Monday 22 April 2024

English at Work ❤️

 

MCC Research Colloquium is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Title: English at Work: Common Errors in Workplace Communication and How to Avoid Them 

by Dr. S. Samuel Rufus, Associate Professor, Department of English, MCC

Time: April 23, 2024 (Tuesday) 6:30 PM to 7.30 PM India

Join Zoom Meeting using the link given below

Meeting ID: 318 619 2180

Passcode: chemistry

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3186192180?pwd=M2l6N2F0aFJpcGhtMDBEQXUyL0gyUT09

Friday 19 April 2024

The Basics of WhatsApp Netiquette ❤️

On WhatsApp Netiquette

The Basics of WhatsApp Netiquette For Individuals

Simple and effective steps for grace and decorum in online communication through WhatsApp. 


1. Have a Good Display Pic / Profile Photo: WhatsApp is an amazing alternative for face-to-face communication. Hence, if you do a lot of official communication, it is always preferable to have a photo of yours on your profile slot.


2. Updating your ‘ABOUT’ line: Since WhatsApp acts as a substitute for face-to-face communication, the receiver may not be able to gauge, sense or predict your temperament, emotions or body language on the virtual mode. 

Hence it is always advisable to update your ABOUT status very often. 

So in case, you’re ‘Driving’, the sender will decide against messaging you. 

If you’re ‘Busy’, the sender may not want to call you or text you immediately. 

If you’re ‘At Work’ the sender will think twice before they call you.

3. Respect their ‘Personal Space’: Sometimes your receiver may not be able to reply to your message for any many reasons. Try to empathize with their situation as well.

They may be driving, or in a meeting, or on call, or at work. Don’t continue to bombard them with a string of messages. Chances are, they may block you for life after that! 

On any given day, your teachers might receive hundreds of messages from present and past students. So they may not be able to reply to all those hundreds of messages instantly. They might want to take time off their busy schedules to reply to you. 

Giving you a sample screenshot of my message line-up snapped just recently. This is the case with most of us - your teachers! 😊


To every one their own sweet commitments, ain't it? So take care to respect their spaces as well!

4. First-time Message: Remember, first impressions are best impressions – both virtual and real as well! 

So when you message a person for the very first time, never begin with a ‘Hi’ or a ‘hw r u’! It not only looks silly and absurd, but the receiver may even tend to block you for this highly insane salutation. 

In such situations, netiquette demands that you introduce yourself in as polite a way as possible when you message your contact for the very first time.

5. Official / formal communication: Never resort to an excessive use of emoticons unless you are confident and convinced about what each and every emoticon stands for. 

Etiquette demands that, when your receiver has not used an emoji / emoticon, you need not use them as well. Do not shove down a volley of emojis on your unsuspecting receiver who may be baffled at your emoji onslaught.


6. On ‘DP’ Photos: Family photos / group photos / picnic photos on your DP (Display Picture) are fine if you’re holidaying or celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or on weekends. 

But if you’re usually on office work, or on duty, it’s always better to have your own personal profile picture on your DP.

7. On Video / Audio Sharing: When you share a video or audio file with someone, NETiquette demands that, you also add a brief descriptor to what’s contained in it. For example, ‘This video is about…’ or ‘This audio contains …’ etc. 

Added, never forward any horror videos, adult videos or embarrassing videos etc., to anyone, without adding a caution-note to them!

8. On Rumours / Scandals: Never forward rumours, posts that are detrimental to the nation’s interests, unconfirmed doctor’s prescriptions, malicious propaganda, character assassination etc.

9. Being Courteous and Kind: Always be courteous, kind and gentle in all your conversations. Never be rude or abrupt. 

Remember you’re substituting for face-to-face communication. Courtesy and grace always make a good impact on the receiver, while on the other hand, rude and indecent conversation can be a dampener to any conversation.

10. Never reply when in Anger: The rule of thumb is, when you’re irritated or angry, never ever respond to any message. 

Wait for your anger to subside. Grab a cup of coffee, or drink some water, watch some TV, or read some newspaper, take a walk or listen to some soulful music. Only after you are much convinced, that your anger quotient has come down to a zero, take out your phone, and give a polite reply.

11. Avoid Asking ‘Essay Type’ Questions on WhatsApp!

There are some who keep asking ‘essay type questions’ on WhatsApp! Your teacher may be put off by such questions, since they’ll have hundreds of their students messaging them on their queries and doubts every hour of the day! 

Like for example

‘How do I prepare for my NET, Sir?

‘How do I build a good CV for myself, Sir?’

‘How do I apply for my transcripts, Sir'?

‘What are the types of questions they’ll ask me during the final interview, Sir’?

‘Is it advisable to apply to this University, Sir’?

These questions require lengthy answers which some might want to avoid texting it out on phone, since it might consume a lot of time. 

And when a teacher replies to one student, chances are, there might be a bevy of others who might also want to get their own share of answers from their teacher. 

