PURPLE
Dr. Kiruthika presenting on Neuroscience and Literature
On17thOctober2024,theLiteraryandDebating Association organized an insightful guest lecture on the topic of 'Neuroscience and Literature,' which was presented by Dr P Kiruthika, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Periyar University Centre for Post-graduate andResearchStudies
Dr Kiruthika began her lecture by explaining the basic functioning of the brain and the cognitive processes that determine our everyday actions She highlighted the role of mirror neurons and their effect on human empathy, emphasizing how these neurons help us connect withtheemotionsandexperiencesofothers.
Dr Kiruthika then linked this concept to literature, explaining how understanding the brain’s functioning can deepen our understandingofliteraryworks.
She also discussed the importance of understanding the science behind literature According to Dr Kiruthika, literature not only explores the physical aspects of human life but also delves into the metaphysical and emotional dimensions This, she noted, makes it essential for literature students to engage with both the cognitive and emotional aspects of human experience.
Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Support of Dhana Akka
Dhana akka, the beloved helper in the Department of English (Aided) has been a cornerstone of support for over four years. With her cheerful demeanor and unwavering dedication, she has earned the admiration of both professors and students. Known for her selfless service, she is always ready to assist with any task, whether it’s helping organize events or offering a hand with everyday duties. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make her an indispensable part of the department.
For Dhana akka, the joy of helping comes naturally, and she finds fulfillment in being a supportive presence in the department. Her bond with both faculty and students has only grown over the years, with everyone seeing her as more than just a helper. She’s a trusted companion who is always ready to lend a hand, no matter how big or small the task. To learn more about her journey and experiences, turn to page 5.
In her lecture, Dr. Kiruthika emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence over traditional academic intelligence She suggested that emotional intelligence which enables us to understand and relate to the emotions of others, is crucial for a more profound engagement with literature
In conclusion, Dr Kiruthika encouraged students to appreciate literature through both intellectual and emotional lenses, explaining how such an approach allows for a deeper understanding of the world The lecture provided valuable insights into the connection between n h
Holistic Development: The Key to Transforming Our World into a Living Paradise
The basic grammar states that we have three types of tenses- The past, the present and the future We take past events as our lessons The present is to live and not merely survive And the future is an opportunity to make things better Taking the future of our world into consideration, it is a precious opportunity presented to today’s youth to make a difference in this world India, having the highest number of youth population, holds immense power to make use of this golden opportunity called future to make our world a living paradise The ideas, as Plato mentions, are the ultimate reality and those ideas are conceived through human thoughts Thus, thoughts of youth are the most decisive factors in making our world a living paradise Rote learning will not help attain such thoughts, it calls for holistic development
The process of nurturing a person’s growth in all aspects of their life including physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual aspects is termed as holistic development. The great philosopher Aristotle, has justified the importance of holistic development through his words, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Likewise, the honing of only one of the above mentioned virtues of holistic development alone will minimize the actual value of the whole. On one hand, the goal of rote learning is that people memorise everything for the sake of scoring good grades and thus become narrow minded. On the other hand, holistic development aims to make people realise the purpose of their actions and makes them broad minded. Being broad minded is the key to betterment. On that note, we should realise how it is the need of the hour to implement the art of holistic development in youth.
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women has realized the vitality of holistic development and is working towards it. The students of Krishnammal attain this through various factors like community outreach programs, co-curricular activities, counselling and motivational sessions and clubs like NSS, NCC, Eco club, Wellbeing club etc. The students are also offered opportunities to go abroad through immersion programs. These act as a multi purpose platform where the students learn about everything, gain experience, ascertain their latent talents, passion and put it to good use. The shell they have covered themselves in, gets broken in the process and they experience the harsh reality of the actual world which makes them stronger. This makes their thoughts broader, making our world a living paradise.
