The Black Drongo on a "Mission" 💚

Checking the fridge for the fifth time in an hour, 

hoping new snacks magically appear in the stacks! 😉

Today's Birding Delights 💚

 

Into the Wild 💚

 

#intothewildwithrufus

The Asian Green Bee-Eater 💚

 

Meet the Smallest Bird in India 💚

 

Meet the the smallest bird in India – the Pale-billed flowerpecker (also known as Tickell’s flowerpecker).

#intothewildwithrufus

Guess this New Spotting Today! 💚

 

Today's Lovely Birding 💚

 

#intothewildwithrufus

The Yukthi of the Counterfeit | Copies Without Originals!

The “Yukthi”fied Real in The Recognitions

[Ranked Tenth Among the Top Ten Longest Novels Written in English]

#topTen

The Recognitions is William Gaddis’s 1955 debut novel, aka maximalist novel. It is also regarded as one of the earliest examples of American postmodernist literature, inspiring a host of encyclopedic, maximalist novels by authors like Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo. Moreover, it ranks at number 10 among single-volume English novels, with a whopping word count of approximately 540,000 words!

Wyatt Gwyon, the protagonist is a deeply alienated artist who becomes a master-forger of 15th-century Flemish paintings.  

What makes him a unique master-forger is that, he does not simply copy existing paintings; rather, he creates entirely new works of art in the exact style of the old masters.

So when an art critic or buyer projects the intentions of a Renaissance master onto Wyatt’s modern creation, the forgery effectively functions as an original. The novel uses this “yukthi” (for lack of a better word) to interrogate what makes anything “real” in a commodified world, thereby suggesting that modern society is composed of copies without originals!

The novel’s most unique thematic achievement is how obsessively it explores the concept of the “counterfeit.” 

While the plot centres on Wyatt Gwyon who is busy forging Flemish masterpieces, Gaddis also extends the forgery “yukthi” to every corner of modern life. 

Be it in the realm of religion, where characters perform devotion without possessing actual faith,

or the realm of intellect, where the Bohemian partygoers in Greenwich Village parrot critical theory and philosophical concepts they barely understand just to project an aura of intelligence,

or the realm of language, where words are constantly stripped of their historical weight and etymological roots, and used merely as transactional currency rather than tools for genuine connection.

The novel thus forces us to ask the question - whether anything authentic can survive in a culture obsessed with reproduction and commodification.

As a reader, we find ourselves placed in the middle of a crowded, noisy room and forced to actively listen. It is in fact a replica of the alienation and “techno-distraction overload” upon our senses in the present techno-centric century.

Before The Recognitions, American literature was largely dominated by the direct, crisp and straightforward realism of writers like Hemingway. However, with The Recognitions, Gaddis takes the crown in introducing the “maximalist” novel to the United States!

The "Art" of A Rewarding Day | The Secret in the Routine❤️

Hostel Life in the early 1990s

4th July 1994

#MCCSchool #HostelYears

On this particular day, we had our first Assembly in the grand Dr. Clement J. Felix Auditorium – the Pride of MCC School.

On an aside, I would like to give out some interesting facts about this great auditorium. Giving us all snippets with due acknowledgements to the MCC School’s Official Website –

The auditorium has an interesting history. An old building already existed when Mr. Kuruvilla Jacob purchased the land in 1946. This building housed the junior hostel and also the Headmaster’s residence. This historic building was brought down and an auditorium was built to commemorate the 150th year celebration. The foundation stone was laid by the former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi on 5th October 1985 and was inaugurated by the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Dr. M. Karunanidhi on 31st October 1990.

Coming back –

After having washed “a whole lot” of clothes and doing “Botany” classwork, (I had joined the Maths Bio group you see!) 😊 we had an 8:00 pm break where we literally devoured six bajjies, two coffees etc. (the famed South Indian bajjis).

