Nov - Dec 2011 - ramniranjan jhunjhunwala college

R. J. HERALDInternetHindi Vidya Prachar Samiti’sRamniranjan Jhunjhunwala College Newsletter NOV-DEC. 2011A word from the PrincipalVol. 11 Issue:6Internet has been absolutely remarkable for spreadingawareness. We have trillions of online new friendships.More than half the world’s population is now onsocial networks. More i-phones are being producedeveryday than the number of people born. If facebookwas a country, it would be third largest in the world.Over 68 million people share and like content. If Wikipediawere a book, it would be 2.25 million pages allfor free. Any hero who brings in social change succeedsin doing three fundamental things viz. raisingawareness, creating impact and transforming the heart.The internet is great for spreading awareness and itcan be quite powerful in terms of its impact as well.What it lacks is the third element, transformation.Online friendships can only go so far. Online ties arenot equivalent to “real life” friendships. Online dilutesthe inner transformation. If we consider theprofound revolutionaries of our time the hall mark oftheir leadership wasn’t just their awareness or impactof their campaign but it was their own innertransformation. If we were to have sustainable revolutionsthat last for generations our modern day technologieshave to be designed for this element of innertransformation.Dr. Usha MukundanFACULTY NEWSDistinctionDr. Saraswathi Moorthy, Dept. ofAccountancy, successfully qualified asa certified examiner for Quality Managementfor the IMC Ramkrishna BajajNational Quality Award Criteriaand was a team member for the sitevisit to St. Xavier’s College Ahmedabadon Nov. 25-26, 2011.Prof. Maneesha Oak, Dept. of Physics,passed Certificate in Food andNutrition Course with Distinctionfrom IGNOU.Prof. Chhaya Pinge, Department ofStatistics, was awarded a Special ConsolationPrize in the Katha Competition,Lalana, Diwali magazine issue,conducted by Lalana Publications inNov. 2011.On PanelProf. M.S. Kulkarni, Dept. of Sanskrit,has been appointed as Coordinatorfor the Board of Studies forSanskrit, Pali, Ardhamagadhi andAvesta for four years by MaharashtraState Board of Secondary and HigherSecondary Education, Pune.Dr. P.G. Kale, Head, Dept. of Zoologywas appointed as a Joint Chairmanof the Syllabus Committee in Zoology.He was also appointed as a memberof Sub-committee for revisingordinances for M. Sc. programmes ofUniversity of Mumbai for Credit System.Dr. A. P. Pandey, Head, Dept. ofEnglish, was invited as a subject expertto recruit a suitable candidate forthe post of Asst. Professor in Englishat Kirti College on Dec. 19, 2011.Dr. Vilasini Patkar, Head, Dept ofCommerce, was invited as the subjectexpert to conduct interviews for thepost of Assistant Professor in Commerceat Kirti College on Dec. 19,2011.Presentation/PublicationDr. Anagha Kamble, Dept. of History,published an article entitled Situatingthe Idea of Indian Culture withinthe Indian American Community: ACross Generational Paradigm, inResearch Drops, Vol. 1 – Sept. 2011,ISSN -2231 – 105X, pp. 257-62.Prof. Latika Bhanushali, Dept. ofMarathi, Junior College, publishedher story Talave in Parivarta NachaMurali, Diwali issue, Nov. 2011,

2 R. J. Herald, Nov-Dec 2011Aurangabad.Prof. Yatin Rane, Sports Director,presented a paper on Indian HigherEducation : Global Challenges & LocalIssues at the International Conferenceon Emerging Issues & Challengeson Higher Education in India, organizedby JJT University, Rajasthan onNov. 