Holding the Leash! A Safe Way with the Dogs
Dr KiruthikapresentingonNeuroscienceandLiterature|VISMAYAV
BALA L R
ABOUTUS
ABOUTUS
Introducing PURPLE, the official bi-monthly newspaper of the Department of English (Aided) Under the guidance of Ms J Jesnie Evangeline (Assistant Professor), this student-led newspaper is dedicated to bringing the latest news updates and creative literary works from the vibrant community of students and staff PURPLE offers comprehensive coverage from department events and guest lectures to student achievements and original writings Get ready to indulge in the best of what the Department of English (Aided) offers - immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of literary expression
OURVALUES
Community, Equity & Inquisitivity PURPLE takes pride in amplifying the student voices within the community through words. The PURPLE team works hard to maintain an equal balance of ethics and respect those who contribute. PURPLE strives to grow the newspaper by shaping stories out of the pages and cherishing and conserving all the stories, works, and articles that are put out. It also works hard to make sure they are precise and unprejudiced.
HOWTOSUPPORT PURPLE:
CONTENT CONTRIBUTION: Share your articles, photographs, or artwork with us Whether it's a news story, opinion piece, or creative writing, we wish to include your contributions Send us your submissions and have your works published!
ADVERTISE WITH US: Partner with us to reach the reader's community Our newspaper is read by students, faculty, and staff, making it the perfect platform to promote your business or organisation
LETTERS TO EDITOR: Submit your Letter to the Editor to share your opinions and perspectives with our readers Email us at purple.editoriall@gmail.com with your thoughts (150-200 words) Include your name and contact information for publication
PROVIDE FEEDBACK: Send us your suggestions and ideas to help us improve through our official Mail ID, purplebimonthly@gmail.com We value your opinion and want to hear from you
FOLLOW US: Stay updated with the latest news and stories through our official Instagram page Follow us there @purplebimonthly
CORRECTIONPOLICY:
Accuracy and objectivity are paramount in our newspaper While every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information presented, errors can occasionally occur We invite readers to bring any discrepancies to our attention and welcome feedback. In the event of an error, a correction, clarification, retraction, or editor's note will be published in the subsequent edition To request a correction, please submit your query to purple editoriall@gmail com
LETTERTOTHEEDITORPOLICY:
The News-Review welcomes the opinions of all in the form of letters to the editor, as long as the submissions are not in bad taste and refrain from attacking individuals without supporting documentation or a rational and legally defensible justification In any event, the newspaper reserves the sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. If your letter is selected it will be run on a single occasion and you agree to give us the right to publish it in print and digital form The News-Review will not accept duplicated, reprinted, copied, or otherwise reproduced letters Letters should be original, typewritten or neatly handwritten Letters should not exceed 200 words
INSIDE
peekthroughthepagesofPurple'sthirdedition.
HIGHLIGHTS
[Page: 1]
Our front page highlighting all our major stories and achievements. Our coverage spans a wide array of topics, ensuring you are always in the loop about the latest news andevents
ABOUTUS
[Page: 2]
Our dedicated team, primarily composed of students from the Department of English (Aided), brings a fresh and energetic perspective to journalism and a breakdown of our team members and ways to reach you can reach out to us!
COMMONNEWS
[Page: 3]
From detailed updates on departmental activities, such as international conferences, workshops, and guest lectures, to comprehensive reports on major campus events, we’ve gotitallcovered
LITERARYLENS
[Page: 8]
"Literary Lens" section unlike no other newspaper offers engaging art works, poetry, opinion pieces and reviews that delve into the literary world created by the students of ourdepartment.
EDITORIAL
[Page: 9]
Opinionated articles from our beloved editors on researched and selected topics that discusses a particular working field, discovery or current debates. this section also includes letters sent to editors to ensure free communicationbetweenthereadersandourteam
SPORTS
[Page: 10]
Exclusive insights into the sports arena, featuring interviews with our athletes, match reports, and previews ofupcomingsportingevents
OUR TEAM
Ms J Jesnie Evangeline
Vementhaanee S A
Sridevi Meenal S.
Varshini S
Lakshna E
Bhavana C
Shrujana R.
Sandhiya N
Anusha C
Mothika G
Ishwarya S.
Bala L R
Bhavinaya J
Madhu Bharathi M
Shalini S. K.
Yaswanthi T
Dhiyana A
Vismaya V
- Staff Incharge
- Chief Editor (III B A )
- Associate Chief Editor (III B.A.)
