Introducing the Chief Guest of the Annual Function of My College

Respected Principal Sir, Esteemed Professors, and Dear Students,

Good evening.

It is my great pleasure to introduce our Chief Guest for this year’s Annual Function.

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Mohan Bhargav, a retired Professor of English. Dr. Bhargav has had a long and distinguished career in teaching. He is well-known for his deep understanding of English literature and his enthusiasm for teaching.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bhargav has inspired many students with his engaging lectures and insightful discussions. His dedication to education has left a lasting impact on everyone he has taught.

Dr. Bhargav has also been involved in various literary activities and has contributed significantly to the field of literature. His work continues to influence and inspire others.

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Bhargav with us today. His presence adds great value to our event, and we eagerly look forward to hearing his thoughts and experiences.

Please join me in giving a warm and heartfelt welcome to Dr. Mohan Bhargav.

Thank you.

Welcome Speech for Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti at Our College

Respected principal sir, professors, and students,

Good morning and a warm welcome to all of you.

Today, we come together at our college to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. This day is dedicated to remembering Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. He played a key role in India’s fight for independence through his principles of non-violence and truth.

Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are still very relevant. He believed in peace, justice, and unity. His life showed us that we can make a difference through kindness and understanding, not violence.

As we celebrate today, let’s reflect on Gandhi’s values. Think about how we can apply his lessons in our own lives. Whether it’s by being kind to others, standing up for what is right, or promoting harmony, we can all honor his legacy.

Thank you for joining us on this important day. Your presence here shows our shared commitment to keeping Gandhi’s spirit alive.

Let’s make this celebration meaningful by embracing his ideals. May we all be inspired to live by his example.

Have a wonderful and inspiring day.

Thank you.

James Kirkup’s poem "No Men Are Foreign" is a Poignant Reflection on the Idea of Human Unity and the Senseless Nature of Conflict

 James Kirkup’s poem "No Men Are Foreign" is a poignant reflection on the idea of human unity and the senseless nature of conflict. As a lyric poem, it conveys personal emotions and universal truths through its engaging and rhythmic language. The poem's structure is straightforward, consisting of several stanzas with a consistent rhythm that reinforces its central message.

The title, "No Men Are Foreign," immediately introduces the poem’s theme of universal kinship. Kirkup’s choice of words emphasizes the idea that divisions between people—based on nationality, race, or religion—are ultimately meaningless. The poem asserts that all human beings share common traits, despite external differences.

In the poem, Kirkup presents a series of observations about how we often view others as "foreign" or different. He describes how every human experience—such as suffering, joy, and basic needs—is shared across all cultures. By doing so, he highlights the artificial nature of the barriers that separate us. The poem critiques the concept of nations and borders as sources of division, suggesting that they lead to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding.

Kirkup’s main theme revolves around the recognition of our shared humanity. He argues that no one should be considered alien or strange simply because they come from a different place. Instead, he calls for empathy and understanding, advocating for a world where people are united by their common human experiences rather than divided by superficial differences.

The message of the poem is clear and impactful: the artificial divisions we create among ourselves are counterproductive and destructive. By declaring that "no men are foreign" and "no countries strange," Kirkup encourages readers to look beyond superficial distinctions and to embrace the fundamental commonality that exists among all people. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the need for peace, solidarity, and mutual respect in a world often marred by conflict and division.

Through its accessible language and rhythmic structure, "No Men Are Foreign" effectively communicates its message of unity and compassion. It resonates deeply with readers, making it a significant and thought-provoking piece for students and anyone interested in exploring themes of human connection and the pursuit of global harmony.

A Case Study or Real Life Experience on "How Changing Jobs Can Improve Job Satisfaction!"

I know of two employees who left their jobs to find ones better suited to their temperaments. Aarti worked in a high-pressure corporate office in Mumbai. She was stressed and unhappy with the fast-paced environment. Aarti decided to leave and find a job where she could work at her own pace. After searching, she found a position at a small bookstore, where she now enjoys a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Another example is Raj, who was in a very routine, monotonous job in Delhi. He felt bored and unfulfilled. Raj wanted a role with more creativity and variety. He quit his job and started working as a freelance photographer. He now feels much more engaged and satisfied with his work. Both Aarti and Raj improved their job satisfaction by finding roles that matched their personal preferences and needs.