Hence, whenever you have such essay-type questions, it’s better to call your teacher or meet them in person.

image: freepikdotcom

Thursday 11 April 2024

India Wins Sensational Match @ Sharjah | Agni II Test-fired Successfully ❤️

Agni II | & 4th ODI between India and England

11th April 1999

#memoriesfromdiaries

The Fourth Match (D/N) between India and England was held in Sharjah, today, 11th April 1999.

In this Coca Cola Cup, Venkatesh Prasad was declared Man of the Match. India won this match by a sensational 9 runs, with England being bowled out in 48.5 overs.

On the main news of the day

The first test-firing of the 2000 km range Nuclear-capable Agni-II missile was carried out successfully on this particular day, 11th April 1999.  

An Agni-II on a road-mobile launcher displayed at the Republic Day Parade 2004.

Agni-II is the second strategic ballistic missile of the Agni family.

Picture Courtesy

By Antônio Milena (ABr) - http://img.radiobras.gov.br/Aberto/index.php/Imagens.Principal.120.0.2004-01-31Original file name: 14872.jpeg, CC BY 3.0 br, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94133

By PIB - https://defpost.com/india-test-fires-agni-v-nuclear-capable-long-range-ballistic-missile/ direct link, GODL-India, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69782081

Thursday 4 April 2024

A Surprise Visit to the Research Section of the College Library

A Visit to the Research Section of the College Library

4th April 2024 | #todayinlibrary

Reflections on a Bibliophile

Today I had promised Shannon that I would pay a visit to the library to see the awesome Research Wing of the Library.

As I had promised, soon after my hour with the I MA class, at around 12.50 pm, I went to the library.

The library today was thronging with students of all hues.

All the reading sections in the ground floor and in the first floor, were filled with students reading some books or the other.

The Newspaper Reading Stands also had their own share of readers, who were immersed in their favourite sections from the day’s newspaper.

Shannon is one of our most vibrant students who always makes it a point to visit the library’s research section every single day. Right from her UG days to her MPhil days today, she has been a regular visitor to the College Library, - her second home.

I was so glad to see her ensconced in the far right corner of the Research room, having a small note book on the table, pen in hand, a flask of water near her, and a good book at hand, busy taking notes.

This is something that we admire and appreciate in our students – making productive use of their time, and celebrating their personal space.

In fact, Shannon has a lot of fans from among her juniors as well, who are in awe and admiration over her fascination for books and libraries.

Well, the Research Section looks a very invigorating space, with a good ambience, housing two huge LED TVs and desktop computers with wi-fi connection enabled as well.

I then interacted with a cross-section of the Research Scholars who were in the Research Section, and they said that they were quite satisfied with the services provided to them by the library.

Yes! We exhort and encourage you - our current students and research scholars in MCC - to make maximum use of the vast repertoire of knowledge available in the College Library.

What makes the teacher Happy? Appreciating the I MA Students who made it to class today! 💗

Acknowledging and Appreciating the I MA Students Who Made it to Class today

I MA English Class

4th April 2024 | #inclasstoday

The biggest “thank you” that you can possibly give your teacher, is by showing them that you are striving hard to give your best in your studies, and the surest way to make your teacher glad is by taking care not to miss out on their classes.  

Consistency is yet another virtue that the teacher wishes to see in their students. So make sure you are consistent in the tasks you’ve taken up or you’ve promised to do!

Doing really well only for the first few days, just to make a good first impression is not enough! It will give an impression to your teacher that you aren’t living up to your potential.

Some such students who made their teacher happy today by not missing out on their classes with me, I wish to acknowledge, appreciate and bless them through this post.

So yes! this post is to acknowledge and to appreciate the vibrant students who made it to class today.

Harshina, K

Hazel Wilhelmina F

Jeeva Minu

Kathy David

Lakshmi Ramaswami

R Sherin

S Anuradha

Tehillah Livyah Hector

Vidhyalakshmi, R

Aaron Leo

Alan M Eben

Alan Savio Jijo

Cleanson Binoy

Deego Benwick V

Hudson Mathew J

Jomon Joseph

Souparno Bhattacharya

Blessings and best wishes for you our dear students. Keep up the spirit. So proud of you.

Regards,

Dr. Rufus

Wednesday 3 April 2024

This Short Story by Toni Morrison was ‘an experiment.’ But today it’s considered one of the best short stories ever written! ❤️ But Why???

What is the Reason for Sudden Disconnects in Relationships?

[Toni Morrison’s Only Short Story, ‘Recitatif’]

Class Activity | Discussion Time

3rd April 2024 | II MA English

#todayinclass

What makes Toni Morrison’s only short story ‘Recitatif’ simply one of the best in the entire genre?

