Orientation Programme on Civil Service Examination

An orientation programme on civil service examination was conducted for second year PSEco students on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 during 3-4 pm. The facilitators were Mr Renjith and Mr Manjith from the Department of Professional Studies.

Every year millions of Indians aspire to become part of the most prestigious service offered by the Government of India. The process is hard and life changing but is very fulfilling for the individual. The Department of Professional Studies took up the initiative of making the students aware of the various facets of Civil Service Examinations. The representatives of the department gave us an overview of the steps involved in leading up to the ‘Mother of all Exams’, which is the exam conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). UPSC is a constitutional body, which takes care of the Civil Service Recruitments and are known for their transparency and efficiency. The exam is based on meritocracy - where everyone has a fair chance at acing the exam with their hard work and discipline. The exam is conducted at 2 levels - The Preliminary exam and the Main Exam. The paper assesses the individual’s aptitude in fields like economics, political science, history, science, geography, mathematics and any one Indian language of the individual’s choice.

The speaker emphasised on the importance of prelims. It is the exam that filters in the potential candidates for the Main Exam. The candidates who cleared the mains as well as interview are appointed into one of the following posts - IAS, IPS, IFS officers and other listed services. Social change is key in every society and the people in power are the ones who can bring about the change through the resources available to them because normal people are in positions of power and they are better able to cater to the needs of the general public because of their understanding of ground reality. Job security is one of the biggest motivating factors for people to choose this field. The speaker also opined that the scope of career growth in state administration services are limited when compared to the offerings of the centre. UPSC has a multidisciplinary approach to this exam and therefore the candidates who appear for this exam are well equipped to face the challenges of other competitive exams like the ones offered by the Reserve Bank of India, Staff Selection Commission, The Ministry of Finance and others. The speaker also provided the details about the career opportunities relating to economics for our benefit.

The session ended with the contact details of the speaker and about the open elective course that they are offering to the students. The speakers (Mr. Renjith and Mr Manjith) also gave us a glimpse of the questions that appear in the civil service exams. Overall it was a very informative and enriching experience.

A session with a Bamboo Artist

14th June 2018

The fifth semester UG elective students doing Social Ecology had a rendezvous with Mr. Vizo Putsure, an alumnus of 2010 EPS batch who is currently working as a Bamboo artist with the Nagaland bamboo Resource Center on Thursday, 14 June 2018 during 11-12. 

He was talking about the popularity and growing acceptance of bamboo based constructions and products from the environmental sustainability angle especially in Nagaland and how people like him became the advocates of bamboo based products. He narrated the process involved in treating bamboos to make value added products and how it can be used in constructing houses and doing interiors. He showed pictures to explain the same. He also demonstrated a product designed by him – an echo- to the class. Students were eager to know more about his works, the durability of bamboo based constructions, the acceptability of bamboos among common people, the benefits and limitations in using bamboo, types of bamboos ad their uses, harvesting and treating bamboos and the various products.  

Orientation on Youth for Seva

15th June, 2018

An orientation was conducted by Youth for Seva, a Non-governmental Organization on 15th June 2018. The orientation was conducted as a part of the curriculum. The students of fifth semester PSENG,PSECO and EPS attended this orientation as a part of their Sociology Elective on Analysis of Contemporary Sociology Problems. The orientation exposed us to the services of the organization: its purpose, the services conducted, their achievements and to highlight their ten years of service. Ms. Kavita from Youth for Seva briefed the students about Youth for Seva. She highlighted the impact of the organizati0n’s work on national level.

Youth for Seva has established itself in 34 cities across the country with approximately 45,000 volunteers, over 150 corporate partners and 200 NGO partners. The organization works on improving the lives of underprivileged families, providing improved quality of living, education and employment to women. The organization’s motto is ‘experience the joy of giving’ which is evident in the dedication that they have towards their contributions. Ms. Kavita had informed us of the activities that we would be a part of through which we could apply our learning.

