Hindi must be learnt by choice: Principal

The Hindi parishad was inaugurated on Monday in the Multi-purpose hall in the presence of. Principal, Fr Ambrose Pinto, Dr Fariyal Sheikh and lecturers Mr Nagaraj and Dr Vijaraghavan.

In his address Fr Ambrose said, “Hindi is a social language accepted during Independence. It should not be imposed upon people to learn, but it should be learnt by choice. Language is learnt by the way it is presented, because ours is a democracy.” The Principal encouraged the students to master the language and hold many inter-collegiate Hindi fests.

Dr Fariyal Sheikh, the co-ordinator of the Parishad said, “Students learn Hindi up to 15 years in school. They should not be scared of the language, rather should learn and understand. The student representatives of the Hindi Parishad should be motivated and inspired to participate in various events.”

Sabina Naaz and John of II CBBT have been elected President and Vice President respectively for the academic year. The President Sabina said, “My main objective as President will be to promote the Hindi literature in the College.”

The event also saw students performing dance, martial arts and poetry recitals.

- Arla I MS Com

Hindi Parishad of St Joseph's was inaugurated here on the campus on July 20. The aim of the Parishad for the year is to popularise the language. A video by Prachi and Pallavi of I MS Com

Kannada Sangha

The Kannada Sangha of St Joseph's College, Bangalore was inaugurated recently. The highlight of the event was three African students singing a Kannada song. A video by Govind and Hepsibah of M S Com.

Chemical Society

The Chemical Society, an association of Chemistry department of SJC, was inaugurated on July 17, 2009. Eminent scientist, Prof. Vijayan was the chief guest. A video by Salma, Terrina, Johnson and Aruna of II M S Com.

Prof. Vijayan inaugurates Chemical Society

Eminenet scientist from Indian Institute of Science, Prof. Vijayan inaugurated the Chemical Society here on Friday. Prof. Vijayan, who is also the President of National Science Academy, spoke on G. N. Ramachandran, the famous Indian scientist.

“Dr Ramachandran became a famous scientist through hard work and dedication,” Prof. Vijayan said.

Prof. Vijayan further spoke on the contribution of Indian groups towards the development of Protein Crystallography and the on-going research through out the world.

Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal, addressed the students said, “Science is based on reason. We have to derive conclusions from facts and not from superstition.” Speaking about Galileo, the scientist to whom this year is dedicated, he added, “Galileo not only contributed telescope but also the truth to the humanity which was based on reason.”

Michael Rajamati, Head of Department, Chemistry said, “We should be proud of what we belong to and not what belongs to us. The faculties in the department are very professional and serious about their career. We are now taking science to society for its betterment.” Motivating and encouraging the students to take part in activities, N. Nagarajan, co-coordinator of Post Graduation department of Chemistry said, “Concern, commitment and excitement are very necessary to be successful.”

Dr Shobha S. V, faculty of Chemistry department, said, “These events motivate Post-graduate and Undergraduate students towards chemical science and to pursue research and understand subject better.” Speaking about the future plans of the department she added, “The programme in the society will include crystal making, interclass wall magazine, workshops and research projects for Undergraduate students.”

Kalpavally II M Sc, talking about the event said, “The events of this sort and talks from the eminent personalities make one feel the subject easier and interesting. We get platform to share knowledge and also educate others about it.” Speaking about the importance of the event, Tanmay, a student of III B Sc said, “Events of this sort will help us to work in group. It will remove fear from students who think Chemistry as an enigma.”

- Nivedita

- Shaista

I MS Com

Kannada Sangha: African students sing Kannada song

In a unique incident of sorts, three African students, Franklin, Alim of I B.Sc and Stephen of II B.Sc. sang a Kannada song at the Kannada Sangha inauguration that took place on Thursday. The trio had put in a lot of practice to give the performance and were greeted with a loud applause. In his address, Fr Ambrose said, “Just learning Kannada doesn’t make one a Kannadiga but one has to learn the culture also. Though there are a variety of people in Bangalore from different cultural backgrounds, we all live in harmony. This is the culture of Karnataka.”

Harshitha, of III B Sc and Ravi Kiran, of II B Sc were appointed President and Vice President of Kannada Sangha for the new academic year. Also present at the event, Dr Vijay Raghavendra, HOD, Kannada Department said, “We have to encourage non-Kannada speaking students to speak Kannada by giving them an opportunity to take part in the activities in the coming days.”

- Nivedita
I MS Com

Say no to drugs, students told

Centre for Social Concern organised a seminar on the effects of drug addiction on Thursday. It was conducted by Dr Dillip Deshpande and his associates Farooq and Samik, both former drug addicts. Dr Deshpande told the students about the difference between drug addiction and drug abuse. “Drug addiction is the involuntary use of the drugs and abuse is a voluntary decision,” he said, adding, “Drug abuse leads to drug addiction; people take drugs to enjoy or due to peer pressure; but later on it leads to addiction.”

He spoke about the various myths associated with drug addiction such as it is not only the higher and lower class people that are affected by the problems of drug addiction but also the middle class. Alcohol and tobacco, though legal, should also be included under the banner of drug use.

Dr Deshpande also spoke about his personal life and trauma his family went through battling with his son’s drug addiction problem. He added, “My son struggled for the last 10 years with drug addiction and we spent more than half a crore on his treatment. We need to treat the person in a social context. Addiction is a brain disease that cannot be given up easily and social stigmas associated with drug addiction will only hamper the person’s treatment.” Dr Dillip Deshpande is a practicing pediatrician, actively involved in campaigning against drug abuse. He had a piece of advice to the students at the end, “Don’t wait to start living life today.”

- Shimrei I MS Com