Well, this short story by Toni Morrison, titled, ‘Recitatif’ tells the story of two young girls, Twyla and Roberta. They both meet as roommates at a children's shelter called St. Bonny's. The story unfolds through a series of brief encounters that take place over several years.

One of the key aspects of the story is the deliberately intended ambiguity regarding the race of the two characters. 

The story hence raises questions about how race shapes our understanding and our perspective of ourselves and others, and how it can influence our relationships, resulting in disconnects and divisions in relationships. 

Reading Toni Morrison’s ‘Recitatif’ in class today, started a spontaneous discussion time in class, resulting in some very awe-inspiring ideas from the students.


Well, the story ‘Recitatif’ indeed prompts a very compelling question –

What is the reason for sudden disconnects, divisions, dichotomies and differences in relationships?

Students spontaneously doubled up as psychiatrists and counsellors giving such spell-binding answers.

Giving below a few of them –

Beera – One of the main reasons for disconnects in relationships happens when we start comparing our partners or friends with others, and expect more from them, as a result of the comparison.

Brindha – Disconnects happen because people lack the maturity to understand that people are different. 

Dhanavaishnavi – The main reason for disconnects in relationships is because, we don’t know ourselves. Also, we assume that we know them! We lack the consistency to love through all seasons of life. This is also because, we always think of what we can get from the relationship, rather than thinking of, what I can give to nurture the relationship.

Nishitha – Disconnects happen because of clash of opinions or perspectives.

Leela – I feel that, disconnects happen because of lack of understanding in any relationship.

Renee Mercy – A major reason for disconnects to happen in relationships is because of ‘lack of space’! When one is forced to adapt, or when they feel that their ability to think is restricted, then conflict arises, resulting in disconnects and schisms.

Shruthi Christian – A ‘time of growth’ is needed for a relationship to nurture and to grow together, before they enter into any commitment. When this ‘time of growth’ is not there, people in a relationship undergo a lot of misunderstandings resulting in disconnects.

Shruthi R – One reason for disconnects is the ‘ego clash!’ Their ego prevents them from thinking through the opponent’s perspective!

Teresa – An important reason for disconnects is the lack of communication, or miscommunication. False rumours are also an added reason for disconnects to happen.

Tirshatha – Expecting too much from the other person, is a major reason for disconnects to happen in relationships.

Vinaya – Taking the other person for granted is a major reason for disconnects to happen in relationships. They get involved emotionally, and then they play games with the hearts and minds of others. In such relationships, respect fades away over time, which eventually leads to disconnects in relationships.

Vivilia – Breaking trust and controlling others is a major reason for disconnects to happen in relationships.

Yasindhra – When we refuse to accept the other person for who they are, disconnects happen. Moreover, we try to expect more from them, and expect them to come to our level.

Anderlin – Was there a real connect between them in the first place? Because, if there had been a connect, based on 80% agreement, and 20% disagreement, then the disagreement can be transcended and the connect can be enhanced. However, if the disagreements are 80% and the agreements are 20%, then whatever compromises are tried, it can never work out, resulting in disconnects.

Abhishek – the only reason for disconnects is that, we don’t listen anymore. Initially, we listened a lot to our partner, but as days went by, the listening part slowly reduced, resulting in disconnects.

Allen – When one person in the commitment gives more and more to nurture the relationship, while the other person remains lethargic, and passive, the disconnect happens.

Kevin – The Disneyfication of life, by having high ideals for relationships, is a major reason for disconnects in relationships. It requires a lot of hard work and effort from both sides to nurture and to establish a relationship. Disneyfication cannot be of any help, whatsoever!

Shane Cristen – When expectations are too high, especially as portrayed in movies, disconnects happen.

Sharan – By failing to trust each other, because of jealousy, disconnects happen.

Sree Mugunthan – By failing to understand each other, disconnects happen.

Monday 1 April 2024

Four Records Broken Today in ODI ❤️

Four Records Broken Today

IND Vs AUS @ Kochi

Pepsi Triangular Series

1st April 1998

#memoriesfromdiaries

On this particular day, in the opening match between India and Australia, four records were broken.

Sachin on 1st April 1998 at Kochi 

Firstly, Mohd. Azharuddin, captain of the Indian Cricket Team, aged 35, became the most capped player in one-day cricket, (with 274 matches), overtaking Allan Border's record of 273 matches for Australia.

Secondly, Nayan Mongia broke the record for the most dismissals in ODIs (91 dismissals) overtaking Kiran More’s 90!

Thirdly, Azhar again broke the record for the most number of catches in this particular match, with 128 catches, as against 127 by Allan Border of Australia.

Finally, this match also has claim to fame for having the highest match aggregate between the two nations – India & Australia – with 577 runs.

Ajay Jadeja scored the maximum of 105 runs for India, with India amassing a whopping 309 runs for five wickets in 50 overs.

Australia were bowled out for 268 runs and India won by 41 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar took a record haul of five wickets in this match!

Pic: ESPNCRICINFO