Absurd Drama: Its Features and Examples

Absurd Drama, also known as the Theater of the Absurd, is a genre of theater that emerged in the mid-20th century. It explores themes of existentialism, absurdity, and the human condition through unconventional narrative structures and dialogue. This form of drama often highlights the meaninglessness of human existence and the inability to communicate effectively. Martin Esslin, who coined the term "Theater of the Absurd," identified these features as central to understanding this innovative dramatic style.

Features of Absurd Drama include: 

1. Illogical or Non-Traditional Structure:

   - Plays often lack a coherent plot or clear narrative progression. Instead, they may present fragmented or cyclical events that emphasize the randomness and unpredictability of life.

2. Repetitive and Circular Dialogue:

   - Characters frequently engage in repetitive, nonsensical, or disjointed conversations. This repetition highlights the futility of their communication attempts and the absurdity of their situations.

3. Focus on Existential Themes:

   - The plays delve into existential questions about the nature of existence, the search for meaning, and the inevitability of death. They often depict a sense of life's inherent absurdity.

4. Minimalist Set and Action:

   - Stages are typically sparsely designed with minimal props and scenery. The emphasis is on dialogue and character interactions rather than visual spectacle or elaborate settings.

5. Strange or Absurd Characters:

   - Characters may act in irrational or bizarre ways, reflecting the absurdity of human nature and the futility of their actions within an indifferent universe.

6. Themes of Isolation and Alienation:

   - The plays often explore themes of loneliness and the sense of estrangement between individuals and the world around them. Characters may feel disconnected from each other and their surroundings.

Examples of Absurd Drama include:

• Absurd Drama is exemplified by several key works. Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" features two characters endlessly waiting for someone named Godot, emphasizing existential themes through repetitive dialogue. In Endgame," Beckett presents a desolate world where characters grapple with their futile existence. Eugène Ionesco's "Rhinocéros" critiques conformity through the metaphor of people turning into rhinoceroses, while "The Chairs" shows an elderly couple preparing for a non-existent audience, highlighting absurdity. Harold Pinter’s "The Birthday Party" portrays a surreal and menacing celebration, exploring isolation and communication breakdown, and "The Caretaker" delves into power dynamics and the absurdity of human interactions. These works illustrate the core features of Absurd Drama through their unique structures and thematic concerns.

Through these features and examples, Absurd Drama uses its unique approach to explore the profound and often unsettling realities of the human condition, offering a critical reflection on the nature of existence and communication.

What is the Stream of Consciousness Technique? Some Key Characteristics with Examples

The "Stream of Consciousness" novel is a narrative technique that aims to depict the continuous flow of a character's thoughts and feelings as they occur. This style reflects the natural, unstructured flow of consciousness rather than following a linear plot or conventional storytelling methods. The term "stream of consciousness" was coined by the American psychologist William James, who used it to describe the continuous and often chaotic nature of human thought.

Key characteristics of the stream of consciousness technique include:

1. Interior Monologue: The narrative often presents a character’s inner thoughts and feelings directly, sometimes in a fragmented or disjointed manner, without clear punctuation or conventional structure.
2. Non-Linear Structure: The narrative may shift between different times, places, and ideas, mirroring the fluid and often fragmented nature of human thought.
3. Subjectivity: The focus is on the character’s subjective experience, providing an intimate look into their psyche and emotional state.

Notable examples of stream of consciousness novels include:

• "Ulysses" by James Joyce: This novel is renowned for its extensive use of stream of consciousness to explore the inner lives of its characters, particularly the protagonist, Leopold Bloom.
• "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf: Woolf employs this technique to delve into the thoughts and perceptions of Clarissa Dalloway and other characters, providing a rich, multi-layered narrative.
• "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner: Faulkner uses stream of consciousness to present the fragmented and subjective experiences of various characters, particularly in the first section of the novel.

These authors use the stream of consciousness technique to explore complex characters and themes, often challenging traditional narrative forms and offering readers a deeper understanding of the characters' inner experiences.