- Managing Editor (II M A )
- Copy Editor (I M A )
- News Editor (III B A )
- News Editor (III B.A.)
- Sports Editor (III B A )
- Editorial Illustrator (III B A )
- Sports Reporter (III B A )
- News Reporter (III B.A.)
- News Reporter (II B A )
- News Reporter (I B A )
-
KCWLIBRARY
SHRUJANA
RAMALINGAM
Books are wings that give readers the power to fly They are sources of magic in the uneventful 'muggle' world As a book lover, dwelling in a place devoid of books is impossible and that is when libraries come in handy They are home to millions of stories stacked on long shelves where every story has one purpose: to inspire lives Being the most amicable objects on the planet, books are constant companions that comfort us on our long journeys, including our life's journey The general library of KCW is one such place Situated just above the cafeteria, it conveys a symbolic meaning- 'feeding the mind is more important than feeding the body.' It invites the readers with a consortium of colourful book-ish quotes painted on the walls It's a different world once we step into this abode of knowledge.
The library has an extensive collection of national and international books, including journals, magazines, newspapers, and digital resources. Apart from course-specific books, there are several novels that all students eagerly make use of Classics, contemporary novels, and non-fiction adorn the shelves in their paperback and hardback bindings It hosts Oxford, Cambridge, Macmillan, Simon and Schuster, Penguin, HarperCollins, and several other publishers
WOW:WhereWords
ComeAlive
BHAVINAYA JEYAKUMAR
"WOW," an impressive platform for the literarianstoshowcaseandoutstandtheirtalent and create more!! Isn't it interesting? Yeah, this ingenious idea was steered by the English Department
What's WOW? WOW ‘weavers of words’ is a blog organised by the Department of English and spearheaded by Ramya ma'am! This wonderful platform offers the young blood a chance to get out of their comfy little zone and exhibit their hidden talents! Even the first years gavetheirfullestandareactivelyinvolvedinthe blog
This effective work is overseen by our English department Joint Secretary, Shrujana, and has been maintained efficaciously by third-year dazzlers, Sherlin and Praharsha This helps many students to showcase their in-built talent There are several sections for each genre that you can try So far, poetry, prose, photography, art galleries, reviews, and suggestions of books, movies, and short stories related to literature are created for you Also, there is a separate page to post and get to know about the special eventsandoccasionsinourKCW
We hope that this opportunity has created and iscreatingmanyartists,photographers,writers, and poets. Many first years gave their contributionandarenowenthusiasticaboutthis task and blog activity. The more you participate, the more you are awarded As we say, so beautiful,soelegant,andjustlookingWOW!
To be the one in this innovative progress, stay tunedwiththeblogpage!
https://tinyurlcom/Weavers-of-Words
Having completed its Diamond Jubilee last year, the library is home to numerous old treasures published in the early 1900s
State-of-the-art technological facilities such as computers and digital libraries help students to access almost all the resources E-question papers, e-journals, and e-research papers can be accessed by students using college credentials
Besides that, each student can borrow 5 books at once, whereas teachers can borrow 10 books It's impossible to see the library empty at any point in time except on holidays Students sneak in at least for 5 minutes to glance at the day's headlines Research scholars can be seen huddled together in silent contemplation Library staff can be seen arranging the never-ending pile of books It is a busy ambiance minus the noise
In short, libraries are the only places that selflessly bless us with knowledge The KCW library holds a special place because of its pure beauty The glass windows on one side overlook the peaceful and divine statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesh, Lord Ram, and Lord Muruga, where the song of the peacocks always reverberates amidst the lush green grass and emerald canopies of tall trees On the other side, it overlooks the playground, capturing the swiftness of the games in its frame without clamour For everything it gives, we give back nothing but the satisfaction of giving
LITFLIX:Students Watch'Matilda'
