World Philosophy Day Celebrated by Department of Philosophy in Collaboration with Department of Sanskrit, French and PG Department of Sociology at PGGCG-11, Chandigarh

The Department of Philosophy in collaboration with Department of Sanskrit, French and Sociology at PGGCG-11, Chandigarh organised the World Philosophy Day on 23rd November, 2020 at the Google Meet Online Platform. The Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. Anita Kaushal, Principal, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh. She highlighted various issues of philosophy. She said, " Philosophy, I feel is the very core of the individual thought process, and it provides us with questions of larger goals of our life. It develops understanding and helps one reflect on various situations with a critical approach.” On the occasion she encouraged the students with her words of wisdom. Extension Lecture was delivered by Mr. Muzaffar Ali Malla, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra on the theme “Are We Philosophers? Let us Ask Plato!” It was a very insightful and thought provoking session, where Mr. Muzzaffar dwelled on Plato's Mimesis and Analogy of divided line with reference to Book-10 of Plato's Republic. He very brilliantly explained the concept of reality of morality. The session was followed by questions and observations raised by the students regarding "concept of wrong and right amidst society", " Doing right things or doing the right thing", "different perspectives of person" etc. The Department on the occasion also organized a Declamation Competition on the topic "Rethinking Education and Human life in the times of Pandemic" The students, not only from the Philosophy Department, but from the other Departments as well showed a very enthusiastic participation. The points were impressively put forward by the students which earned them great appreciation and applause. This was followed by a Poster-making Contest on the theme “Visualising Philosophy” was a kaleidoscope of the creative potential of the students. On the occasion a Poetry-writing Competition on “My Poetry” was also organized which displayed the imaginative talent of the students and the deep thinking engaging literature. Professor Anita Kaushal also virtually felicitated the winning candidates in each competition. Prize Winners: Poster-making Contest 1st: Kavita (BA-III); 2nd Tanvi (BA-II) 3rd: Komal Devi (BA-I) Poetry-writing Competition 1st: Harleen (BA-III) 2nd: Sheereen (BA-II) 3rd: Ambika (BA-III) Declamation Competition 1st: Tanvi(BA-II) 2nd: Sheereen (BA-II) 3rd: Simran (BA-I) The students of the Department made e-cards for the participants, judges, Madam Principal and HOD Philosophy. The moderators of the event were Miss Tanvi (BA-II), Miss Ishani (BA-III), Miss Ambika (BA-III), Miss Jahanvi (BA-II) Miss Kinjal (BA-II) and Miss Sheereen (BA-II). Miss Harleen and Miss Smriti presented the thank you note on behalf of the Department

Students Webinar on Rethinking Philosophy in the Times of Online Teaching and Learning

The pandemic has been a waking call for everyone, a time to think, to look towards life in a different light. This student's webinar organised by the Department of Philosophy was one such initiative to engage young, bright minds on the theme of "Rethinking Philosophy in the Times of Online Teaching and Learning". With the sudden onset of Covid 19, methods of education per se have seen a tremendous change. From the conventional classroom method, the institutions for the sake of safety have switched to the online modes of teaching, classrooms are now the student’s rooms and video cameras are the new "face to face". Philosophy as a subject engages all spheres of life allowing us to think outside the books, and this was highly reflected in the speeches of our webinar keynote speakers- Jhanvi (BA2), Simran (BA1), Harleen (BA3) and Tanvi (BA2). Jhanvi took the lead and introduced the concept of thinking, using philosophy practically to engage with the pandemic's consequences and how online platform has knocked in everyone the importance of in person interactions. Followed Simran, who talked about her expectations from her first year in college and how they've actually turned out. She added her personal touch to Philosophy and Online teaching. Harleen threw light on teaching Philosophy and the Philosophy of teaching. Last but not the least, Tanvi expressed her concerns about the uncertainty, the ambience of online classrooms and her personal experience "studying philosophy". All these different opinions gave a new perspective to the audience to ponder upon, how life is certainly a philosophy we're supposed to discover, unveil with time. Dr. Ambuj Sharma, Shared the significance and challenges to work with the changing times- adaptation. The webinar indeed proved to be very engaging.