"Balancing Work and Personal Life: A Critical Appreciation of O. Henry's 'The Romance of a Busy Broker'"

 In "The Romance of a Busy Broker," O. Henry crafts a story that humorously contrasts the demanding life of a stockbroker with a touching romantic twist. The title aptly reflects this blend of romance and the hectic world of finance. Harvey Maxwell, a dedicated and overwhelmed stockbroker, is so absorbed in his work that he becomes disconnected from his personal life, including his relationship with his secretary, Miss Leslie.

The main theme of the story is how the intense focus on work can overshadow personal relationships and important life events. Maxwell’s dedication to his job makes him forget significant personal matters, like his marriage. Miss Leslie, who appears as a kind and elegant figure, contrasts sharply with Maxwell’s frantic work environment. She becomes central to the plot when she reveals the twist that they are already married, which Maxwell has completely forgotten.

The story builds suspense around whether Maxwell will manage to find time for personal matters amidst his busy schedule. This tension is heightened by Maxwell's frantic workday and the interactions between him, his clerk Mr. Pitcher, and Miss Leslie. The climax comes when Maxwell, in a rare moment of respite, proposes to Miss Leslie in the midst of his chaotic work routine. The urgency and spontaneity of this proposal highlight his deep but previously unacknowledged feelings for her.

The twist ending reveals that Miss Leslie and Maxwell were married the previous evening, a fact Maxwell has forgotten due to his work obsession. This revelation adds a layer of irony and humor to the story, demonstrating how easily work can consume one's attention and cause them to overlook even significant personal commitments. 

Overall, "The Romance of a Busy Broker" uses O. Henry’s trademark twist to explore the theme of work-life balance. The story’s humor and irony effectively critique the all-encompassing nature of professional life, making it a memorable and insightful read.

"The Monkey's Paw" - a Haunting Short Story Written by W.W. Jacobs

"The Monkey's Paw" is a haunting short story written by W.W. Jacobs. The title is fitting as it revolves around a monkey's paw that has the power to grant three wishes, but with dreadful consequences. This mysterious object is central to the plot and drives the entire narrative.

The central theme of the story is the danger of tampering with fate. The tale warns against the human tendency to desire more than what life has given and the peril of trying to control destiny. It demonstrates how wishes can bring unforeseen and tragic outcomes, emphasizing the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for."

The story's message is clear: accepting life's natural course is wiser than trying to change it through unnatural means. The White family, the main characters, come to realize this harsh lesson too late. They are given the chance to make wishes, and their initial desire for money seems harmless enough. However, they soon learn that the cost of their wish is their son's life, showing that the price of altering fate can be steep and unbearable.

Horror is a significant element in "The Monkey's Paw." The eerie atmosphere is established right from the beginning when Sergeant-Major Morris, who brings the paw to the Whites, shares its dark history. The idea that a simple, seemingly harmless object can unleash such terror is chilling. The true horror unfolds with each wish, especially with the second wish when Mrs. White, driven by grief, wishes for her dead son to return. The thought of a loved one coming back from the dead, not as they were but as something monstrous, instills a deep sense of dread.

Suspense is masterfully built throughout the story. W.W. Jacobs uses pacing and foreshadowing to keep readers on edge. The suspense peaks when Mr. White makes his final, desperate wish to undo the horrors unleashed by the paw. The sound of knocking at the door, growing louder and more insistent, fills readers with anxiety as they anticipate the appearance of the resurrected son.

In conclusion, "The Monkey's Paw" is a powerful story that blends horror and suspense to deliver a poignant message about the perils of interfering with fate. It warns of the unforeseen consequences of our desires and the importance of accepting life's natural progression. Through the tragic experiences of the White family, the story leaves a lasting impression on the reader about the dark side of wish fulfillment.

Speech for the Vote of Thanks

 Speech for the Vote of Thanks

Good evening everyone,

My name is Rohan, and I am the General Secretary of our college. I am honored to give the vote of thanks on this special Annual Day.

First, I want to say a huge thank you to our principal and teachers. They have worked very hard to make today’s event so wonderful. Their dedication and support have guided us throughout the year, and we truly appreciate all their efforts.

Next, I want to thank all the students who performed and took part in today’s program. You practiced for many days and gave your best. Your performances were fantastic and made today a memorable event for everyone.

