From a department, complacent in offering second languages, I daresay that the department has come a long way. With the flexibility afforded by the autonomy status to the institution in 2004, the department resorted to a revamping of the syllabus with an annual review of the same and a complete change over, once in three years. The shift to language, literature and culture has brought the desired impact, creating an awareness through talks and panel discussions. While Yakshagana and Bhasha Utsav & Ethnic Day, introduced since 2006 have been ideal platforms to showcase the folk arts and connect the youth to their roots, culture and tradition; the language competitions have offered the perfect space to encourage literary and artistic skills.

In response to the demands of a University to create and disseminate knowledge, the faculty have made significant contributions in peer reviewed journals, including a major research project and three monographs. Having served the institution in different capacities, I am aware that more is expected by way of collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, quality publications, consultation services and international collaborations and I fervently hope that we will be able to, as successfully as we shifted from the real to the virtual mode of teaching.

Dr Mallika Krishnaswami
hod.languages@christuniversity.in