Visual Literature - Nature as "Text" | Deep Attention, Internal Sensitivity and Topophilia in the MCC Scrub Jungle Today 💚💚💚

Connecting with Nature the Krishnamurti Way!

#todayinMCC

These snaps taken by our students today - Open Forum Day - bespeak to the fact that, they have a fantastic eye for nature photography.

Be it capturing the dynamic, mid-action shot of the Indian palm squirrel scrambling its way along a bare, twisting branch, or getting such crisp details on the Common Pierrot butterfly with striking black spots and patterns, resting delicately on a cluster of green leaves, that takes real patience and skill, or highlighting the rich biodiversity and the unique scrub jungle atmosphere that makes MCC campus so special, they’ve done some amazing nature photography today.

A classic shot of the bell tower during mid-noon today, suspended between two solid yellow pillars, was lovely!

Lovely snapshots of a bright green parakeet navigating the branches, and posing pretty happily for our snaps was indeed a treat to behold! Just adjacent to the parakeet you find the natural tree hollow that these birds often use for nesting.

There’s also this lovely snap of a resilient sapling – a bright green shoot stubbornly growing out of a deep, dark crevice in the rough, reddish-brown bark of the large tree.

That’s exactly where literature steps into the realm of bioregional literary studies.

In fact, Bioregionalism relies heavily on developing and celebrating a “sense of place” aka Topophilia.

MCC is well-known for preserving and nurturing its treasured native scrub jungle. In this regard, these photos act as visual literature, documenting the unique “spirit of the place” of this specific bioregion.

In bioregional literary studies, observing the landscape is treated like reading a text, albeit with deep attention. By zooming in on the Common Pierrot butterfly, or the tiny sapling growing from the bark, or the pink Orchid Tree blossom, the students are practising what ecocritics would call “deep attention” or “slow looking.” And by doing so, they are celebrating the micro-narratives of the ecosystem that usually go unnoticed in the rush and hustle bustle of our daily life.

Yet another theme of bioregional literary studies is the celebration of our interconnectedness. These photos do exactly that. Be it the parakeet in the tree hollow or the squirrel on the branch – they beautifully exemplify the fact that, the campus is a shared habitat, were humans and more-than-humans co-inhabit in an interconnected consciousness.

Especially, the macro shot of the bright green sapling pushing its way out of the dead, cracked bark is a profound visual metaphor for resilience and regeneration. I’m reminded of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ famous quote here –

And for all this, nature is never spent;

There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;

Coming back to the lovely Krishnamurti connect,

J Krishnamurti believed that a deep, quiet awareness of the rustle of leaves, the quality of light, or the movement of a squirrel builds up a lovely “internal sensitivity”. Moreover, truth isn’t found in books or rituals, but in the direct observation of life. Nature, then, to him, was the primary classroom for empathy.

Hence, a student who is sensitive to the struggle of a tiny sapling growing out of a rough bark is cultivating the same empathy and sensitivity required to understand human suffering and joy.

Finally, JK emphasised on the fact that the observer is not separate from the observed; Hence, to ignore the scrub jungle around us is to ignore a part of ourselves!

How true!

PS: All Photos Copyright © Ms. Rakshaya, Ms. Aarthi, Ms. Rangineetha and Ms. Vishnupriya

Laziness or Liberation? The Real Cost of Our Tech-Driven Comfort! Students Battle it Out! ❤️

Debate : Is Technology Making our Lives Comfortable? or Uncomfortable ?

Report by Ms. Jothika and Ms. Preethi, I MA English

Timekeeper: Ebenezer Dhanaraj ( Limit set to 1 min for per person )

Photography: Arundhati

Date: 07-02-2026

Time: 8:35 am

Toss was won by the Team Comfortable and they started the debate.

David Vimalraj, the team leader of Comfortable side, began the debate by stating that everyone today uses mobile gadgets and without technology, none of us would be here or connected. 