I also want to express our gratitude to the parents and guests who joined us. Your presence means a lot to us and adds to the joy of the day.

Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes. From setting up the decorations to helping with the sound and lighting, your hard work made everything run smoothly.

Thank you all for being here and making today so special. Have a wonderful evening!

Case Study or Real Life Experience on Not Paying Attention Can Cause Problems

One time, I didn’t listen to my parents when they told me to clean my room. They asked me to do it before dinner, but I was too busy playing video games. I ignored their instructions and kept playing. When dinner time came, my parents were upset because my room was still messy. I had to spend extra time cleaning after dinner, and I missed out on dessert. I felt bad because I didn’t follow their request and it caused extra work for me. I learned that listening to instructions helps me avoid problems and makes things go smoother. Now, I try to listen carefully and follow what I’m asked to do right away. This way, I can finish my tasks on time and avoid any extra trouble.

Case Study or Real Life Experience on Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination means treating people unfairly because they are a man or a woman. This can happen at work, in school, or even at home. For example, if boys and girls are given different chores or if girls are told they can’t play certain sports, that’s unfair. If I were a leader, I would make sure everyone is treated equally, no matter if they are a boy or a girl. I would create rules that make sure everyone gets the same chances to do the same things and that everyone’s ideas are listened to. I would also teach people about the importance of fairness and respect so that everyone feels valued and has the same opportunities to succeed. This way, we can all work together to make things better for everyone.

10 Points to Remember While Preparing Notes

 Preparing notes effectively can greatly enhance your learning and retention of information. Here are some tips to help you prepare your notes easily:

1. Stay organized: Start by using a dedicated notebook or digital note-taking app to keep all your notes in one place. Create separate sections or categories for different subjects or topics to maintain clarity and ease of reference.

2. Use headings and subheadings: Break down your notes into clear sections using headings and subheadings. This helps create a logical structure and makes it easier to review and locate specific information later.

3. Be selective: Instead of trying to write down every single detail, focus on capturing key concepts, main ideas, and supporting examples. This encourages active listening and engagement during lectures or while studying.

4. Use bullet points and numbering: Condense information by using bullet points or numbering to outline important details. This format helps in visually organizing your notes and makes them easier to scan and review quickly.

5. Highlight or underline: Draw attention to essential points or keywords by using highlighters or underlining. This technique can aid in quickly identifying important information when reviewing your notes later.

6. Incorporate visuals: Include diagrams, charts, or illustrations where appropriate. Visual representations can help you understand complex concepts better and improve memory recall.

7. Leave space for additional notes: As you write your initial notes, leave some blank space or margins. This allows room for adding extra details, additional insights, or follow-up questions when reviewing or expanding your notes later.

8. Summarize and review: After each study session or lecture, take a few minutes to review your notes. Summarize the main points in your own words to reinforce your understanding and improve retention.

9. Regularly review and revise: Set aside time for regular review of your notes. This helps reinforce the material in your memory and allows you to fill in any gaps or clarify unclear points.

10. Customize your note-taking style: Experiment with different note-taking methods, such as the Cornell method, mind maps, or a combination of text and visuals. Find a style that suits your learning preferences and helps you organize information effectively.

Remember, everyone has their own unique way of taking notes, so feel free to adapt these tips to fit your personal style and needs. The goal is to create a system that helps you capture and retain information efficiently.

The Diamond Necklace by Guy de Maupassant: An Easy Summary

    Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) is generally considered the greatest French short story writer. The Diamond Necklace story talks about a poor girl wishing to lead a rich lifestyle, which culminates in her suffering. Mathilde is a poor but very beautiful woman in her looks and appearance.  She is married to a poor clerk in the Ministry of Education, Loisel.  Mathilde always complains about her life and about her social stature.

    One evening her husband comes with an invitation from the ministry of education.  Mathilde is sad because she does not have proper clothes for the occasion.  Four hundred francs are required to buy a good dress.  Later she asks for jewels which they cannot afford to buy. On the suggestion of her husband, Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from Madam Forestier.

    They both go to the party.  Mathilde looks pretty and beautiful.  Everyone in the party looks at her with an awe. Everymen are also eager to dance with her.  She dances gracefully in the party. It gets late and they return home in a cab.  After reaching home she finds that her necklace is missing.  Loisel goes in search of the necklace but in vain.  They lodge a complain with the police.  Finally, they decide to return the jewel to Forestier after a week. 

