LitOrient ’24 – A Report

The Department of Languages and Literature held LitOrient ’24, an orientation programme for first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students of Literature, Anantapur campus on July 3, 2024, and the BA (English) students at the Muddenahalli Campus on July 8, 2024.

The objective was to formally induct the freshers into the English Literature and Language Programme and provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the BA (Hons) programme in English, providing the students with details of the courses offered, available electives, research prospects, and opportunities for undertaking projects and internships.

Summary of the Proceedings at Anantapur Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Nelli Vani Sri, Assistant Professor of English, delivered the welcome address, followed by Prof. Rani P. L., Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences and Languages & Literature, who set the stage for the rest of the programme. Prof. Rani’s talk emphasized the role of humanities in academia and instilled confidence in the freshers for their choice of stream for their respective degrees.

Dr. (Ms.) Vijaya Lekshmi R., Assistant Professor of English, discussed the genesis of the Department and its journey to date. Dr. (Mrs.) Maitali Khanna, Associate Professor of English & Head of the Department, explained the degree requirements and goals for undergraduate freshers as prescribed by NEP 2020. Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, then outlined the various career prospects in English Language and Literature available to students after their degree at SSSIHL.

Next, Miss Sai Archana M., Teaching Assistant, highlighted the department’s achievements over recent years, including events, academic excursions, presentations, and publications by students and faculty members. This was followed by an informative and engaging panel discussion by the research scholars, who discussed the research process in English Language and Literature, drawing examples from their respective research areas. An entertaining games session, led by senior students, served as the penultimate point of the event.

Additionally, three senior students from the sub-departments of humanities—Shambhavi (Philosophy), Aastha (Political Science), and Sharanya (Economics)—provided a brief introduction to their respective subjects while sharing personal experiences from their classrooms to give the freshers a glimpse of what they could expect in the coming years.

The event coordinated by Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Miss Sreenidhi S., a research scholar at the department, followed by Mangala Aarti.

Summary of the Proceedings at Muddenahalli Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Director of the MDH campus, Sri B. Venkatramana, welcomed the freshers to the campus and key members of the faculty including Prof. P.L. Rani, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Literature; Dr. Maitali Khanna, Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Dr. B. Venkataramana, Assistant Professor of English; Dr. M.G. Mahabala Rao, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit; and Sri Sai Govardhan J., Assistant Professor of English.

Prof. P.L. Rani delivered an insightful talk on the genesis and achievements of the English Department over the years, setting an inspiring tone for the programme. Dr. Maitali Khanna welcomed the students by pinning badges onto them and presented an overview of the BA English programme, providing a comprehensive perspective on the 4-year curriculum. Dr. B. Venkataramana then delved into the essence of literature, quoting various excerpts and enriching the student’s understanding of the field. An interactive session followed, where students engaged with faculty members on topics such as career paths, programme structure, and course specifics. Dr. Maitali Khanna also assured the students of regular engagement with faculty from other campuses.

In the afternoon session, Sri Sai Govardhan J. provided an in-depth discussion on the minor subjects in the programme, career paths, and the credit framework.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Pragyan Rai, a student at the department, followed by a prayer.

LitOrient ’24 was indeed an enlightening experience for the students, giving them valuable insights into the programme and highlighting the numerous career opportunities ahead. The event aimed to facilitate academic interaction among teachers, scholars, seniors, and juniors, fostering a collaborative and enriching academic environment.