Elizabeth Sharon Preethi, from Uncomfortable side began to point out that technology became the reason for the disappearance of genuine love within family and it also ribs connection between them.

Fenulah Hepzhi, from Comfortable side countered by saying that technology brings people together. She argued that the choice is ours—when we are far away, technology helps us stay connected with our families.

In response Sharon pointed out the fact of writing diminishing from us. She brought a fact that we lost touch with our emotions. Words don’t touch us anymore and the words are moreover not from the heart.

Rufus sir on that point, points out the example of using HBD instead of Happy birthday. We find it easier using three letters than two words.

Vishnupriya added to Fenulah’s argument that if we face trouble in an unfamiliar place, technology enables us to immediately contact our parents or the police. 

Rangineetha from the Uncomfortable side, pointed out the rubbing of connection with neighbours. She made an important point of loss of ‘Thinai’ in front of most of the houses early. That loss makes a problem. She stated in the end ‘ Let’s reach out to our neighbours’. 

Rufus Sir appreciated the evolving nature of students’ speech in the middle and class felt immense joy.

Fenulah further argued that writing itself is a form of technology. She gave examples such as Telegram to show how communication technologies connect people.

Swarna Rekha countered by saying that technology should not drift people away from human connections, because human relationships are important. She emphasized the supremacy of human interaction and argued that people sometimes lose direct connection with others.

Sharon responded, it doesn’t make sense connecting emotions because we connect it by keeping stories and status. And libraries become dead. She also pointed out the recent news of closure of British Council Library in Chennai. Technology made us lazy.

Swarna Rekha defended her argument and added that technology helps in the holistic development of a country. Socially, social media connects people and provides an open platform to share opinions. Medically, technology helps store medical data and patient histories. Economically, technology supports growth and development.

She further argued, using examples from traditional parenting practices, that hierarchical systems often suppressed children’s opinions and emotional intimacy. In contrast, technology has positively changed these practices by allowing children to express their viewpoints and be heard.

Mithun, criticised the topic and made a point of writing is a ritual and it’s good when it wauts without blue tick or double tick. 

Rangineetha, argued on supremacy by stating that supremacy is also in technology. It also brings gender, caste bias. Supremacy is human based and it’s not dependent on technology.

Aarthi added to Rangineetha’s point by stating supremacy isn’t in home but still we find solace in mobile than accompanying our siblings and parents after college.

Fenulah shared her personal experience with the Internet Archive, which played a vital role in helping her access research articles when physical access was impossible. She argued that technology provides the capability to invent and customize tools according to our convenience, and she reiterated that writing is an offshoot of technology. 

Jael added that accessing books through technology helps economically underdeveloped students who cannot afford physical books. She also stated that technology has made publication easier and more accessible. 

Rangineetha pointed out technology is not available and it’s not affordable to everyone. In the name of comfortability people lose patience. Even though sometimes the research topic we use isn’t new but still we don’t spend in searching it.

Rufus Sir, reminded students of a tamil song,

Thedal endra ondru ulla varai, Vazhvil suvai irukkum - meaning “As long as there is a quest, life will be interesting”. 

Rangineetha pointed out that, to print a subject, we first have to write. And overusing and complete dependency on technology doesn’t work. 

Aarthi opined that, plagiarism invention came up when the stealing of idea came into existence. And she pointed out human thinking isn’t real progress. 

Fenulah further argued that technology is a means of searching and attaining knowledge. She stated that even books are a form of technology because the printing press is a technological invention.

Vishnupriya added that human authentication itself relies on technology, for example, plagiarism-checking software that provides authenticity certificates. 

Mithun ended the debate by stating technology is a tool, not just AI or books comes within it, even a hammer is a product of technology. 

Rufus sir appreciated the point and the debate came to an end by appreciating the class for active participation and encouraging each other in every other way.

Thank you for showing up - truly showing up - every single time 💜

A Semester of Commitment – Thank You for Your Outstanding Presence in Class!