    When they fail to get the lost jewel, they decide to replace it by buying a new one. They find an identical necklace in a jeweler shop.  It costs 40,000 francs but after bargaining the shop keeper promises to offer it for 36,000 francs.  They get loan from various sources to buy the necklace. They move their residence to a cheaper place. Mathilde does all the house hold jobs by herself just to save money. Loisel works extra hour to earn more. As a result, there is no peace in their house.  It takes them ten years to pay off the loans to all people.

    One day, Mathilde happens to meet Forestier. She narrates the story how they had replaced the lost necklace with a new one and suffered a lot to pay the dues.  Forestier is shocked to know this and she informs Mathilde that the jewel she lent to Mathilde was an imitation and not original. 

An Easy Summary of the "Values in Life" by Rudyard Kipling

 

Rudyard Kipling was an English poet and novelist. He is known for his children’s books including the ever-popular The Jungle Book and Kim. ‘Values in Life’ appears in A Book of Words a volume of Kipling’s collected speeches. The address was originally delivered in the fall of 1907 to the students of McGill University in Montreal, Canada.  

   

    In "Values in Life" Rudyard Kipling explores the theme of greed, honesty, conflict and acceptance. Kipling talks to the students in attendance that one should not be wealthy for wealth’s sake. In reality an individual should be wary of becoming greedy and to be content with their lot when it comes to the issue of money or wealth. A life is wasted by the constant pursuit of wealth. It is difficult for a man to have balance in life and therefore, there is suffering. Though suffering may not be how the individual feels. Wealth in reality is an illusion that man chases thinking that they will be happy. Yet the poorer man can be happier than the man who is wealthy.

    

    There is no honesty when it comes to being greedy. Wealth is also not everything that will make a person happy. Chasing wealth or money in reality is a waste of time and deflects an individual from their real purpose in life. Kipling may also be suggesting that an individual should use what they have learnt for altruistic purposes. That being in an effort to help others rather than chasing wealth. One of the most natural vices for man is to be greedy. It is better to help an individual through life than witness from a distance their downfall. Thinking of others before yourself. It is still none the less just as rewarding to an individual.

    

    However, there are people upon whom the idea of wealth as mere wealth does not work. Neither the methods of amassing wealth interest them, nor do they have any price tag. Such a person is not considered smart. But after studying the man closely, people would realize that money dominates everybody accept that man who doesn’t want money. He will be fearless and do whatever he wants. On the other hand money minded people would fear him and would be controlled by him.

    

    The end of the speech is interesting as Kipling accepts that there are some (students) who will pursue wealth with great gusto and forgo any link with humanity. A man chasing wealth for wealth’s purpose and forgetting about his fellow man. The students are advised to learn more about life by engaging with the man who does not believe in wealth. It is better to be poor and happy than wealthy and miserable.

HOW WEALTH ACCUMULATES AND MEN DECAY – AN OVERVIEW

    “How Wealth Accumulates and Men Decay” by G.B. Shaw is a comment on the evils of capitalism. This essay centers on the theme of whether wealth is more important or skill. In pursuit of profit, human values are vanished. Shaw gives the example of pins and woolen garments to show that now workers have no control over what they produce.

    There was a time when a pin-maker would do everything from buying the material to shaping it and finally selling it. However, now one worker does only one thing and he is unable to produce a pin. Similarly, in the olden times from sheep shearing to making clothes everything was done by women but now there is separate worker for every step of production. This according to Shaw has turned capable workers into machines who are doing the work without intelligence. 

    Although, the capitalist system promoted speed and cheap production, the human skills have disappeared. It produces universal ignorance of how things are made and done. Books, according to Shaw, fail to convey useful knowledge because it is written by those who do not do the work. Moreover, we neither have time nor want to read. And therefore, we need cinema to take our minds off it and feed our imagination. The Capitalism has helped in the promotion of the cinema and other such modes of entertainment. Shaw has argued that 'savage' communities are most intelligent because they are involved in making everything for themselves. He has concluded the essay by saying that this capitalist system has left us like dangerous lunatics in this real world.