“With great freedom comes great responsibility”, goes the good-old adage. I should admit that my hostel life has taught me how to make use of this great freedom with alacrity - how to fit into a routine, how to plan my day, how to schedule my agendas for the day, and how to act with a sense of responsibility! As a first baby step towards taking up responsibility, I learnt to wash my clothes, using washing powder, for the very first time in my life! 😉

A whole lot of things seem to have happened on this day for us newbie hostelers.

From 5.40 am when the warden (Mr. Parthiban Sir) was quite busy waking us all up with a loud clinking bell on him, to 9.40 pm when we went to bed, it was an exciting day filled with new routines and new responsibilities. (the exact phrasing I used today to wish one of our sweetest kids on her new programme!)

Be it our early morning jogging and chores, or attending our regular classes, or doing own laundry, or studying, or doing “Hostel drama practice in the Miller Hall” it really was a rewarding day by all means!

And yes! in all my life, it was the year that life in the hostel had taught us for the very first time - how to live a life of routines and responsibilities! 😊

Whenever students wish me a ‘good day’, I cheerfully respond to them with an optative expression, ‘Have a rewarding day’.

Yes! A rewarding day doesn’t happen by accident! It means to move away from passive consumption to active creation!

It could be learning a new skill, or dedicating time each day to write a new post for a blog, taking time to write a research paper, taking up a new hobby, cultivating a new habit for life, etc.

In this regard, I would like to end this blogpost in the words of eminent critic Scupin Richards –

The secret of a rewarding life is hidden in our daily routine!

How true!

The Day My Hostel Life Began | Tuning to a Rigid Institutional Routine! 😊

Living Life “By” the Clock | The Day My Hostel Life Began

#HSCDays #MCCSchool #HostelYears

[This day, 32 years ago, from my personal diary entry]

#memoriesfromdiaries

1st July 1994

This particular day in my life proved to be a monumental day for me!

A day when I experienced a massive life transition – from home life to hostel life!

The very first day of my 11th grade in MCC School, Chetpet, Madras, oops Chennai! 😊

Today even as I look back on this diary entry of almost 32 years ago, I am totally in awe!

Little had I realised back then, that one day, I will be sharing from my diary entry on the ‘Internet’ on a ‘Blog’ging platform, three decades later in time!

Be it getting a pair of sportshoes and some “good day” biscuits, or getting a few friends on the very first day - the anxieties, the curiosities, and the excitement of the day were of the highest order, you see!

There are two particular things that I wish to highlight from this diary entry as takeaways from this blogpost –

First is the sense of time-consciousness that my hostel life has taught me bigtime!

Even my personal diary entries from then on, have (I noticed it only quite late) have recorded the day by these timestamps - 10:30, 12:45, 4:00, 7:25, and finally sleeping by 8:50 p.m.

I am especially pleasantly surprised at my repeated use of the word ‘by’ to denote time.

It makes me compare our lives to a train journey, where each station arrives by – for example – by 10.30 am, by 12.45 pm, by 4 pm, by 7.25 pm and finally by 8.50 pm.

It also makes me realise how the concept of time had assumed for the first time, a lot of significance - once I had enrolled myself into a “rigid institutional routine”.

As a Professor of English today – I sure feel slightly embarrassed to see the typos and the spelling mistakes that I had innocuously made in the diary entry – which is again, a very personal one you see - 😊

Secondly, let me highlight some of my pretty “structural nativism” quirks in this entry, which are replete with the regional flavour! 😊

For example, expressions like “Today morning” (instead of this morning), “I and mummy,” and “fellow guys” etc., make this diary entry get its authentic vibes I guess!

I also noticed a few minor spelling errors like “tiffen” and “bye me” (buy me) that add to its teenage authenticity. 😊

Here’s to the little boy of 16, who “took the time” to write down his impressions - way back in 1994 – as a teenager - albeit with helluva typos, lotsa regional flavour, and anxieties of all hues writ large on him, and what not! 😊

Because, without him, I wouldn’t have been the person that I am, today!

