poetry became a bridge between the audience and the Tibetan experience, evoking deep empathy and understanding.

The event was an enriching experience, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage with the Tibetan narrative through both personal accounts and artistic expression. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of narratives in shaping cultural memory and the human spirit, especially in the context of forced displacement and exile.

Strengths of The Programme :

Tenzin Tsundue’s International Invited Talk at SDNB Vaishnav College shed light on the complex Tibetan refugee crisis and its socio-political context. The seminar provided a valuable perspective on Tibetan narratives, fostering understanding and raising awareness of the ongoing struggles in Tibet.

Challenges :

A key challenge highlighted in the talk was the ongoing struggle for Tibetan identity and autonomy amidst political exile and international indifference. The students could not fully understand the implications of a refugee status.

Programme Outcome :

The talk fostered a deeper understanding of the Tibetan plight, inspiring attendees to advocate for greater global attention to Tibet’s socio-political issues.

Community literary outreach

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• Two webinars, two invited talks, two competitions, one community literary outreach and one collaborative workshop have been organized since 2022
• Students were taken for a cultural exchange program to St. Joseph Hr. Sec. School, Ernakulam, Kerala in collaboration with ELTIF (English Language Teachers’ Interaction Forum) on 21-24 September 22.