On October 7, 2024, the Literary and Debating Association hosted an enriching initiative, LITFLIX, designed to merge entertainment with education for the first-year MA English students
The event, held in the A9 classroom, featured the screening of the TriStar Pictures film Matilda, a beloved tale that captured the imagination of the students
The movie, based on Roald Dahl's classic novel, follows the journey of a young girl named Matilda, who develops a deep love for reading even before starting school What makes her story even more fascinating is her remarkable ability to move objects with her mind Despite growing up in a family that neglects and mistreats her, Matilda seeks refuge in books, finding solace in the world of literature The story reaches a heartwarming conclusion when she befriends Ms Honey, a kind teacher who offers her the loving family she had always longed for
The screening of Matilda was not just an escape into a magical world, but a reminder of the power of imagination and resilience The event proved to be an inspiring experience, blending the magic of cinema with meaningful lessons for the students
VISMAYA V BRICKSOF MEMORIES
ThejourneyofPSGRKCWstarted60yearsago, andtothisdayitstillstandsstrongaseverjust likethebuildingsofthiscampusthatwerebuilt manymoonsago Hasanyoneeverwonderedhow many seasons and changes that these buildings hasgonethrough?Noonereallytalksaboutthese merebuildingsnowadays,it’sjustthecollegelife andthememoriesofthosewhohavespenttheir part in this college. Have we ever noticed how these buildings aren’t just a protection of those whopursueeducationbutalsoremainasoneof the pillars of stones where memories are engraved?Thesebuildingsnarratethestoriesof those headed towards their journey of life after achieving the key for their future It is not just with the bricks that these buildings were built from, but of those echoes of the students that resonates all over the campus making it harmonious
Besides the achievement that the college has accomplishedoveralltheseyears,thecampuslife ofnotjustthestudentsbutalsostaffsandother non teaching staffs stays vibrant as those buildings Thinkofthecollegeastheverymoon that lights up the night sky, the college goes throughdifferentphasesbutpersistsitall Along withthenatureofPSGRKCW,thebuildingsalso hold the power of making one feel like coming home, being welcomed with open hands be it after spending good calm days during the vacation or following a hectic semester The buildingsdoesn'texactlyofferthestudentsaplace to rest but to learn, feel and experience which helpsthestudentsgrowlikethetreesandstand strongasthebuildingsofPSGRKCW.Thejourney of one does not end in PSGRKCW after accomplishingthedegreecertificate,theirechoes staythereamongthebuildings,resonatingamong thecampusforevergivinglifetothesebricks.
And the journey goes as the students of PSGRKCWcarrytheechoesofthesebricksalong with them through major success and flying heights
Doyouevergetattachedtoaplacewhereyouforget allyourworriesandhavetimeforyourself?Well,you havefoundyourhappyplace!
A happy place is something every person deserves to have You forget everything that bothers you and do what you like or enjoy the moment by staying in yourhappyplace Yougettoattainthestateoffelicity in your own space. It can be any place that gives you a calm state of mind For some, it can be an ocean beach where they get to feel the cool breeze, watch thesunset,andenjoytheirtime Forsome,itcanbea park where they get to have a good walk, admire nature,andhaveacuteself-date.
“My happy place is where love grows from within” ClarissaCarmack
TheToiletbyGcinaMhlopeexplainshowMholo,the main character, discovers a public toilet in a park whereshewritesanythingthatcomesintohermind She called it ‘my toilet’ because that was exactly how shefeltaboutit Itwasherhappyplace
Everyone deserves to be happy Relaxing in your happy place after having a hard day can make a lot of difference and help you make the right decisions Doing something you love in your comfort place will feellikeaparadise Youcanplayyourfavoriteplaylist andhaveadrinkofyourchoicethere
Sometimes, it is important to have time for yourself and in your happy place, you feel like you are levitating Take a break from your phone and other gadgets, take a walk to a place that gives you happiness, and present yourself Savor your time with your favourite book or even your happy thoughtsandimagination.
Having a happy place is essential because it makes you feel at ease and relaxed You appreciate yourself and lean into the perks of being alone in a positive way.