Global Footprints | From Campus to South Korea ❤️

SKY Programme | First Edition

A Report | 1st July 2026

Today we had the first SKY Programme of the new Academic Year at 12.30 pm, in the Chemistry Seminar Hall. 15 Students who had spent their One-Semester Abroad in South Korea narrated their experiences to the assembled audience comprising of the Deans, Heads of Departments, Professors and students.

Our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson in his inaugural address highlighted the role played by the Office of International Programmes in facilitating student mobility to universities across the world. He also spoke on the visit of more than 54 renowned Universities from across the world who had come down to MCC to explore collaborations with our Institution and the resultant 12 MoUs that had happened in the last academic year. He exhorted students to finetune their portfolios with their skillsets, and make themselves employment-ready.

Dr. Rufus, Dean of International Programmes welcomed the gathering. Dr. Nirmala Mohan, Head, Dept of Commerce (SFS), Dr. Annet Pearl, Warden of Martin Hall, Prof. Livingstone, Professor of German, participated. Our newly recruited Interns did a highly commendable job. Ms. Irin from II MA Pol Science did the MC, while Shweta Vamsi (III BBA), Mathew Alex (II MA Pol Science), among others facilitated in the logistics for the programme. Dr. Serena, Associate Dean of International Programmes, proposed the Vote of Thanks. 

The programme ended at 1.20 pm, followed by a fellowship lunch at the Staff Tiffin Room.

What I personally liked about the programme was the way in which the Interns were particularly conscious of time management. All 15 students spoke, and still, we ended the Programme 10 minutes ahead of lunch time. Awesome work, dear Interns. Keep it up! 

Be an ‘Admirer’ of Success | Seven Principles for Your College Journey ❤️

The ADMIRER’s Guide to Academic Success

#PGFreshers #today

Today I met the newly enrolled students of the I MA English Class. The class was packed to capacity with all seats having been filled up. Speaks to the huge demand for the English Language and Literature Programme in MCC.

I went to class 10 minutes ahead of time, and I was surprised to find almost everyone seated in class. only two students came at 8.30 am – time the class officially started! 😊

I was happy to interact with them all. I also gave them the mnemonic term – ADMIRER, to make the most of their brief but impactful time in their PG programme in MCC.

If you want to make your academic life in MCC as a purpose-driven journey, here you’ll find the ADMIRER roadmap for a rewarding, excuse-free experience in your college life.

A - Appointments: Honour your meetings and communicate absences promptly to build unshakeable trust, reliability, and credibility.

D - Deadlines: Meet (or beat!) your due dates to earn respect, achieve your goals, and boost your self-esteem.

M - Map Your Journey: Visualise your entire academic programme from a bird’s-eye view to stay motivated and plan effectively.

I - Idea About Your Destination: Keep a clear outcome in mind to ensure your daily efforts remain purposeful and satisfying.

R - Routes to Take & Avoid: Choose your academic and personal paths wisely to ensure you are always progressing joyfully toward the right destination.

E - Excuses Are A Strict NO!: Stop making excuses; they only devalue your skills, limit your potential, and push people away from you.

R - Refuel: Make time to restore your energy through relaxing activities like solitary walks, outdoor games, therapeutic music, yoga, art, or reading.

Three Quick Tips to Simplify Your Life

Schedule Daily Downtime: Dedicate quiet time every day to write in a diary, read the newspaper, or sit in the library.

Practice a Digital Detox: Keep your mobile phone off for 8 to 10 hours a day to reclaim your time and focus.

Maintain a Positive Approach: Enthusiastically encourage your peers, avoid speaking ill of others, and never let envy undermine your own capabilities.

Here’s wishing you a rewarding academic year ahead!

The Poetics and Politics of the Ronaldo Jersey 💜

The Empire Strikes Back... | Critical Reflections on a Football Jersey

#reflections #today

30th June 2026

I happened to notice two boys wearing Ronaldo jerseys on them, on two separate occasions, today.

As students of literature would have been familiar with, from a Critical Theory standpoint, this Tee becomes a rich “textual site” in itself, offering us on a platter ample scope for a rewarding postcolonial critique!

