Summary
Students engaged in debate, poetry and lively conversations on literature
Discussion on opportunities for students of English and Literature
Literature, poetry, and nostalgia made their way back to St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, as The English Academy conducted its first offline event, Ekklesia, on April 1, 2022.
The short interactive session was filled with discussions, poetry recitals and a few words of inspiration from the department alumni.
“It was inspiring to witness students from the department of English demonstrate their creative talents in person after two years of online sessions. Their passion and precision of expression were commendable, be it through poetry or debate, as was their expediency to get this event organised at a short notice. I look forward to more such creative endeavours soon,” said Chandrani Biswas, deputy president of The English Academy.
Students recited poetry and also explained the context and tales behind the verses. Around seven students from the English department performed original works on a variety of topics such as love, romance, womanhood, pain, and solitude.
“We were unable to participate in college events and competitions because of the pandemic. However, when Ekklesia was planned, we were all ecstatic. I saw it as a last chance to express myself in front of the class. The poem I recited is composed by me. I left it untitled so that the audience could come up with their ideas. I wrote the poem during the 2020 lockdown when I felt a flood of emotions wash over me. The lockdown allowed us to work on ourselves by leaving us alone with our thoughts, emotions, and anxieties. This poem is about the uncertainties, insecurities and confusion that come with falling in love. Poetry has always been that confidante to whom I can freely express my thoughts and feelings,” said Sanskriti Sonthalia, a third-year student.
Students also participated in lively discussions as they took turns to share their perspectives on the theme — ‘Literature has no moral responsibility for presenting well-meaning characters’. The participants emphasised the importance of literary freedom as an art form, as well as readers’ responsibility in interpreting the work.
“Throughout the pandemic, we missed attending college events. It felt great to be a part of Ekklesia. It was very wholesome, especially since it happened only two weeks before we passed out. The debate topic was excellent and I don’t think we could have chosen a better one as literature students. All the debaters spoke very well and provided the audience with a variety of perspectives on the theme. It was intense and exhilarating all at the same time. It was a day I will always remember as one of my favourite college memories,” said Saqlain Parwez, a third-year student.
Priyam Marik, a 2019 English graduate, spoke about his college days. The Journalism and Documentary Practice student from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, discussed the different opportunities that the subject of English and Literature has to offer.
Final-year undergraduate students who are ready to finish their term spoke about how vital it was to have an offline event after a two-year lull before officially saying goodbye to the college. “The English Academy has always been known for its dynamic approach and gusto. A day dedicated to art in all its glorious forms was long due. With the pandemic crippling everything we could have done in college, this came as a breath of fresh air, with poetry, interactions and a lively debate. It was wonderful to see the department live up to its characteristic charm, again,” said Agnidev Banerjee, a third-year student.
Last updated on 20 Apr 2022
