"An ability to see things from multiple perspectives, also known as critical skills..."

Scrabble Tournament @ MCC | Today

The First Ever Scrabble Tournament in MCC, got underway today at the Examinations Hall.

Well, students had already assembled in the Hall, much ahead of time, with all eagerness and enthusiasm writ large on them, awaiting the arrival of our Guest of the Day, Scrabble Champion Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy to kickstart the Tournament.

Dr. P. Wilson, our beloved Principal, had a special word of appreciation for Scrabble. Highlighting the importance of Scrabble especially for students, he also emphasized on the basic skills expected of students – which are –

An ability to see things from multiple perspectives, also known as critical skills. The ability to communicate at every level, also known as social skills or social intelligence. The ability to think and act creatively, also known as creative thinking skills, etc. Hence, Scrabble assumes great relevance and importance because it generates creative and critical thinking skills amongst players of the game, he added.

Well, before we proceed further, first let’s take a brief look into the impressive and inspirational profile of Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy.

Profile of Ranganatha Chakravarthy –

Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy is a lawyer by training, who then gave up on his profession for the love of Scrabble.

He’s now been playing the game competitively for 24 years, and is currently, ranked 4th in India. He has also represented the country in four World Scrabble Championships (2001, 2007, 2017 and 2019). This apart, Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy has founded the Madras Scrabble Foundation in 2014 to put India on the world map as a dominant force in the game of Scrabble.

We are indeed so privileged to have Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy, here with us today, who, with such passion and vibrancy, engaged the students throughout the morning session. 

Dr. Mekala Rajan, our beloved Head of the Department welcomed the gathering. Dr. Ann Thomas gave the opening prayer. Dr. Rufus [this blogger] introduced the Chief Guest of the Day. Prof. Arun Kumar proposed the vote of thanks. 

We are so thankful to Dr. Phebe Angus, and Prof. John Jeba Jeyasingh, [a confirmed Coffee bhakta like me, ;-) of the highest order], who have been very instrumental in so meticulously coordinating and arranging the entire logistics connected with the programme at the venue, much ahead of the event. 

Ever grateful to Dr. Maria Preethi Srinivasan, Head, Dept. of English, Queen Mary’s College (Autonomous), Chennai, for having introduced Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy to us in the first place. His session with the students at QMC last month, was a big draw.

Also, we are so thankful to Mr. Ganesh Aadhitya, S, II MA English, for having a fruitful interview session [albeit brief, and on the move] with Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy.

Finally, a note of appreciation to all our vibrant students in the I BA & II BA English Literature classes who were rapturously hooked on the game from start to finish.

Mr. Ranganatha Chakravarthy, an embodiment of passion, cheerfulness and enthusiasm

The Invite

In short, a rewarding day, in every way today with words – the Scrabble way! 

And well, a big thank you to Mr. Sankey, II MA English, for the lovely, sprightly snaps.