The session gave us an insight of the amount of effort and work it takes to make an effective change in the lives of people. The orientation gave us a clear idea about the kind of work which we would be undertaking as a part of our curriculum. Students were well informed about Youth for Seva and their concerns were efficiently clarified. It was enriching orientation and several students have decided to perform their Service Learning under the guidance of Youth for Seva.

Orientation on Janaagraha

June 12, 2018

An orientation class was held at 11am on June 12th for 5th semester students (of PSENG,
EPS, PSECO) studying Analysis of Contemporary Social Problems. There were two speakers
for the session-Ms. Sangeeta and Ms. Sunita, representing the Janaagraha Organisation.
The main purpose of the session was to introduce the organisation to the students so that
they can engage in fieldwork for service learning which is a part of their curriculum.
In the one hour session that followed, a lot of information was shared with the students.
The students were informed about the core mission of Janaagraha and its focus on two
main aspects i.e. infrastructural quality and quality of citizenship. They shared various
attributes essential to being a responsible, engaged and active citizen of the country. The
kind of work that the organisation involved itself in was explained to the students. They
mainly work with school children of age group of 11-13 years and provide them with
experiential learning. They design lesson plan for these children accordingly. The speakers
encouraged the students to join their organisation and apply their knowledge practically by
serving the community. Flexibility in certain aspects of volunteering was allowed to the
students. The students were informed about the benefits of joining the organisation i.e.
they could be catalysts for behavioural change that leads to active citizenry and they would
also receive a certificate from the organisation for volunteering with them. Certain
expectations of the organisation were also mentioned to the students.

Overall, the session was an informative one. A lot of queries were raised by the students
and they were effectively answered by the speakers. The students made note of the
organisation and its areas of work. Interested students decided to sign up and look forward
to having more detailed sessions with this organisation.

An Interactive Session with Dutch Minister and Diplomat Sigrid Kaag

(Image from Nuffic Neso)

Nuffic NESO (Netherlands Education Support Office) India had organized an interactive session with the Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, to be held on 25 May 2018 at The Taj West End. Unfortunately, due to an emergency meeting, the Prime Minister had to fly back home. However, the question and answer session still took place, with Minister for Trade and Development Sigrid Kaag replacing the Prime Minister. Minister Kaag has previously worked as a diplomat, and with the United Nations in various capacities.

The event was attended by about a hundred students from IIM-B, IISc, IIIT and RV College, and five of us from Christ University. Each of the participants was required to prepare a question, which they would get the chance to ask the minister. The atmosphere was very relaxed, and the programme began with a couple of icebreakers, and a quick quiz on the Netherlands, with free goodies for those who answered correctly.

The session with Minister Kaag lasted about half an hour, and she was able to take a dozen or so questions, on topics ranging from education to traffic, technology, environment, economics and human development. The entire programme was also broadcast live on Nuffic NESO’s Facebook page. Several Dutch and Indian diplomats were also present at the programme.

The entire session was very insightful, and all of us who attended had some take away in the form of information about Indo-Dutch relations, world development and opportunities to study or work in the Netherlands. There was also a high tea arranged for all the participants at the venue. 

Samhita Bharadwaj: Exchange student at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea

My name is Samhita Bharadwaj and I am an exchange student from Christ University, Bangalore currently studying in Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea. I am assigned under the Department of Sociology but have taken subjects that correspond to my triple major course back home.

Preparing for the Move:

Travelling can be quite intimidating if you’re going to foreign place. Especially a country where you don’t speak much of the language. But still, the essence of travelling is such that the experience you get out of your whole travel can be filled with a truck load of experiences and lessons. And these experiences and lessons, we hold and cherish for a long time.  I am embarking on such a journey. A travel more so for one whole year, specifically 2 semesters. I look forward to learn and further cherish the experiences that lie ahead but even now I’m filled with a slight sense of disbelief. ‘Is this really happening?’ And as I think such thoughts, behind me the floor is filled with trays and boxes within which are all my medicines and creams. My suitcases are all open and waiting to swallow in all the goods and bags I’m planning to pack. But still, there’s still one thought that’s running in my head. ‘I am leaving home for the longest time in my whole life’

It’s been 6 hours and a half hours and my suitcase has finally devoured all that I stowed within. I am ready. All I need is a night’s rest in my bed which is quite conveniently facing the doorway. Moreover, my suitcases are all lined up near the door, some are in the living room, my camera and all electronic devices are left to be charged now. All what needed to be done is done.

