Lecture: R.K. Jhingan, landscape architect, said that there should not be development without looking at the ‘natural’ potential. Delivering a guest lecture at the School of Communication (SOC), a constituent of Manipal University, in Manipal recently, Mr. Jhingan elaborated on the impact of non-indigenous species of plants taking over indigenous species on the environment.
He spoke of environmental planning that took place when he worked with the Delhi Development Authority, including creation of a children’s park, getting rid of foreign species and replacing them with indigenous tree species. Awareness on issues related to environment was essential, Mr. Jhingan said. Nandini Lakshmikantha, SOC Director, presided over the programme.
Seminar: A UGC-sponsored national seminar on “Teaching language through literature: Feasibility of a holistic approach” was organised by the Department of English, MGM College, in collaboration with the Association of English Teachers, in Udupi recently.
Speaking at the seminar, R. Shashidhar, Head of the Department of English, Mangalore University, said that it was impossible to teach literature without sensitising oneself to language. English language had a practical purpose. But it also had an aesthetic side to it.
If the aesthetic aspect was tackled the practical aspect naturally followed. Corporate houses wanted to create an army of clerks. “They even approach universities to change the syllabus and emphasise on Functional English to cater their needs. A mind sensitised to literature is sensitised to language as well. We need culturally sensitised citizens,” he said.
H. Shantaram, Administrative Officer, Academy of General Education, presided over the inaugural function. Kusuma Kamath, Principal of MGM College, Malathi Devi, Principal of MGM PU College, and Charles Furtado, President of Mangalore University English Teachers Association, were present.
Sandhya Nambiar, seminar convener, welcomed the gathering. Srinivas Rao proposed a vote of thanks.