4- 6, 2011.Dr. Baishakhi Dutta, Dept. of Geography,presented a paper titled SustainableTownship Planning and UrbanAwakening in India (Case of Lavasa)in a UGC Sponsored National Seminaron Changing Environmental Scenarioof Indian Subcontinent : A GeographicalAppraisal, organized byDepartment of Geography, Barrackpore,Rashtraguru College and Departmentof Geography, West BengalState University on Nov. 25-26, 2011.She also presented a paper titled InterUrban Growth Realities of Some MediumTowns in MMR at the 11 th AsianUrbanization Conference organized bythe Department of Geography, OsmaniaUniversity, Hyderabad on Dec. 10-13, 2011.Prof. Bhushan Arekar, Head, Dept.of Political Science, presented a researchpaper titled Public Health:Concern for Indian Democracy at theNational Seminar on Indian Democracyorganized by Jawaharlal Nehru College,Aurangabad on Dec. 24, 2011.Dr. K. Raghunath, Head, Dept. ofKannada, published an article titledMaharashtra Kannada Sahityake- Dr.G. N. Upadhya Koduge in Dr. G. N.Upadhya Felicitation Volume, Dec.,2011 published by Kannada SahityaParishad, Unit Mumbai, Maharashtra.He also published an article entitledSpatikada Shalake in M. B. KukmuFelicitation Volume, Dec. 2011, Publishedby Kannada Sahitya Parishad,Unit, Mumbai, Maharashtra, .Dr. Sneha Deuskar, Head, Dept. ofMarathi, published an article titledNeetinirpeksh Drushtikonaachyaa Katha( A Criticism on Meghana Pethe’sShort Stories) in a book titled 1980Nantarche Stri–nirmil KathanparSaahitya – ( Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati,Kannada, Sindhi) edited by Dr. PushpalataRajapure- Tapas, published byDept. of Marathi, University ofMumbai in collaboration withShabdalay Prakashan, pp.102- 114,ISBN – 978-93-80617-20-6, Dec.2010.Seminar/WorkshopDr. P. G. Kale, participated in ResourceGeneration Camp in Biology,for the Indian National BiologyOlympiad Examination, held at HomiBhabha Center for Science Educationon Nov. 29-30, 2011.Dr. Baishakhi Dutta and Prof. StevenLobo, Dept. Political Scienceparticipated in a workshop on CreditBased S.Y. Syllabi for FoundationCourse, organized by Board of Studiesin Foundation Course, Universityof Mumbai and Ramniranjan JhunjhunwalaCollege on Dec. 9, 2011.Dr. Meher Mistry, Head, Dept. ofHistory attended the 34th Historian’sWorkshop 2011 on the theme WhoseHistory? Who Is Writing? New PerspectivesOn Maritime History OfThe Indian Ocean (15th-19th Century)conducted by Dr. RuchiraBanerjee at Heras Institute of IndianHistory and Culture, St. Xavier’sCollege, Mumbai on Dec 18, 2011.Mrs. Shubhangi Vedak, Librarianattended a National Seminar on EmpoweringAcademic Libraries inKnowledge Society, organised by theDepartment of Library and InformationScience and Jawaharlal NehruLibrary, University of Mumbai onDec. 21-22, 2011.Faculty Development ProgrammeDr. Sneha Deuskar, Head, Dept.Marathi attended a Refresher Coursein Marathi from Sept. 12-Oct.1,2011.Mrs. Shubhangi M. Vedak, attendedthe refresher course in Library & InformationScience held at the Library& Information Science, Dept., Universityof Pune, from Nov.18- 28,2011.Academic OutreachDr. Sneha Deuskar, Head, Dept. ofMarathi, was invited by Hon. ViceChancellor, University of Mumbai tocompere the Felicitation Function ofthe Meritorious Students for the academicyear 2010-11, organized atUniversity Club House, Churchgateon Nov. 19, 2011.Dr. Pratibha Sardesai, Dept. of Zoologywas invited as a judge for-Science Exhibition held at CharlesHigh School, Vakola Science in Nov.2011.Dr. P. G. Kale, was a resource personfor NET/SET workshop, organizedby Institute of Science, Mumbaion Dec. 1, 2011.Dr. Vilasini Patkar was invited foran Expert Guidance Lectures in ExportMarketing for the T.Y.B.Comstudents at NSS College, MumbaiCentral, on Dec.14, 2011 and at ValiaCollege , Andheri, on Dec 20, 2011.She was invited to judge the researchprojects and presentations at the AvishkarResearch Convention in thecategory of Commerce, Managementand Law by the Students Welfare Department,Mumbai University on Dec.24, 2011.Community OutreachProf. N.M. Kulkarni, Dept. of Marathi,delivered a talk on the topicRavindra Pinge Yanche Vyaktichitranin a programme, Shalidar Sarasmat :Ravindra Pinge organized by LokmanyaSeva Sangh, Vile Parle onNov. 13, 2011.Dr. Anagha Kamble, Dept. of History,has been nominated as a memberof LIC Policy Holders Forum for theyear 2012.