With countless thoughts running in my mind, I decided to write a letter to myself titled “to be read after the exchange”. This way I can recall all those feelings and moments before departure. And I think this is a great way to put down the thoughts and somehow capture the time. Even though this week has been extremely hurried buying things in the last minute, there are quite a few things I have learnt and realized.

Firstly, there are three sets of things anyone choosing the exchange must know. It is Paperwork, Farewell and CIAs. The last 2 months running upto the exchange will be filled with so much running around for paperwork or visa or signatures on top of which your friends and classmates will prefer to demand more time with you. An important rule of thumb is Priority. What is most important, at this very moment must be considered. More importantly, what is not what’s important must be prioritized but never ignored to the last minute. In my case, contact lenses, glasses, hospital checkups and dental and eye appointments was a must before I left. However, because all these “must done” happened in the last minute, it became very difficult to get to classes and still focus on CIA activity.  Yet I did it, and fortunately I did it all and received what I needed to receive.

The Paperwork can be divided into the respective bound to university paperwork, (in my case Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea), the Student D2 Visa document list, and finally, finally, forms from our home university to be signed from several signatories like Head of Department, the Dean and COE. Another rule of thumb to be noted here is Time Management. Since most of these professors and sirs are not available at all times, it is crucial to leave some time aside through the week and gradually get all the signatures. The quicker we inform and receive the signatures, the better.

The CIAs include those from all subjects and even from the CCs that you may take. It is a must to tell our Open Elective and all our teachers before we leave about 1-2 months in prior. Better yet, informing them in December is a good decision as it also gives them to time to know when we are and are not able to attend classes or complete any assignments. Most of universities in South Korea begin their first term in the first week of March and require students to reach their respective universities and dorms by the last week of February. Thus, it is important to finish all the CIAs by the midweek of February or even the first week of February if possible to allow a little time for any native home visits or family time. It is also important to note then as we embark on the exchange, IPM freezes our attendance at a set date beyond which our attendance gets stuck and we cannot change it. So it is crucial to attend classes as much as possible to avoid any shortage of attendance.

And finally, the last and hardest bit for me is Farewell. Indian families are so complex that as an individual we are related and connected to so many people we look up to and admire. Maybe the family can compose of even friends and in my case, my university friends. It’s almost as if it was yesterday when I told them I am leaving. Seeing their reactions, watching their gestures always created a mix of emotions in me and it still does. But still, it is essential to set some time aside to visit any relatives, cousins and most importantly grandparents.

Before I have travelled to places where families and friends were certain to welcome me with open arms. For the very first time, I am embarking on a journey to face the unknown. With a nervous and excited heart, I hope and pray for this beautiful journey to be filled with so many moments I can look back and smile too. Once again, it’s all about keeping an open mind and hoping for the positive. And of course, there’s always to remember that one person’s experience is not necessarily another person’s destiny.

Both my mother and father both chose to come along with me to Daegu, Korea. These are our suitcases 

In Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea: 

As my timetable has been set for this semester, I will be attending the following classes.

