A movie on Journey of Knowledge Cafe at RVIM

Social Issues in India

KC photos

The 25^th session was on the theme ‘Social Issues in India’ began with a welcome address by Ms Rashmi Shetty followed by ‘Dhyana’- Invocation on Lord Ganesh, rendered by  Ms Divya Mohan Rao.

A Blog ‘rvim.knowledgecafe.blogspot.in’ has been created and linked to the RVIM website along with a Facebook account. In the second session-‘Pragnya Ms Rashmi Shetty explained the method of access to RVIM Knowledge Café blog & Facebook account. This will give access to the information on all the sessions of RVIM Knowledge Café & creates a closed group interaction among the members. It also aims to build the brand reputation of the institution.

A movie, ‘Reminiscence of Knowledge Café’ was presented by Ms Krupa Joshi & Ms Bhavya Vikas, as a part of the celebration of the 25^th session of Knowledge Café & to recollect the memories of all the previous 24 sessions.

In the third session, ‘Drishti’, the faculty members discussed their views on the Social Issues prevailing in India.

Ms Rashmi Shetty: Gave the introduction to the session by highlighting the recent statistics on major social issues prevalent in India. Information was provided on Alcohol Abuse, Child Abuse, Child Labour, Domestic Violence, Female Infanticide, Honour Killing, Malnutrition, Rural Sanitation & Untouchability. The members discussed on what could be done to overcome these issues.

Mr Ravishankar: Spoke about the problem of garbage clearance and untouchability. Major sum of money goes to the contractors, who the general public are unaware of. Due to the misuse of funds, the BBMP workers who come to take the garbage are not provided with the minimum hygiene equipment like gloves and boots.

Mr Mahesh: Mentioned that recently there was a case of honor killing even in South India and this has to be paid heed to.

Mr Venkatesh: Raised a concern regarding increased consumption of alcohol and its ill effects on the family members.

Mr Reddy: Spoke about the dowry system prevalent in India since ages. More than 95000 women are killed every year. The cases of dowry torture accounts to 32.4 % of the total crimes. The Dowry Prohibition Act enforced since July 1, 1961, clearly stipulates that the person who gives or takes or who helps in giving or taking dowry can be sentenced to jail for 5 years.

Mr Manash Jyoti Mitra: Was of the opinion that Female infanticide has to be curtailed. Each one of us should take necessary steps to save and protect the girl child.

Ms Divyashree: Raised a concern saying that it is not about asking for change to happen, we should be the change what we look for and that the awareness of social issues should be imbibed in each one of us.

Mr Madhusudhan: Spoke about increasing rate of mal-nutrition among children. Necessary steps should be taken for efficient management of food and see that food is not wasted and the same can be directed to the needy.

Mr Siddaramanna: Said that each one of us should first be a good human being and automatically the social evils existing in the society can be eliminated.

The next session, ‘Ullasa’ consisted of two events, a skit and a group song. The skit was played by the faculty artists of RVIM.

Theme of the skit:

"Veera Swarga" Sangolli Raayana Veera Gaathe

Directed by Mr. Gowrisha,

Participants: Mr. Gowrisha, Ms. Anitha D’Silva, Mr. N Suresh, Mr. Manjunath,    Mr. Mahesh, Mr. Devraj, Mr. Satish, Mr. Shivakumar.

The faculty members sang a medley of patriotic songs to commemorate the month of Independence.

The group song was presented by:

Ms. Pavithra S T, Ms. Bhavya Vikas, Ms. Divya Mohan Rao, Ms. Krupa Joshi, Ms. Divyashree S, Mr. Manjunath M, Mr. Gowrisha, Mr. Manash Jyothi Mitra.

Music: Ms. Rashmi Shetty

As a part of the Independence Day celebration, badges of Indian flag were distributed among the faculty members. Sweets were given to mark the 25^th session of KC. The session was concluded with a Vote of thanks followed by refreshments for the faculty members.

Charlie Chaplin videos

Session # 24

The 24^th session on the theme ‘Art of Humour’ began with a welcome address by Ms Bhavya Vikas followed by ‘Dhyana’- Invocation on Lord Ganesh, rendered by Ms Krupa Joshi.

The second session-‘Pragnya’ was organised by Ms Rashmi Shetty. A video consisting of the excerpts of all the major movies acted by the legendary comedian, Charlie Chaplin was displayed.

In the third session, ‘Drishti’, the faculty members discussed their views on importance of Humour at workplace, in the classroom or any other ideas on Art of humour was exchanged.

Mr Venkatesh: Mentioned that ones work life has become very stressful and people have forgotten to laugh. He also spoke about the increasing number of laughter clubs to gain the benefits of laughter.

Ms Mary Metilda: Spoke about humor at workplace and humour is good if it is enjoyed as a joke but said that at times it can lead to pain or embarrassment. Research has been done on the types of humour and the relationship with personality traits. 2 Dominant styles of humour were mentioned, one which is adaptive and the other maladaptive. Affiliative humour and self-enhancing humour are positive and adaptive, bringing creativity in the work environment. On the other hand, aggressive humour & self-defeating humour are destructive to ones psychological and physical well-being.

Mr Chandran: Pointed that survey results have shown that people who like to watch and listen to sad movies and sad songs are more positive towards life and enjoy humour. He also gave an example of one of the RVIM student by name Roopa M, who mentioned that she liked listening to sad songs.

Mr Mahesh: Mentioned that humour reduces monotony in life & Smile increases the face value. He said that more muscles will be stressed when one frowns when compared to smile, which is more relaxing.

Mr Manash Jyoti Mitra: Was of the opinion to laugh and makes others laugh. Jokes are important to convert others distress to eustress.

Ms Divyashree: Spoke about humour in classroom and when it should be encouraged and when it should be limited.

Ms Pushpa: Shared a quote on “A real comedian is one who makes others laugh, though he is filled with sorrow”

Mr Gowrisha posed a question whether ‘Art of Humour’ can be taught?

Mr Jyotirmoy Ghosh: Mentioned that humour is definitely an Art and many movie artists like Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bhachchan, Rajkumar, Rajnikanth & Kamal Hassan have a punch with humour. He mentioned that Charlie Chaplin is one of the best humour artist and that quality of humour is not found at present. He also spoke of humour accompanied with pain & satire & concluded that humour is definitely an art.

Dr. T V Raju: Started his talk by saying humor should be a part of life, the 3 H formula for a successful teacher is H-Humility, H-Humanity, and H-Humour. Modern life is so stressful that there is no relaxation. People are mentally over-strained and due to this they are not possible to involve & talk to the family members. In order to free oneself from strain, he/she should learn the art of relaxation. One should have a strong reason to smile and should know the right timing, when to smile. One should create humour in such a way that it should not hurt the self respect of anyone. It is an Art which can be practiced to deliver joy. Humour is very important to enhance relationship, to share thoughts amongst people.

Drishti session was followed by the release of the July issue of the RVIM Newsdesk along with the soft copy (CD) to be uploaded in the college website, by Director & Ms Anita D’Silva.

The fourth session, ‘Ullasa’ was on story building game which brought out the creativity in the faculty members of RVIM.

The fifth session, ‘Srujana’, the faculty members were suggested to contribute words, starting with the letters of the word HUMOUR. A variety of qualities was shared in this session.