But before we begin, a quick recap of a few essential postulates of Critical Theory –

Critical Theory seeks to challenge assumptions, status quo, capitalist subjugation, commodity fetishism, etc, thereby revealing hidden power structures, and imbalances of power. In addition, it envisions transformative action in society, by not only understanding societal problems, but also involving itself in transformative action from “what is” to “what ought to be!”

As such, critical theory serves as a liberative tool to examine society by liberating not only individuals but also societies from conditions that bind them into conformities.

In this regard, Max Horkheimer’s seminal essay titled, “Traditional and Critical Theory” can be called the foundational manifesto of the Frankfurt School, a School known for pioneering Critical Theory to the world. Its main aim is to reveal, critique, and challenge power structures within society and culture.

In a postscript to t(his) essay, from the standard, authoritative English translation by Matthew J. O'Connell, Horkheimer lays out the definition of the term in a beautiful manner!

Says he –

The total goal of critical theory is “man’s (human) emancipation from slavery.”

It is the task of the critical theoretician to reduce the tension between his own insight and oppressed humanity in whose service he thinks, adds Horkheimer.

As eminent critic Scupin Richard rightly points out, “A theory is only “critical” if it seeks “to liberate human beings from the circumstances that enslave them.”

Coming back -

Well, for any layperson who looks up this snap at first glance, it might sure look like a mundane, everyday moment of sorts!

However, when viewed through a postcolonial “critical” perspective, the snap transforms into a profound textual “site” that seeks to bring out the impact of…. oops the adverse effects of cultural imperialism, cultural hegemony, and global capitalism in all its myriad forms.

The Frankfurt School focused heavily on how mass media and consumerism - what Adorno termed the “culture industry” – served to sedate or opiate or pacify the working class!

As such, although Cristiano Ronaldo is a football player, when viewed from a “culture industry” perspective, Ronaldo is not just an athlete; he is brand ambassador for a multinational corporation - the CR7 brand – of which he is also the founder and direct owner. The CR7 brand is entangled with Western capitalist interests, and his image is strategically used to penetrate emerging non-European markets on behalf of Western “culture industries”.

Many of us would also know how Ronaldo is deeply connected with Western global brands like Nike or Herbalife, to name a few, through long-term commercial partnerships and investments!

Ultimately, while Ronaldo did not set out to conquer territories, the global brands that he endorses, like Nike or Herbalife, heavily rely on his image to conquer non-European territories!

Coming next to a poetic connect –

I would like to compare these two snapshots with a postcolonial poem titled, “Two Cultures” by the Guyanese writer David Dabydeen, since the poem also features a similar young boy who is “steeped in BBC culture”. 😊

In a way, the poem examines the deep chasm between the British colonial “centre” and the Guyanese “periphery”.

This young Caribbean boy too has internalised the coloniser’s “refined” mannerisms, rituals, language and attitudes, much akin to the boy in the snapshot who has adopted the visual culture of the West by sporting the Ronaldo jersey!

Both boys – the Carribean boy and the boys on the scooters seem to “effortlessly” carry the global symbol of imperial hegemony or cultural hegemony into their distinctly local landscapes!

At the same time, while the Caribbean boy in Dabydeen’s poem personifies linguistic imperialism, showing how adopting the coloniser’s standard English creates a barrier between the educated youth and his roots, the Indian boys on the scooters represents cultural imperialism, by sporting the Ronaldo jerseys!

On a deeper level, then, who do you think are the boys on the scooters?

Simple! the boys wearing the Ronaldo jerseys are - you, we and me! 😊

Puzzled? Ain’t we?

Yes, In the past, vast Western empires were highly successful in “exporting” their imperial languages across the world. Today, they have started exporting popular culture, through their Instagrams, and Facebooks acting as primary vehicles to “enslave” us to to the core through cultural hegemony or cultural imperialism! ☹

In that respect, when viewed through a postcolonial framework, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc are not just social networking sites. They are brand ambassadors for huge multinational corporations deeply entangled with Western capitalist interests, who use their brand value to strategically penetrate emerging markets on behalf of Western culture!