A Little Heartfelt Note of Appreciation 💜

With a heartful of Love and Blessings 💜

5th November 2025

I MA English Class

For any professor, the classroom is more than just a lecture hall; it is a sanctuary of learning, a collaborative space where curiosity thrives, dialogue happens, and the darkness of ignorance is dispelled.

This is why, even as this semester draws to a close, I wish to write a lovely little note of thanks to my dearest students of the I MA English Class, who had the greatest regard for their teacher, and attended his classes with such enthusiasm and passion. 

Interestingly, not once did I tell them in the entire semester - that, attending my classes is compulsory or mandatory. 😊

Well, students of the I MA English class in MCC are going to write their very first End of Semester Examinations tomorrow in Madras Christian College.

At the end of this first semester, I am so proud to see the following students turning up for their classes so sincerely, throughout the semester, with an attendance of above 70%

 SARAH SAJU OOMMEN - 100%

VENKATA VISHNUPRIYA D – 100%

DIVYASHREE V - 93%

R MARVEL GIFTSON – 93%

K P B AARTHI – 93%

SWARNA REKHA S – 93%

EBENEZAR DHANARAJ D - 93%

DAPHNIE IDA D - 87%

FENULAH HEPZI G – 87%

NAVEENA DEBORAH D – 87%

NIHITA CHINNU SIBU – 87%

SOUMYA ANNA JOHN – 87%

JOEL JAYARAJ A - 87%

DEEPIKA M R - 80%

ARUNTHATHI R - 80%

NATASHA – 80%

NEHA A S – 80%

RANGINEETHA RAMALINGAM – 80%

SAMITHA S – 80%

JOVITA V – 80%

JESHMITHA J - 73%

JOTHIKA R – 73%

LOIS JOE – 73%

LYDIA M – 73%

RAKSHAYA G – 73%

SWATHY – 73%

CHRISTIAN JEREMIAH C - 73%

MITHUN DEVARAJ S – 73% 

ANGELIN VERONIKA D - 73%

ANGELINE EBENEZER E - 73%

Week after week, regardless of Monday morning blues, looming deadlines, or uncooperative weather, these cherubic students were there in my class, and what’s more! They settled in, even minutes before the class began.

Not just physically present, but present - seated, notebooks open, ready to engage with their professor.

Those curious eyes, with that deep quest for knowledge, and to quote Tagore, ‘with tireless striving, stretching their arms towards perfection!’

It is a testament not only to their respect for their professor’s time but, more importantly, to their commitment to their own education.

They have understood that true learning isn’t a one-time search on Google or on AI. They have realised that, true learning is a journey! A cumulative journey! An atomic journey!

Your presence in class makes us – your professors - feel a profound sense of gratitude and validation, proving that when students show up, great teaching becomes effortless, and great learning becomes inevitable.

This excellent attendance record is the most eloquent compliment a teacher could ever receive. It is proof that the future is in truly dedicated hands.

Thank you for showing up - truly showing up - every single time.

I wish you the very best in your exams and in all your future endeavours. Let your sweet, lovely light continue to shine! 😊

And for the rest of you, please try to be regular to your classes. It is your duty! Your most sacred duty in your PG days of your college life here in MCC. 

David Vimalraj S – 67%

Jael Christy V – 67%

Preethi J – 67%

Jesica J – 60%

Joshua Joseph – 60%

Keerthi V – 60%

Meenatchi P – 60%

Eizabeth Sharon Preethi L – 53%

Irene Thomson – 53%

Abisha A – 47%

Anitha S – 40%

Genitta Gladys A – 40%

Sarvesh D – 27%

Benitta J – 20%

PS: At the very beginning of their first (this) semester in MCC, I gave them seven lovely words under the mnemonic term – ADMIRER!

These 30 lovely students (out of a class strength of 45) are true testaments to this rubric!

So what pray is ADMIRER? 😊 You may want to read more about ADMIRER, HERE on our past post.

Congratulations I MA Class

Congratulations I MA English Class!