It is never too late to find your comfort place Connectwithyourheartandfindyourplace
ARTTHROUGHTHEEYESOFANARTIST
ANUSHA C
For an artist, art often means a form of expression that transcends language where emotions, ideas or perspectives are communicated uniquely and personally. It is a process of exploration and creating something, where an artist does not only convey a message or feeling but also immerses the inner self, the experiences, values, and world wide view
For many artists, art is healing, a means of self-reflection or even rebellion It can also be the expression for criticizing the standards or celebrating beauty itself, giving way to difficult, conflicted feelings. There is always something personal about the meaning that art has for an individual artist; yet in another sense, it is universally related to the need for connection, in one way or another, with oneself or others
Other artist's work viewpoints may be appreciation, curiosity, and critical reflection on art Their standpoint is founded on creative experience, technical know-hows, and emotional engagement in art. From their great experience with the technique, material, and process involved, artists may have an interest in the craft or innovation of a work
They could appreciate the strokes, the colours used, the composition, and the effects of certain objects. It is through the work of other artists that one might find inspiration in new ways or form a completely different perspective. Artists could be inspired by the theme, style, or method of some other artist and take off from there.
Whether they value the art or not, artists take more precautions in interacting with other artworks For example, one can appreciate the craft, they can also be much more critical or even judgmental in their consideration of other arts They might consider what practical art choices have been made and compare those with how they approached and strategised when dealing with similar themes and challenges.
Artists often bond on the idea or intellectual level with what other pieces are trying to say. Perhaps they admire the importance of it all, how the work can so eloquently talk to some moods or tell a story so well. For many artists, the work of other artists is part of a much wider conversation in the art world. They might find that it adds to larger cultural or historical conversations and bond with it, as part of a wider community of artists
WhatIfNegative ThoughtsAreYour SecretWeapon?
VARSHINI S
Have you ever wondered if negative thoughts or overthinking are useless? It’s easy to feel that way when such thoughts make us anxious or frustrated but the truth is, these thoughts are far from useless They can be powerful tools to help us prepare for challenges and grow stronger. Negative thoughts and overthinking often get a bad reputation for making us anxious or discouraged What if we looked at them differently? Instead of seeing them as obstacles or unwanted, we can see them as opportunities to growandprepareforsuccess
These thoughts are not our enemies; they are tools that, when used correctly, can lead us towards achieving our goals. Imagine you’re worried about failing an important interview At first, this negative thought might feel overwhelming, making you doubt yourself but if you think about it, this worry is your mind’s way of pushing you to prepare better It shows you what could go wrong so that you can fix it before it happens Instead of letting that thought make you sad, you can use it to study more, practice your answers, and build confidence When the real interview comes, you’ll be ready to perform yourbest
Overthinking works in a similar way When you keep imagining different outcomes or replaying situations in your mind, it might seem exhausting but it’s also your mind’s way of running a test trial These mental exercises can help you identify weak spots and prepare for challenges. It’s like a practice session before a big match where one will learn, adapt, and improve with every thought The key is to not let these thoughts weigh one down.Instead,usethemassteppingstones.Every negative scenario you imagine can help you become more prepared Instead of focusing on the sadness or anxiety they bring, focus on the lessonstheyteach.
These thoughts are like a flashlight in the dark, showing you areas where you need to grow Negative thoughts and overthinking aren’t meant to stop you They’re there to make you stronger and better prepared. Let them be your training ground Use them to gather knowledge, build resilience, and turn your imagined failures into real-life successes After all, every trial prepares you for the real challenge. Embrace them, learn from them, and watch yourself shine The key is not to let these thoughts bring you down Instead, usethemasawaytobuildyourselfup Treatthem as practice sessions that prepare you for the real world. Every negative thought or moment of overthinking is an opportunity to learn and grow So, are thoughts useless? Absolutely not Let your thoughtsguideyou,notstopyou
HELP,THESELFLESSACTOF GIVINGYOURSELFUP
“Togiveyourselfupwithoutregretisthegreatest charity” is a saying by Bodhidharma All wondrous acts in life are in the liability of someonewhotakesupapositiontocreatetheact itself, now what about the background workers who ensure the act runs smoothly? We all have suchworkersinourlives,smiley-faced,rigorous, and always happy to lend a helping hand. One such important person in the Department of English (Aided) is Dhana akka, our engaging helper.Meetthebelovedhelperofourdepartment as she takes us through the process of what it is likeinadayofherlife
Dhanaakka,firstquestionfirst,Howdidyouget assignedtoourdepartment?
