A debate between two batches of M A Sociology on the topic ‘Is Caste Politics the Cause of Violence Against Women in India?’ was organized by the P G section of Sociology Department, on 23rd December 2020 at 10.30 am. The program was directed online via Google meet. The final year MA students stood ‘for’ the topic while the first years were ‘against’ it. The session was moderated by the alumni Soja Jose and Anu K Jose.

The session began with the presentation of final year students Albin Baby, Rakhiya S, Manjusha M, Jose Perayil and Allan        T Sam. They particularised the violence confronted by lower caste women in working sectors, household, media etc. The current cases of crimes against Dalits reported in the country have been highlighted by the speakers with concrete illustrations of reported cases. Later, the first- year students Nourin Basheer, Samuel Roy and Alfa Rasheed presented their ideas against the former team. They elevated up the standpoint that violence against women have no caste or class; in spite of all compartmentalisations, women experience viciousness and harassment in a society like ours.

A prolific interaction session continued till 12.30 pm with the dynamic partaking of the faculty and students. The session was efficaciously managed by the moderators and was concluded with impeccable harmonizing of both margins of the topic.

Ashley James welcomed the programme and Fousiya delivered the vote of thanks.

An expert session on the topic ‘Dominance of Cyberspace over Social Expanse’ was organized by the PG section of the Department of Sociology on 22 October 2020 at 3 pm. The program was directed online via Google meet. The Resource person was Ms. Aparna George, Senior Research Associate, Jindal Law University, New Delhi. Her expertise on the topic focused mainly on the existential threat triggered by the cyber world and the glitches associated with the ascendency of cyber space in present-day society. She portrayed visibly how social media distress the confidentiality and privacy of individuals, enterprises and even nations; by pointing out various illustrations which are pertinent in the cultural and social spheres of societies.

A fruitful interaction session, with the active participation of the faculty and students was followed, which brought about a fusion of ideas.

The theme presentation competition on the topic ‘Home and Covid’ was conducted by the second MA Sociology students on 17^th October 2020 at 10.am. The programme was conducted  online mode, via. Google meet.

Students from various colleges in Kerala participated in the programme and presented their viewpoints using power point, audio and video. The presentations manifested the fact that the COVID pandemic has been disagreeably impelling the physical proximity of the people and thus social relations and interactions have been invariably redefined. The whole world has inclined to form their own narrow domains inside their homes or within the periphery of similar such confinements. The notable variations happening in day-to-day activities, gender role preferences, and the incidence of gender violence were the major areas highlighted by the students. All the presentations gave the first-hand idea that, changes during the time of COVID 19 could be considered upright or ruthless as per critical perspectives.

E. Yadhu Krishnan from Zamorin’s Guruvayoorappan College, Kozhikode secured the first prize. Prof. R. K. Varghese, PG Coordinator and Dr. Soorya Gopi, Programme organizer, evaluated the sessions and furnished various constructive suggestions. The presence and guidance of our Faculty members, Dr. Usha Babu George, Nidhi V and Aswathy Kunjumon added vitality to the programme.

The introductory presentations were steered by our students Allan T Sam, Manjusha and Lakshmipriya. The programme was compered by second year MA students – Ashley and Aarathi.

The first webinar under the banner of PARISARA, initiated by the second MA Sociology students, is on the topic, ‘Athirapalli Hydel Project: Dam, Displacement and What More?’ was conducted on 26 August 2020. Sri. S P Ravi, Director of River Research Centre and Secretary, Chalakudypuzha Samrakshana Samithi was the resource person. The webinar highlighted the need for more scientific and ecological approaches instead of political and administrative, in the decisions pertaining to the construction and maintenance of dams and hydro – electric projects. The multi – faceted impacts and consequences of the construction and operation of a project like Athirappally has been extensively investigated and discussed in various deliberations by the resource person as well as the discussants in the webinar. The threat of displacement to the nearby Kadar tribes also were one of the focal points of the theme. The webinar also searched out possible alternatives for power generation without affecting nature and species.

Many more activities with academic prominence and audio – visual presentations related to ecological sustenance, has been under its preparatory process.