Naveena Deborah D

Daphnie Ida D

Ebenezar Dhanaraj

Jeshmitha J

Venkata Vishnu Priya D

Aarthi KPB

Swarna Rekha S

Nihita Chinnu Sibu

Sarah Saju Oommen

R. Marvel Giftson

G Rakshaya

"Great teachers are demanding in terms of standards, but also create an environment where students experience learning as a privilege and a pleasure" ❤️

The Conscientious Student

28th October 2025

#inclasstoday

Today in my class I was asking students to guess the meaning of the word ‘Conscientious’.

In fact, the trigger for the question was my happiness on seeing a large bevy of students turn up for their classes today, in spite of the torrential downpour that continues to lash the city and its suburbs for the past 48 hours in a row, now!

“My goal is to help students balance the joy of learning with the practicality of finding a career path,” says Daniel R. Schwarz - who has been teaching with Cornell University New York for 47 years now – in his book titled, How to Succeed in College and Beyond: The Art of Learning.

Some lovely excerpts from his book -

Curiosity, desire for knowledge, and the ability to solve complex, thought‐provoking problems are important life skills.

Conscientious students need also to be skeptical, innovative, and imaginative; really distinguished thinking, even in high school, comes from questioning what one is told, reading further in classroom topics, and, on occasion, going beyond accepted formulations as they are presented.

Studying well is a matter of learning how to concentrate and block out everything else.

Most people do better when not listening to music, but some people do seem to benefit from listening to soothing music when studying.

Using study halls and homeroom periods to study, rather than wasting time on video games or social media, is a good way to be time efficient.

Even now when English is becoming the basic language of the world, it is important to study a foreign language.

For one thing, it will help you understand the world better because you will learn something about another culture.

You will be preparing yourself for more possible choices if you decide to do a junior year – or junior semester – abroad as well as for more future career opportunities.

Be alert about who are the best teachers, and take advice on who they are from the best students.

Great teachers are demanding in terms of standards, but also create an environment where students experience learning as a privilege and a pleasure. Getting to know some of your teachers well will give you the necessary sources of recommendations for your applications.

Participate in extra‐curricular activities such as varsity sports, the school newspaper, drama and choral groups, orchestra and band, debating, and student government. Developing skills and competence in these areas builds self‐ confidence.

Moreover, selective colleges favour for admission those who play leadership roles in such activities; colleges do so in part because leaders, at a more advanced level, play a vital role in college life and in part because the best advertisements for a college are alumni who have leadership roles in their communities and on the state and national levels.

College admissions departments are also favorably impressed with applicants who volunteer in the community beyond school by tutoring children or reading to those adults who for various reasons cannot read, working with the disabled, or giving some time at the local hospital or hospice.

Meaningful summer and after‐school paid jobs, such as working as a counsellor for younger children or in a hospital lab, are also seen as a plus by those deciding admission. But the more important reason to volunteer or take jobs is that doing so will enlarge your perspective and create experiences that will enrich your life now and later.

In short, conscientious students develop a robust sense of responsibility and commitment. This self-discipline translates well beyond the classroom, preparing them for the demands of the workplace and life, 

says Schwarz.

In this regard, I wish to make mention of the elite group of conscientious students who made their teacher happy today, by coming to class, in spite of the torrential downpour that pounded Chennai for 24 hours continuously.

Even this morning, while I was entering class, I could see umbrellas of all hues and shades, adorning the MA English classroom on all sides, thanks to the incessant spell of rains.

I also permitted late-comers to class today, thanks to the rains. 😊

I MA English

E. Angeline Ebenezer

V. Jovita

C. Christian Jeremiah

Daphnie Ida D

Naveena Deborah D

Deepika M. R

R. Jothika

Nihita Chinnu Sibu

Sarah Saju Oommen

Aarthi KPB

Rangineetha Ramalingam

Venkata Vishnu Priya D

G. Rakshaya

J. Jessica

A. Abisha

D. Ebenezar Dhanaraj

II MA English

Amy J Davinia

Anagha Anil

Ann Mariah Sunny

Dency Jebagnanam S

Nikita S

Preethika Nandini D

S V Nivedhaa

Sharon Rubina

Shobhana P

Surisha K

Terese Maria Broosily

Dhanush Kumar P

S Harish Rajan

So proud of you our dear students. Keep it up! 