When I first came to work here for our college, PSGRKCW,Iwasinitiallyassignedtoworkatthe
A block but that only lasted 2 days because I was shiftedtoworkfortheEnglishAidedDepartment And ever since I’ve been working here, I’ve become very familiar with all the professors and eventhestudents.
How long have you been working in our department?
I’ve been working in our department for four years now and I could never be happier and content I’vegrownveryfondofalltheprofessors andstudentswhotreatmelikeaco-workermore than a helper I’m really grateful to have been workinginourdepartmentforsuchalongtime,it has given me time to appreciate the simple beautiesandgrowth
Any events that our department plans, you’re in the background helping us, correcting the tiny flaws,andhelpinginthebiggerpicture,we’revery gratefulforitandhowdoyoufeelaboutit?
‘Happy’isthefirstwordthatcomestomymindto describethefeelingIgetafterbeinghelpfultoour
professors or students I have always really enjoyed helping people and it comes naturally to me, but it’s different now that I’ve been accommodating our department for four years, everyone has become very familiar, making the helping process easier Our professors and students always come to me saying ‘Dhana akka, can you please help me?’ and I happily oblige
Is there a particular incident working with our department that’s special to you?
I do not have specific incidents, I feel special every time I am able to be even a little help whether it be carrying things or supplying needed materials I'm just happy to be there! And I’m even happier to help
Would you like to continue working with our department?
[Laughs before answering] Speaking longtime? I’m not sure about my future endeavours as I believe it’s at the mercy of God but I’m happy to be of help for the time being. I would work with anyone of course but after having worked with our department for so long it’s hard to imagine worki I am happy to go with the flow.
SINGAPORE-A CITYOFDREAMS
With huge city lights gawking at its citizens, Singapore with its Merlion park never quite seems to suppress people’s excitement. Its Changi airport always leaves its visitors enchanted As one makes out of this hypnotic airport one can see "歡應" (pronounced as "faan ying") written in cardboards of different sizes and different scrawls. Dusit Thani Laguna Airport is the best place to stay in, with its huge rooms and majestic outdoors and an equally massive swimming pool It’s a six kilometre drive fromtheChangiAirport.
On the first day of our visit we headed to the Cloud Forest It was a tropical conservatory with majestic gardens and each floor was themed differently There were also interactive areas and the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls. It was like nothing you’ve ever seen before Icy, crystal clear water fell from a great height After a three hour visit we were taken to LAVO Italian restaurant Hearty Italian dishes were served, the warm decor wascalming.
Next up was ‘Singapore Flyer’ At 165 metres tall, Singapore Flyer was a masterpiece of urban architecture and engineering that showcased not only the mesmerizing cosmopolitan cityscape of the tropical Lion City, but even the surrounding islands of Indonesia and parts of Malaysia in all their glory In addition to offering panoramic views ofSingapore'scosmopolitancityscape,guestscould also indulge in a flute of champagne, or savour the iconic Singapore Sling whilst hosted in a special themed capsule Diners seeking both privacy and luxury opted for a multi-sensory treat unlike any other with our Premium Sky Dining Flight, completewithafour-coursedinnerandan in-flighthost
SeptembertoNovemberistheidealseasontovisit this sublime country: The Formula One Grand Prix weekend, with high-speed racing, international music and partying After partying till morning and having a head pounding hangover, our troop got ready. What awaited us was a sense of nostalgia, a pieceofhome.WevisitedLittleIndia!
WiththatweboardedourflightbacktoIndia The echoes of laughter and taste of new flavours lingeredaswedeparted,knowingtheplacehadleft anindeliblemarkonus.
STUDENTSSHARETHEIREXPERIENCEAT“SWARAM”
Dramas are modes of expressions. They are explorations of the past, the lives of long-gone people and their undying histories. It’s an art form that has evolved from traditional themes to modern day cinemas. The students of KCW participated in ‘Swaram’, a drama competition held by Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya on 28 September, 2024. Bagging the third place with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000, the students shared their thoughts and experiences practising for the big day and about their wonderful win.