1.      Modern Korean Society ( Sociology and Anthropology)
Where we survey the structure and patterns of contemporary Korean Society with an emphasis on understanding the cultural themes underlying Korean behaviour and social organization. Major concepts in sociological and anthropological approach will be taken throughout the course.
2.      Cognitive Psychology and Practice (Department of Psychology)
Where we discover the inner workings of the human mind and how efficiently humans use the mind in a variety of tasks they perform. Attention, Memory, knowledge representation, reasoning, language use are some of the cognitive capabilities will be analysed along with several research methodologies in the history of experimental psychology.
3.      Money and Banking (College of Economics and Business Administration)
Where we cover the essence of structure of financial markets and financial system along with understanding topics such as asset allocation, behaviour of interest rates, investment and banking.
4.      Politics of International Law (Department of Political Science and Diplomacy)
Where we focus on the significance of International Law in global politics and the political dimension of international law. The roles of international legal norms, institutions, practices and regimes will also be analysed. Other concepts covered are Sovereignty and Territorial rights, Just war, Human rights, International crime and ethics of commerce will also be analysed
5.      EU and Global Development ( Office of International Affairs)
      Where we understand the EU as a special international organization with its role in global order and politics. Through the module, I will gain an understanding of integration and role of EU in sustainable development. Topics such as Budget, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Security and International Aid and Education will also be analysed.
6.      South Korea and International Relations ( Office of International Affairs)
Where we survey the international relations of the Republic of Korea with other countries in its foreign policy. Countries within Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and West Asia along with other territorial countries in their diplomatic relations with Korea will also be dealt with. Us, students will also be presenting our countries and their respective relationships with South Korea.

My experiences in photographs:

  It snowed in Korea on March 8, 2018

The temperatures drop in the evenings

The classroom for South Korea and International Relations

Among the tall trees...

Wearing the hanbok, the traditional dress of Korea

Posing in front of a wall in a street in Daegu

Research presentations

Angela Cecily Joseph, Pooja Krishnakumar and Rhythm, three students from the outgoing batch of  II MA Applied Sociology, shared their dissertation work with the students from I PSEng and EPS on March 22, 2018. Their presentations on their research work were followed by vibrant and engaging discussions on some of the issues raised.

 Angela spoke on the Construction of Masculinity: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Baahubali films, while Pooja spoke about the Social Space and the Sex Worker: An Ethnography of Kamathipura and Rythm shared her research titled Comparative Study of Fertility Components To Understand The Inter-State Disparities Based On HDI Using NFHS Data.

They provided an opportunity for the first year undergraduate students to engage with the kind of reserach work that the students of MA Applied Sociology undertake.

Women's Day Celebrations 2018: A tryst with Virali Modi

A tryst with Virali Modi

11 AM, 7th of March, 2018. It was a bright beautiful morning at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. Students from the department of Sociology and Social Work along with some faculty members had jam-packed Room no. 105 in Central Block eagerly waiting to see and hear the story of Virali Modi. She was warmly welcomed by the congregation along with a speech addressed by Ashima Samuel of MA Applied Sociology. Virali, as she wanted to be addressed started with her life story. Astounding the gathering with her miraculous memoir of coming back from dead thrice, she shared on how difficult it was to get back to normalcy when she was cured with the condition to be moved around in a wheel chair forever. Having initially struggled going to the extent of trying to commit suicide, she shared on how her family, specially her mother was crucial in getting her life back on track. She went on to narrate how her fight for disability’s rights started after an ugly experience in a train station in New Delhi. Since then there has been no turning back for her. Her efforts have been recognized largely being shown by the establishments of several differently-abled friendly train stations in the country. She has only gone from strength and strength. She finally highlighted on the current issues she has taken up recently and encouraged the gathering to join her in the fight. By 12 noon, the talk was wrapped up with Liza D’Souza giving the vote of thanks. This whole sequence of events could not have been possible without Ronit Ranjan of 2 EPS, who performed as the MC. 

Virali Modi is a legend already, an electrifying personality with so much energy and power oozing out of her. It was truly an inspiration for all of us present in the room. 

Photographs for Margins

Photographs from the Conference on Margins:

Interactive Session with Prof N Jayaram

Eminent Sociologist Prof N Jayaram had an interactive session with the students of I and II MA Applied Sociology. During his session with them on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, he addressed the broad area of dualisms in Social Theory. Given below are some of the photos from the session.