3 R. J. Herald, Nov-Dec 2011DEPARTMENTAL NEWSDepartments of History and Political Science organized a field trip to Karle – Bhaja Caves on Nov. 29,2011. They also organized an Inter – Collegiate Student’s Seminar on the theme Unseen India- The UnheardStory of the North East on December 6, 2011. Prof. Sudharkar Solomonraj delivered the key note address.Prof. Steven Lobo, Dept. of Political Science and Dr. Moonmoon Jetley chaired and judged the paper presentationsof the 1 st and 2 nd session respectively. The seminar was attended by 79 students from various colleges.Department of Statistics organized a festival Statistika on Dec. 14- 15, 2011. Dr. S.T. Ingale , Principal inCharge, inaugurated the festival. Events were organized exclusively for R.J. Students on the first day. Competitionson Child Labour and Fun games based on statistical probability theory, game of ‘housie’ were a hugehit with students & staff alike. More than 300 students participated in these games. Other Inter-collegiate competitionsincluded Poster, Elocution & Power Point Presentation Competitions. Students from various collegesparticipated in these competitions. The festival was entirely organized and conducted by the students of F.Y.,S.Y. & T.Y. B.Sc class. Basically it was a festival of the students, by the students and for the students.Department of Botany arranged one day excursion to Horticulture Training Centre (HTC), Talegaon near Punefor F.Y.B.Sc botany students on Dec 10, 2011. The annual event of the department Botanica was organizedto showcase the diversity of plants and their wide applications on 23 rd December 2011. Year 2011 being theInternational year of forest, the theme for Botanica was Forest. The program was inaugurated by the ChiefGuest, Mrs. Manasi Kesarkar, Export Executive, Subhra Pharmaceuticals and a celebrity guest, Mr. NachiketDighe, Management executive for Cap Gemini. Many competitions like Bio-Rangoli, Bio-Quiz, Bio-Jewellery, Floral greetings and Project competition were arranged for students on this occasion. The exhibitionwas visited by many students of schools from the vicinity. A workshop cum sale of Warli, tribal art productswas also organized during the same.Department of Zoology organized the annual event Zoo-fest exhibition on Dec. 22, 2011. Mr. Nanda KumarMoghe, the former Conservator of Forests, Consultant to State and Central Govt for Wildlife ConservationProjects and Zoos was invited as a chief guest. The exhibition included various exhibits showcased by the studentsunder different sections like Zoo-art, Zoo-craft, Zoo-rangoli, Zoo-exhibit, Zoo-chart and Zoo-click. Zooquizwas arranged for F.Y. students.ASSOCIATION NEWSNSS- A workshop on Energy Conservation was organized by Prof. Bhushan Arekar. Mr. Mihir Mukesh, PetroleumConservation & Research Association, was the chief guest.

4 R. J. Herald, Nov-Dec 2011LIBRARY NEWSMrs. Shubhangi M. Vedak, Librarian, organised a free distribution of withdrawn books from the Library collectionon November 21-22, 2011 for the students of RJ College. Almost 80% of books were taken away bythe students. Since, students were allowed to take only one book against their identity card, maximum studentscould avail of this opportunity.COLLEGE NEWSThe Annual Cultural Festival “Reflections” was held on December 19-20, 2011. This year our mission statementwas “Go Green is our Motivation. Reflections strive for Gree Nation”. On December 19, 2011, Literaryand Fine Arts competition was held which included events like Pen a Poem, Just a Minute; Word Pecker etc.in the Literary section and Eco Rangoli, Shringar, Mehendi etc in the Fine Art section. Special efforts weretaken to arrange a cricket match and indoor games for the non teaching staffs of our college. An orchestra wasspecially arranged for the faculty. On December 20, 2011, Performing Arts programme was held. The responsefor the festival was overwhelming with almost 150 students participating actively. GreeNation was partlysponsored by IDBI and Reminges Design Studio.STUDENT NEWSMs. Asaka Shullai, S.Y.J.C., won the 1 st Prize for a paper presentation on Meghalaya – The Abode of Cloudsin the Inter- collegiate seminar organised by the Departments of History and Political Science on UnseenIndia – The Unheard story of the North – East. Ms. Dallas Pereira , S.Y.B.A., won the 2 nd Prize for a paperpresentation on Food Culture of the North East at the same seminar on Dec. 5, 2011.Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in the imagination,because it fills the soul with an agreeable surprise, gratifies its curiosity,and gives it an idea of which it was not before possessed.Joseph Addison

5 R. J. Herald, Nov-Dec 2011GUEST EDITOR’S COLUMNMy students– My source of InspirationIt would not be inappropriate to say that R J College, inthe past 30 years, has grown exponentially and I feelvery proud that I was witness to this phenomenal progressand was a small part of this very ‘happening’ college.As a teacher, I was able to grow and pursue mypassion for teaching the subject which I love the most-Economics. I dare say that this passion for Economicswould definitely have rubbed off on some of my students.As my career progressed, I got the opportunity tointeract with highly intelligent and talented colleagues.The atmosphere in the staff room was always‘charged’ with intellectual discourses, heated arguments,brilliant ideas and sometimes with joy andlaughter. The co-operation that I enjoyed from all mycolleagues is unforgettable.I was also privileged to try my hand at administration.The portfolio given to me of managing the cocurricularand extra- curricular activities gave wings tomy innovative and creative talent and allowed me tointeract with people and learn the subtle nuances of ‘peoples management.’ However in this journey themost important link was the students, without whomwe teachers are but nothing.I enjoyed my role as a teacher, a facilitator, afriend, a philosopher, a guide to all my students. Icoaxed, cajoled, and counselled them when they approachedme with their problems. In turn they surprisedme with their sheer grit and determination to succeedand to achieve their goals.There are three such experiences, which have enrichedme and made me feel proud of the R. J. students.Ramesh was a quite but regular student, alwaysattentive in the class and occasionally answering thequestions that I asked.But as the examination approached I noticed that hewas absenting himself, so much so that he did not appearfor the first term examination. When the collegereopened after the Diwali vacation, I reprimandedhim and warned him that if he continued to remainabsent, he would lose a precious academic year. Atfirst Ramesh did not sat anything, but later he met mein my office. What he said to me brought tears to myeyes. His little sister was discovered with a hole inher heart and required to be operated urgently. Thepast few months he was working literally day andnight to earn enough for the operation. He was alsorunning from pillar to post, contacting kind heartedphilanthropists and had succeeded in his venture.Ramesh promised me that henceforth he would beattending regularly and concentrating on his studies.In an age where we think that the youngergeneration have no time for building relationships,Ramesh ‘s love for his sister and family is indeed reassuring!!As the Chairperson and member of the UnfairMeans Inquiry Committee, I had the onerous task ofmeeting students who had ‘erred,’ and to whom wehad to not only reprimand but also advice them tostudy and pass and not seek ‘short cuts’ to success.One such student was Sabiha, who meekly stood infront of the committee members and quietly acceptedher ‘mistake’ and the subsequent ‘punishment’ as perthe rules laid down. I was therefore surprised whenshe came to meet me the next day and brought hermother along with her. At first I was reluctant to meetthem but I have always believed that a teacher – parentinteraction is healthy and necessary. When I heardtheir plea, it sent a chill down my spine.Sabiha’s mother was requesting me not tosend the letter from the committee to their house. Shesaid that they lived in a shanty in the Govandi area ,

6 R. J. Herald, Nov-Dec 2011where very few girls were sent to schools leave alonecolleges but Sabiha was good at her studies and shewanted her to do well in life. She was therefore supportingher college education inspite of the fact thather father who was a ‘kabbadiwala’ and who wasmost of the time in a’ drunken stupor ‘ was very muchagainst it. Therefore only when he left the house, Sabihacould attend college.During the rainy season their little home wasalways flooded with water and they had to spend hoursstanding in the water. Sabiha under such circumstancescould not study for the examination However the motherpromised me that Sabiha would not repeat the mistake.Inmany homes in India girls are shunned and illtreated. But if we have determined mothers like Sabiha’s,there is hope for every girl!!Geeta was a very intelligent and bright student,but very shy and quiet. After her graduation inEconomics, she joined the university for her post graduation.Whenshe came to meet me ,I was happy andproud to see her progress She had blossomed into aconfident, articulate and responsible person. In onebreath, she requested me not to provide study materialto the T. Y. B. A. students .Her argument was that thestudents never learnt to visit the library and do referencework.This helped me to review my methodologyof teaching and introduce subtle changes.However the following year I received the ‘bad’ news.Geeta was suffering from cancer and was bedridden. Iimmediately decided to visit her along with anotherkind hearted colleague. When we entered the one roomhouse ,nothing could have prepared me for the shock ofmy life. The tiny room was ill lit and except for a singlecot ,on which Geeta was lying and a small ‘chulla’in one corner, the room was bare and stark.Geeta,inspite of her illness smiled and welcomed us andintroduced us to her mother.After spending some timewith her, we came away, promising Geeta that wewould try to get her admitted to the Tata MemorialHospital with the help of the local authorities. Butthat did not happen. Just two days after our visit,Geeta left for her heavenly abode, dignified in deathtoo.She was the only child amongst six siblings, who hadcompleted her post graduation and was looking forwardto giving a better life to her hard working millworker father and her supportive mother. But thatwas not to be!!Geeta in her own way taught me that life is too preciousto be whiled away in bickering, complainingand criticising each other. Every moment is preciousand must be spent with our loved ones with care, joyand happiness.My students have always been my strengthand my source of inspiration. Their presence aroundme has made me feel young, energetic and vibrant. Ifeel blessed to be a teacher to them.Know your Guest Editor:Prof. Rashmi WagleProf. Rashmi Wagle has served as Vice –Principalfrom 1998 onwards. She has been instrumental inintroducing the Speakers Forum, Career Fair,Reflections and a number of other associations tomould the personality of the students. She alsorevived the Staff Academy. Her hobbies includereading, travelling and listening to music.R. J. Herald, Published by Principal Dr. UshaMukundan, R. J. College, Ghatkopar (W),Mumbai-400 086.Core Editorial Board: Prof. Neeta Chakravarty,Dr. Meher Mistry, Prof. Maria Shaikh,Dr. Janhavi Bhagwat, Prof. Suvarna Kalshetty,Ms. Shailaja Mathapati.