Percily Catherin, a second year literature student said, “Honestly, I'm blessed to be a part of the team and thankful for getting a chance to participate in this Tamil drama competition I gained knowledge on one of the historical stories in Tamil Personally, I did not have much exposure to the legends of Tamil dramas After the conversations I had with the team and through enacting the skit, I came to know a lot It did enlighten me Thank you for the opportunity once again ”
Kanimozhi from 1st year BA English Literature said, “Participating in the Tamil drama competition was an amazing experience for me because I learnt a lot of things and I pride myself to be a part of the drama It gave me plenty of unforgettable memories and I built a new friend circle I am happy to have received positive feedback from the judges and I also overcame my stage fear and developed my confidence level ”
Bala L R of II BA English Literature said, “I am glad to have got the opportunity to be a part of the Tamil drama competition We started off as a team of strangers who turned out to be an amazing family Through the course of our practice I learnt what true team spirit meant
DISGUISETACULAR
A literary fact
Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions The title was changed during revisions to better reflect the novel's themes of love, class, and societal expectations
I acted as the Pandiya king which is a male role due to that I got to know that anything is possible when you believe that you can make it All my hardwork definitely paid off and I felt rewarded when the judges specifically complimented my acting on stage I discovered a new skill of mine and formed an unbreakable bond with a few people who genuinely cared about me I'm hoping to get many more opportunities like this to learn and share what I've learnt. Thank you!”
Varshini P, a student of class II BA English Literature said, “I had a wonderful experience in our recent drama. I portrayed the role of the Chola king. It was my first time acting, and the experience was incredible I never thought I had the ability to act but this drama has shown me otherwise. I have also found some great friends through this experience, whom I will always treasure I hope to have more opportunities to showcase my talents in the future ”
Irin Tresa, a second year student said, “Stepping into the world of acting for the first time was both challenging and rewarding
Playing the lead role of "Mangayarkarasi" in our state-level drama competition pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined Despite the initial difficulties, working alongside seniors who guided us through the process was an invaluable experience The support from our teachers and the team made all the difference.
Although taking up such a central role was no easy feat, it gave me a new level of confidence The competition taught me the importance of participation over victory, and though placing third was a proud moment, it was the journey and teamwork that mattered most I feel honored to have represented my college and grateful for the lessons learned along the way This experience has definitely encouraged me to be more involved in future events, knowing that growth often lies outside our comfort zones ”
Kavviya, a student of the same class said, “This was my first major stage performance, and I had a wonderful experience working with my friends and seniors Despite having a small role, I thoroughly enjoyed the process Additionally, I had the opportunity to gain experience in voice-overs I'm delighted that as our team had hoped, we secured a prize. The practice sessions were both productive and enjoyable, filled with fun and camaraderie ”
“It is never the destination, but the company that matters the most ” The Tamil drama competition, besides being a success, has helped the students tread past their comfort zones, find wonderful friends and create beautiful memories Purple congratulates their efforts and wishes them luck for future endeavours
THESO-WHATATTITUDEYOU NEEDINYOURLIFE
ISHWARYA S
Thismightbefortheoverthinkerswhoneedtoslow down the speed of their thoughts. Dragging a thought,presumptionoraprejudiceisthe never-endingjobofanoverthinker Ifsomeonewere to fully understand what is going on in their head, theirbrainsmayexplode
Overthinking gives people the illusion that they are rightandthingswillhavetheoutcomethattheyhave predicted Sometimes,thelevelofpredictionistaken too far that they become keen observers, gathering too much information. For some, overthinking is a curse, which is why this article will help rectify the mistakes they do in their daily lives, which they do notrealiseastoxicpatterns
Overthinking brings anxiety, pessimism, hesitation,prejudice,andfatiguealongwithit Weall know that these do not help us see the sublimity in front of our eyes. By taking too much irrelevant information in, our minds dwell on it till the brain is exhausted
The majority of thoughts that run inside our heads are about how we were the whole day, what others said about us and analysing every non-existent meaningbehindit
This cannot be stopped in one day Instead one can concentrate on things that they consider the most important, like dear friends or hobbies that will keep them occupied One can start to categorise what is really important to them and delete the remaining.
