Memorabilia 2025

 

From the Desk of the Head

 

Prof. Jagdip Sonawane releasing Memorabilia 2024-25

Click here to view the Memorabilia 2025

As we reflect upon the academic year 2024-25, it fills me with immense pride and satisfaction to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our students at the Postgraduate Department of English. This year has been truly exceptional, marking unprecedented success in national and state-level competitive examinations, along with commendable accomplishments in sports, arts, and cultural activities.

 

One of the most noteworthy highlights of this year has been the outstanding performance of our students in the UGC-NTA NET and Gujarat SET examinations. More than a dozen students have qualified for GSET, demonstrating their academic rigor and commitment to excellence. In a historic first for our department, four students cleared the GSET while still pursuing their M.A. studies, setting an inspiring precedent for future aspirants. Moreover, two of our students, Dhatri Parmar and Aakash Chavda, successfully cleared the NET examination, with Aakash achieving the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), a feat never before accomplished in our department's history. Their success serves as a testament to their dedication and the unwavering support provided by our faculty.

 

Beyond academics, our department has witnessed a resurgence of enthusiasm in various co-curricular and extracurricular domains. The sports committee was uniquely active this year, with our students excelling in intercollegiate competitions. A few of them, Srushti Chaudhari and Dhatri Parmar, even secured places in the university team, representing our institution at national-level inter-university tournaments in sports such as cricket and squash. This participation underscores the well-rounded development that our department aims to foster among its students.

 

The Art and Creativity Committee organized several unique events that allowed students to express themselves beyond conventional academic pursuits. The Library Committee, with its Annual Reading Day and guided visits to various libraries and bookshops in Bhavnagar, successfully promoted the culture of reading and intellectual curiosity. The Gardening Committee meticulously planned and executed their activities on designated days, reinforcing the importance of sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, the Celebration Committee curated a series of events, including a well-organized study tour, enriching the overall learning experience of our students. The Film Committee also organized to watch the ‘Emergency’ film in the theatre. All other departmental committees also worked diligently to ensure that the English Department remained a vibrant hub of curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular engagements.

 

Another remarkable achievement was our students' participation in Youth Festival and Excel Expression events, where they not only showcased their talents but also secured awards and recognition. These victories reinforce the importance of holistic education—an education that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms, preparing students for real-world challenges.

 

In the times we live in, it has become imperative that our students, the future leaders of society, are groomed into individuals who possess not just knowledge but also the ability to perform exceptionally in any role or task assigned to them. It is often observed that students of the arts are deeply engaged in theoretical discussions and excel in 'preaching,' but when faced with the challenge of 'practice' or 'performance,' they struggle to deliver. At the Department of English, we have consciously strived to bridge this gap. By involving our students in various activities, we aim to instill in them the ability to think critically, act decisively, and adapt seamlessly to dynamic environments. Whether it is through research, literary discussions, community outreach, or competitive platforms, we encourage our students to develop practical skills that complement their academic knowledge.

 

Education, in its truest sense, is not merely about accumulating degrees; it is about shaping individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. Our students, through their relentless pursuit of excellence, have demonstrated that they are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. As we bid farewell to the graduating batch, we extend our heartfelt best wishes for their future endeavors. We are confident that they are well-equipped to carve out a significant space for themselves in the world, irrespective of the career paths they choose. May they continue to inspire, innovate, and make a difference in every sphere they enter.

 

With best wishes,

Prof. Dilip Barad

Head, Department of EnglishMaharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University