SEMINAR /GUEST LECTURES/ WORKSHOPS

Constitutional Scholar Explores Democracy's Living Framework

Date: 25 August 2025

The Department of Humanities at M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commercehosted an illuminating guest lecture featuring Dr. M.J. Vinod, Professor at Christ Universityand former Dean of Social Sciences at Bangalore University, who unpacked the complexitiesof constitutional democracy across two nations and multiple identities. Addressing over 200students from BA and BCA programmes at Kuvempu Seminar Hall, Dr. Vinod presented acompelling comparative analysis of the Indian and American constitutional frameworks,exploring federalism, judicial intervention, and the philosophical underpinnings rooted inEnlightenment thinkers like Locke and Montesquieu. "A Constitution is an organic entity, " heemphasized, highlighting constitutional adaptability through India's landmark amendments andrecent American executive orders. The session's second segment examined identity politics inIndia, where language, caste, and religion serve as powerful mobilization tools. Dr. Vinodtraced how linguistic state reorganization spawned regional political movements, while casteand religious identities continue shaping electoral outcomes. "Religion is a very critical markerof Indian politics, " he noted, acknowledging its paradoxical role as both unifying force anddivisive element. Event coordinator Dr. Lakshmi Karlekar praised the initiative for connectingclassroom theory with global political realities, while Principal Dr. Pushpa H. and Vice-Principal Prof. Jayarama B.S. graced the occasion..


Guest Lecture on Lean Startup and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in Business

Date: 28 August 2024

On 28th August 2024, the Department of Humanities, in collaboration with the Institute ofCollaborative Counsel, hosted a guest lecture on the topic "Lean Startup and Minimum ViableProduct (MVP) in Business." The session was led by Mr. Prakarsh Nimbalkar, anaccomplished entrepreneur and business strategist, known for his expertise in lean startupmethodology and innovation management. The lecture began with an introduction to the coreprinciples of the lean startup approach, a methodology that prioritizes agility, customerfeedback, and continuous iteration to develop products that cater to market needs. The sessionalso addressed common pitfalls faced by startups, particularly in the early stages of productdevelopment. Mr. Nimbalkar emphasized the significance of quick testing and iteration,allowing startups to pivot or persevere based on real-time market feedback. He encouragedentrepreneurs to focus on solving specific problems rather than chasing a perfect product fromthe outset. A question-and-answer session followed, where students and faculty membersinteracted with Mr. Nimbalkar. The audience raised queries about the challenges ofimplementing the lean startup methodology in different setup.


Guest Lecture – Swami Vivekananda: A Guiding Light for Success in Life

Date: 18 January 2024

The Department of Humanities, in association with IQAC, IIC, and the Vivekananda Study Centre, organized a Guest Lecture on 18th January 2024 as part of Youth Day celebrations. The session was conducted at Abdul Kalam Auditorium from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Dr. Ashish Sahani served as the resource person for the lecture titled 'Swami Vivekananda – A Guiding Light for Success in Life,' held under the initiative 'Viksit Bharat 2047 – Voice of Youth.' The program began with inaugural remarks by Ms. Namisha Kadam, IIC Student Member, who highlighted the purpose of Youth Day and the vision of IIC. Dr. Sahani spoke on key themes such as education, dignity, self-respect, self-help, and the power of concentration. He emphasized the concept of 'Shraddha'—focusing deeply on everything we do. He narrated inspiring life examples of Swami Vivekananda and discussed how modern technology often limits human potential. The lecture was insightful not only for students but also for faculty members. Dr. Sahani explained the three types of teachers — Shikshak (teaches and practices physically), Acharya (teaches and practices intellectually), and Guru (teaches and practices spiritually). His words served as an eye-opener for the audience. Overall, the event was impactful and enriching, reinforcing values of mindfulness, focus, and meaningful education for both students and faculty.


Guest Lecture – Ambedkar Jayanti

Date: 27 May 2024

The Department of Humanities, in collaboration with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Study Center, organized a Guest Lecture on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti on 27th May 2024 at 11:30 AM in the Mother Teresa Auditorium, M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce. The session featured Dr. Devaiah N.G., Associate Professor at Alliance School of Law, as the resource person. The lecture was open to all UG and PG streams. Students participated enthusiastically and engaged in interactive discussions with the speaker. Both students and faculty gained valuable insights into Ambedkar’s thoughts, philosophies, and his relevance in the contemporary political system.


Digital Detox for a Healthy Mind

Date: 30 September 2024

The Department of Humanities organised a Guest Lecture on “Digital Detox for a Healthy Mind” in association with Dr. Ankitha Umakanth Founder- Mind Auraa who is a Psychologist and Trainer. The guest lecture was open to all the UG students. It was an enlightening experience as the resource person Dr. Ankitha Umakanth, touched on various aspects of our dependence on technology and what happens when we feel like we can’t live without it. She shed light on the ill effects of technology. She told us about how too much usage of digital devices causes health problems like lack of sleep which could lead to Insomnia. The resource person told us about Dopamine Disaster, which happens when we experience a surge of Dopamine when we check social media or engage in online shopping. This sucks us into a vicious cycle of wanting a Dopamine surge through technology. She told us how we could limit our use of digital devices. Dr. Ankitha made us be part of an interesting “paper tearing exercise”, which showed us that we are all unique in the way we do things. She asked us what would we want if we were marooned on an island to which the students gave interesting answers. She told us how we can achieve our goals and dreams through S.M.A.R.T.: Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Timely. The guest lecture was an informative and insightful experience. The students greatly benefitted from it.


DIGITAL INK AND GLOBAL THINK: BLOOMING CAREERS IN JOURNALISM

Date: 11 March 2025

The Department of Humanities, MSRCASC, organized an insightful guest lecture on "Digital Ink and Global Think – Blooming Careers in Journalism" on March 11, 2025, at Kuvempu Hall. The session, held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, was graced by Dr. Juby Thomas, Associate Professor at Kristu Jayanti College. The event commenced under the guidance of Principal Dr. Pushpa H., with a warm welcome address by Vice Principal Prof. Jayarama B.S. Dr. Thomas, an esteemed author and researcher, shared her expertise on interpersonal relationships and overcoming challenges to achieve success. She engaged students through interactive ice-breaking activities and encouraged innovative thinking, highlighting the significance of collaborative learning. A key highlight of the session was her discussion on the media and entertainment industry’s market potential in India, inspiring students to explore diverse career paths in journalism. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Isra Tameez of BA second semester, marking the end of an intellectually stimulating and engaging session.


Event Name: Guest Lecture on International Day Against Nuclear Tests

Date: 29 August 2023

The Department of Humanities organized a Guest Lecture on 29th August 2023 in observance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The session featured Dr. Karamala Areesh Kumar, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy at St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, as the resource person. The event was held at 11:00 AM in Vishweshwaraiah Auditorium and was open to all UG and PG students. The lecture provided valuable insights into nuclear tests, international organizations, and geopolitics. Students actively participated and benefitted from the enriching discussion.