"Blogging has been the most magical thing that has ever happened to me" ❤️

An Author and A Blogger | In Class Today

I MA English | Academic Writing Class

Dr. Suhash and Prof. Sharon

Today we had two vibrant young professors – Dr. Suhash from Christ University, Bangalore, (our illustrious alumnus), and Prof. Sharon Alice Christy, Lady Doak College, Madurai as our special guests for my Academic Writing Paper with the I MA English Class.

Dr. Suhash gave an overview of his first publication titled, Colossal Politics published by Emerald Publishers, Chennai.  He spoke on how the book explores the political systems of the United States and Great Britain, by looking at how they interact and influence important socioeconomic institutions. He also elucidated on how politics uses the media to sway public opinion, especially in the American and British legislative systems.

“If you can write one or two pages every day, you can sure finish writing a book within two months”, he said, exhorting students to write their thoughts and publish them as books. It should not be offensive but you should be smart enough to make it subtle!” he signed off.

Prof. Sharon Alice Christy, spoke to the students of the I MA English class on how blogging helped her to think critically.

“Just allow your thoughts to flow freely. Your sentences don’t have to be perfect. But always remember! you need to write things down. Pen and paper help you organize your thoughts effectively and thus make sense”.

“Blogging my thoughts has bestowed upon me an immense sense of relief. Whether I’m watching a movie or reading a book, and I want to share it with a person next to me, I find they are not quite interested some of the time. During such times, the only trusted person that bears with me is my blog. So I try to make it as visual and compelling as possible. To me, personally, blogging has been the most magical thing that has ever happened to me,” she said, and exhorted students to blog consistently. [Prof. Sharon has been a consistent blogger for the past 11 years]

On an aside, didn’t know Mrs. Helen is such an avid gardener. A Math graduate, she had us all stumped - and wonder-amazed as well - with her immense knowledge of the various nuances of gardening. Our vibrant intern Ms. Stephanie was so bowled over by Mrs. Helen's descriptions on the various types of flowers and fruit trees that she grows in her little garden, that she immediately made Mrs. Helen the Honorary Advisor of their fledgling ‘The Alternative Gardening Society’ [TAGS], that Stephanie is ideating in collaboration with Mr. Sabarinathan, our Global Student Ambassador.

Then, we all went for lunch at a yummy restaurant near Heber Hall Gate, and then, came in time for Think Tank at 3.05 pm. 

[Think Tank Report follows - from Ms. Shannon Patricia]

‘What is the purpose of writing?’ | Alumna Talk Today | in Campus

Dr. Vidya Venkat | Alumna Talk

@ MCC | Today | 7th March 2025

It was such a joy to have with us today, Dr. Vidya Venkat (2003 – 2006, BA English, MCC), to address the I MA English and II BA English Classes.

Dr. Vidya’s talk today was based on an article she had written for The Hindu on 2nd March 2018.

The article is titled, “Mahasweta Devi is not dead” - Though the writer is no more in the corporeal sense, her words, her thoughts, and the lives of those she touched infused subaltern writing with a tangible value and will ensure she continues to live on in our midst, observes Vidya.

Excerpts from her talk today -

Literature can be very liberating as a discipline. So today I wish to talk to you about ‘What is the purpose of writing?’ or ‘What does it take to be a writer?’

Einstein says that, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere”.

There are many myths on what it takes to be a writer.

Firstly, the myth that, I had to read all these legendary, canonical works to be a writer. My classmates Arjun, Sara Abraham and myself we used to have reading lists for ourselves. It was such a humongous work, and quite intimidating as well. This myth shouldn’t impede me.