Let me conclude this post on a startling note that can rock our gentle, passive boats in the words of eminent critic Scupin Richards -

“If critical theory’s true goal is human emancipation, then our first act of modern rebellion must be to take a minute out from scrolling through our insta feeds to question the “invisible jerseys” that we all wear day in and day out, every passing day of our lives”.

Coffee, Conversations, and Kindred Spirits: A Walk Down Memory Lane ❤️

Today I was so happy to meet and spend time with my kindred spirit Dr. K. Ganesh, our former Head of the Department of English, in Campus - aka in the woods.

#kindredspirits

Thanks to the Department of Philosophy, for having invited Dr. Ganesh for a lecture on Indian Aesthetics. After the lecture, we met up for our routine fun-rendezvous – firstly under the tree, then near the bank, then in the Department – the place where Dr. Ganesh spent almost five decades of his illustrious academic life, right from his PUC days - in MCC.

We fondly remembered our frequent outings to Conferences, Seminars and Workshops – by trains, by flight and sometimes even by car – and the pure joys of those blessed morning strolls that lasted for quite a few hours and that culminated over our strong cups of coffee, as usual! 😊

15 years ago! #kindredspirits

We also recollected with nostalgia, how, when at the lectern, each of us used to signal to the other to stop our respective talks on time, by dropping a key chain, or by a mock-coughing, especially when the last five minutes is due, and when we were prone to run into overtime mode😉 to help the organisers in whatever little ways we possibly could! 😉

Today, with Dr. David Albert and Dr. Arun Kumar, we relived those memories for hours, ending as usual with our strong cups of coffee! 😊

PS: You may want to read one such past outing of ours, HERE on our blog! 

"Here I Became" | The Transformative Journey of Ms. Anarsha KM ❤️

A Rendezvous with Ms. Anarsha KM

Past Intern with the Office of International Programmes, MCC

Well, I remember the day quite vividly in memory.

It was the 11th of July 2025 at 2 pm in the CMS Indoor Theatre, where I was invited by the HoD of the VisCom Dept to give a Talk on Orientation for students who aspire to do their Higher Studies Abroad.

The Creative Invite

At the end of my Talk, there were quite a lot of thought-provoking questions from the audience. One particular student from the II BSc Visual Communication Class asked a question relating to studies abroad, and after the programme was over, she came up to me and asked me if she could intern with the Office of International Programmes.

Her decision to approach me directly speaks volumes about her character and professional readiness.

In fact, it takes a significant amount of nerve for an undergraduate student to walk up to a speaker immediately after a presentation to pitch themselves. She possesses the confidence to advocate for her own academic growth thereby stepping outside her comfort zone.

Moreover, she didn’t wait for a formal circular, or a call for applications, to apply for such a programme. I impulsively felt that, she was able to clearly envision how this practical experience fits into her desired professional trajectory.

Hence, as a first step, I asked her to be nominated by her Head of the Department, and then to come to our Office for a formal interview. She aced the interview well, and also promptly joined the Office for a two-month stint as Office Intern in our Office.

Anarsha's First Paper Presentation

In addition, on one occasion, I asked her if she would be able to present a Paper in an International Conference. She gladly agreed. She got the paper ready in a week’s time and showed it to me as well.

On yet another occasion, when I asked her if she would be confident enough to give a lecture in my II MA English class for my students, she gladly agreed, and did an impactful presentation on “Podcasts as a Digital Humanities Tool: Preserving Oral Histories in the Digital Age”. She also handled the questions that followed with such elegance.

Yet on another occasion, I asked her, ‘Anarsha, you have a very good way with words. Why don’t you start blogging?’ She started blogging soon after. 

I personally feel that, this is exactly the kind of behaviour that separates students who just come to College as a routine and passively consume lectures from those who are actively building a portfolio of real-world skills.

And today, 29th June 2026, after successfully graduating from MCC, she came to meet me with a meticulous prior appointment. And she was there on time spot-on! I was so overjoyed to see her, and I decided to have an impromptu interview with her as well. Without any hesitation, she gladly nodded to the call.

