"Don’t just learn how to ‘read’ a book; learn how to ‘architect’ a thought through your writing" ❤️

Workshop on “Mastering Document Architecture”

@ Ethiraj College for Women, (Autonomous), Chennai

A Report ❤️

I was glad to conduct a session on “Mastering Document Architecture” as part of a two-day workshop on “Research Methodology and Research Paper Writing”, today at Ethiraj College for Women.

The workshop was attended by 65 students whose proactive engagement throughout the session was truly impressive. I was particularly amazed and delighted to know that, four students have published research articles in reputable journals from the PG English class.

An interesting personal highlight occurred during the introductory part. The student tasked with introducing me gently came up to me and mentioned that, she was also a huge fan of the Before trilogy, specifically Before Sunrise. I felt so happy, and when I asked how she knew it was a personal favourite of mine, she replied, “Sir, I read your blogposts quite often.” Indeed, it is moments like these that remind bloggers like us of the quiet impact of digital outreach. Thank you kid. You made my day. 😊

My session focused on the structural integrity of academic writing. My core message to the students was this –

Don’t just learn how to ‘read’ a book; learn how to ‘architect’ a thought through your writing.

In fact, writing is the most expected but least cultivated skill that’s much-expected of a literature student. The world has enough people who can spot a metaphor and speak eloquently about it; it needs more people who can use that same analytical engine to build a strategy and translate it into impactful writing.

The students were exceptionally attentive, diving into the custom-designed worksheet (that I had distributed to them) with much enthusiasm.

The high calibre of the two-day workshop was further reflected in the distinguished line-up of Resource Persons, including Dr. C. Anupama (WCC), Dr. K. Ganesh (MCC, now with University of Madras), and Dr. Padma V. Mekertich (Stella Maris College).

It was a pleasure to reconnect with Dr. Ranjini G, a young and vibrant faculty member who had quite recently (27 Nov 2025) defended her PhD thesis on “Bionomical Life-Place Narratives.” Having witnessed her dedication since the inception of her research, I was proud to hear that her work was highly commended by the External Examiner, Dr. Anvar Sadhath Valiyaparambath, a very good friend.

The Ethiraj campus remains a sylvan, inspiring environment—a fitting alma mater for the many eminent leaders and artists it has produced. Some of their iconic alumnae include - Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (MP), Jayanthi Natarajan (Former Union Minister), Dhivya Suryadevara (former CFO of General Motors and Stripe), Actresses like Trisha Krishnan and Aishwarya Rajesh, and classical dancer Padma Subrahmanyam, Squash stars Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal, etc.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Nazeema Begum, Ethiraj College, for her exemplary hospitality and coordination since early December, Ms. K. Yeshoda (HoD) and Dr. Uma Viswanathan, Ethiraj College, for their warmth and professional support.

I concluded the session at 1.25 pm and had to rush back in full-throttle to MCC by 2.30 pm, 😊for the much-awaited International MoU Signing Ceremony. Thanks to our vibrant and proactive Associate Deans of International Programmes, Prof. Arun Kumar and Dr. Serena whose sincere efforts ensured that I could return to MCC in time for our International MoU Signing Ceremony today.

Additionally, today also marked the release of two insightful books, Kadaikkaalgal and Senneer, by Bharathi Mandram, St. Thomas’s Hall, MCC. Congratulations to the author, Bharathi Prabhu, and his editorial team – Dr. George, Dr. Prince Solomon and Dr. Sebulon.

Also, I’m so glad to share the news that, Dr. Jojan Job, my very good friend, (in association with the Miller Memorial Library, MCC) is hosting a Lecture to the Memory of the legendary TJS George, tomorrow, Thursday, 8th January 2026, at 2 pm in the Miller Memorial Library premises.

Ms. K. Jayanthi Krishnamachary, a well-known senior journalist and former Associate/Senior Deputy Editor at Frontline, known for her significant contributions to news analysis, culture, and editing, is the Resource Person.

Students are most welcome to participate in this Memorial Lecture, to get amazing glimpses into the life of this great legend, who has published a string of insightful books, including the definitive biography of M.S. Subbulakshmi, one of India’s greatest classical musicians.

Well, to sum it all up –

Research is more than just data; it is the architecture of ideas. Today’s workshop proved that the students of the Department of English (SS) at Ethiraj are well on their way to becoming master-architects.

Congratulations students!