Secondly, the myth that, writing should use difficult words filled with jargon. However, it’s not so. The purpose of writing is to be understood. If you set out to intimidate the reader, you are not going to achieve what Orwell or Khaled Hosseini achieved. Your job is to reach a person you don’t know.

There’s also another mode of writing – done by Virginia Woolf among others of her ilk. It’s what I call, self-indulgent writing! They write about the mental process that they were experiencing, which I feel, is okay to an extent, but it doesn’t contribute in any way to society.

That’s why I love Mahasweta Devi. Because I personally feel that, the most important task a writer wishes to accomplish is – to engage with the world.

To be a writer who makes a mark! To be a writer who wants to be remembered!

She brought a certain perspective to literature that was missing earlier.

She gave voice to the Adivasis who were oppressed / silenced.

Water, Land and Forest were the three issues that she was engaged with.

The purpose of writing is all about interiority.

So you find a purpose beyond your own emotional / psychological needs.

A writer hence, must actively engage with the world. Listening is an important skill for the writer.

Mahasweta Devi was an active listener. Her literature had a purpose to it. I read Bell Jar, but I wasn’t convinced enough. But Mahasweta Devi opened my mind to something beyond me.

She was able to step outside of herself – observed the humanity around her – gave voice to the voices that were suppressed.

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi cried out “Krishna, save me” when Dushasana tried to disrobe her. However, Mahasweta’s Draupati begs to differ. This is the message that she gives to every oppressed woman in this world, through her powerful characters. ‘You don’t need anybody to save you. You’re powerful yourself’. 

She has mobilised such powerful characters.

Take Anne Frank for example. She started writing in her diary on June 14, 1942, her 13th birthday. She continued writing in it for two years while hiding with her family in Amsterdam. She was able to impact the whole world through her writing, because she had something to say.

So as a writer, you have to figure out what you have to say!

Svetlana Alexievich is one such writer, who wrote Voices from Chernobyl, a book about the Chernobyl disaster. She witnessed a disaster and recorded it for posterity. She won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015 for her work.

Denise Levertov was a founding member of the anti-war collective RESIST, along with other prominent activists. She also participated in the Writers and Artists Protest against the Vietnam War.

Levertov was a poet, essayist, and activist who opposed American involvement in the Vietnam War. Her poetry often combined personal and political themes, and she sought to motivate others to be aware of social and political issues. She also spoke out against nuclear weaponry and the Persian Gulf War.

Arundhati Roy talks about how communism is failing in Kerala and casteism is on the rise!

Similarly, even today, Orwell is relevant because his works continue to highlight the dangers of authoritarianism, government surveillance, and the manipulation of language and information!

In summing up - to write, you need to have a pen, a paper and a sense of purpose,

she signed off.

The Talk was held in the II BA English Classroom, QSC Building, and it was well-attended by students of I MA and II BA English Classes. 

[Vasanth, II BA English, gave a memento to his senior Vidya, while Terese Maria, I MA English, honoured our guest of the day with the traditional shawl. Andrea, II BA English was the official photographer for the event]

About Dr. Vidya Venkat

Vidya Venkat is a writer and musician based out of Chennai. She has a PhD in Social Anthropology from SOAS University of London and has worked as a journalist and communications consultant in India since 2005. When not engaged in worldly pursuits, you can find her afloat in her private Universe penning poems and songs.

She completed her doctoral degree in Anthropology from SOAS, University of London on a full scholarship (SOAS Research Studentship). She is a research fellow on the European Research Council-funded Global Research Network on Parliaments and People. She also holds a Research Associate affiliation with the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS.

Her interests broadly lie in the areas of development, environment, human rights, politics and international affairs. Her writings have appeared in leading English language publications in India and abroad, including The Hindu, Frontline, The Statesman, Biblio-A Review of Books, Pambazuka, Outlook, Open, etc.

In 2011, she won the Felix scholarship - a full scholarship awarded to six academically gifted and meritorious students from India to pursue an advanced degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.