Here goes excerpts from the interview -

Hello Anarsha, are you ready for a surprise, impromptu interview?

Gladly yes, sir.

Okay now, you’ve done three years in MCC. Now tell me, how has your perspective to life changed in these three years. Also tell us about how MCC happened?

I wanted to belong somewhere. I was a social butterfly. Initially I was not able to make friends. But then, MCC changed it all for me.

The famous documentary titled, ‘Here I Became’ that was released during Deepwoods, you must have watched it, Sir?

Oh yes!

I am so happy to say that, I gave the name to this documentary, Sir.

On an aside, Here I Became is a student-led documentary that captures the legacy and transformative journey of students at Madras Christian College. The documentary explores campus life, personal growth, and the lasting impact of the institution on a student’s life, from their initial steps in the corridors to the lasting values they carry forward after graduation.

The film was created to capture the essence of life and growth on the campus, in tune with the belief system of all students who pass out from MCC - You don’t just GO through MCC. You GROW through it.”

So how did MCC transform you?

Well, Sir, MCC has made be the somebody that I am today. When I came here, I didn’t believe in myself. But after coming here, I gained lots of confidence in myself.

How did MCC happen?

Well, in the first place, MCC was not my first option at all. I intended to join NIFT, as I was planning all about fashion. But then MCC happened. It gave me a new hope. MCC gave me a family of friends. Most importantly, MCC gave me confidence to face life. MCC helped me to think out of the box, and now I can say, that MCC made me a better version of myself, of which I’m so proud of, today.

Now, coming to the Office of International Programmes, how has your Internship with the Office helped you?

Earlier, before coming to this Office, I used to look out for fellowships, scholarships and programmes outside the College. But after coming to this Office, I got the confidence that, I can go abroad without spending money on tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees. Earlier I thought, I would take an edu loan, spend a lot of money on my tuition fees, and do higher studies abroad. Now I’m confident of getting a 100% scholarship.

Moreover, I learnt that on-site experience is very important. To interact confidently with people, ask questions politely to visitors, etc.

Any one particular instance that you can quote from memory, from your stint in this Office?

Yes, Sir. The Taiwan programme that happened on 14th July 2025. I was totally unprepared for the event, and I was fresh into my internship, and when you suddenly asked me if I could do the MC, I agreed, but I felt a bit underconfident though! But then I told myself, ‘Anarsha, you should do it, you should do it!’.

Guess what? I didn’t even know the Taiwanese professor sitting next to me all through the programme. But when the programme was over, she came up to me, and said, ‘You did it so well’.

That felt so nice to hear. That was indeed a very memorable occasion for me.

Anything else you learnt during your time in the Office of International Programmes?

I started reading a lot of books and newspapers that were stacked up in the Office. I also learned the habit of documenting the daily visitors to our office. I also read through the brochures of the hundreds of foreign universities that were decked up in the Office. Added, I was also able to engage confidently with a lot of people from many foreign countries. To me, the Office is so pleasant and positive. I learnt to make my day ‘rewarding’ in every way, after coming to this Office.

Thank you Anarsha. It was such a joy talking to you.

Thank you, Sir.

It was indeed such a joy and delight to know that our Interns are doing so well now. I then rang up her Head of the Department Dr. Selvaraj, who had a lot of good words to share about her.

I would like to mention a few of his observations on his vibrant student –

She was such a good student, Sir. She was very good at content writing. In fact, she helped us a lot with the IQAC documentation so meticulously. She also actively participated in all the events that were organised both in the Department and in College. All the Newsletter reports for the College Newsletter were curated by Anarsha. Right from Day One she actively involved herself in all the activities with a cheerful spirit. She’s been part of our PR Campaigns as well. This apart, she has also presented Papers in many conferences, he added.

Felt so happy to hear that from her Professors.

Here's wishing Ms. Anarsha all success in all her noble endeavours.

The creative, retractable standee that Ms. Anarsha had designed
for the Office of International Programmes, MCC