One thing that could really help overthinkers is the ‘So-what’ attitude Start asking yourself questions starting with ‘So-what?’ will help avoid information from hanging in your brain for too long
This ‘So-what’ will help you realise the things that you gain from the observation that you have done You will start to understand that other people’s actions have nothing to do with you nor affect you in any way.
Slowly, you will stop noticing these things and it will make you realise the good people and things in your life. Basically, stop caring and fretting over matters and forget them by affirming to yourself that this will be over tomorrow
HOLDINGTHELEASH!
This article is for people who are afraid of dogs and prefer to avoid them, or those who think that dogs are unclean or that dogs bite out of nowhere. Just like human beings, dogs also have distinct personalities depending on the breed, age, and general behavior. Knowledge of this can help us relate with them in a safer and a more responsible manner.
SUPRAJA M KANNAN
Howtoovercomefearandmisconception?
Cynophobia or the fear of dogs is quite usual and people can develop it due to childhood traumatic experiences or from fear of acquiring deadlydiseasessuchastherabies However,itis critical to understand that all dogs, irrespective of being homeless, are domestic creatures craving to be pet with love, affection and good food like any other home-raised animal While we pamper and cuddle our little furry ones at home, the other dogs roaming in the cold and heat of night and day also need the same care. Though they may look smelly and unkempt, the intention of the heart of a stray is good A pat on the back and a couple of biscuits we are talking about something that does not cost more than five rupees, is a tremendous act of goodwill to easetheirsituation
WhenNottoApproachaDog?
Therearetwosituationswhenyoushouldavoid interactingwithdogs:
1 WhenTheyAreEating:
Food is very important for dogs, especially strays that need to hunt through their hunger. Interfering with them while they are eating results in aggression Attempting to chase them away by ‘throwing stones’ at them or shooing them away forcefully will only cause more agitation.
2 WhenTheyAreMating:
Matingisnormalforallanimals,andmaledogs can be very aggressive during such times Interference is not welcome at all because dogs get trapped in the process of fertilization, which on its own, is natural Stopping them can lead to some discomfort to the female dog and also increasesanimosityamongthemaledogs
DogsandChildren:
Children below 8-9 years of age should avoid getting close to stray ones It is common for dogs to develop a tendencytoguardchildren,andwhenthechilddisturbs it, they may bite Children may involve dogs, unknowingly, in their play by shouting at them, throwing items at them or even when they are resting. This makes the dogs chase the child playfully, which might be regarded as an attack on the child In such circumstances, it is better to chase the dog away calmly without pelting them with stones This is why it is important that children be taught how best to approach orhandletheseanimals
WalkinginUnknownAreas:
When taking the dog out for a walk in unknown territories, the dog will bark or chase. This happens more vigorously at night. In such situations, the best thing to do is to stay put without moving or shouting orders Attempts to run or strike the dog will only escalate the situation instead of calming it It is important to stay calm until the dog comes, sniffs and acknowledgesthefamiliarity.
Itisvitaltotreatdogspolitelyandgivethemourtimeto make them feel loved Remember, a dog is man’s best friend Hence it is possible to live in harmony with dogs bybeingtolerantandgood-tempered.
THEARTOFJOURNALING
DHIYANA SHRI
Theterm'journaling'isquitecommonbutwhat does it actually mean? To me, journaling is simplyexpressingmythoughtsonpapertoclear my mind and surprisingly, according to Google studies the definition is almost similar but more elaborately- Journaling is the act of keeping a record of your personal thoughts, feelings and insights
Thoughts vary depending on individuals and so doestheirstyleofexpressing Itcanbeexpressed written,drawn,ortypedandcanbedocumented on paper or on your computer It's a simple, low-cost way of improving your mental health Overall it can serve as a tool for reflection, growth, self-discovery, or simply as an outlet for creativity Journaling can take many forms, dependingonone’sneedsandgoals Withthatin mind,afewtypesofjournalingare:
Stream-of-ConsciousnessJournalingiswriting without a specific structure or filter, letting your thoughts flow freely This helps release mental clutterandcanleadtoself-discovery.
Art Journaling is a creative mix of drawing, painting, collaging, and writing It is a visual approach
Gratitude Journaling focuses on writing things you’re grateful for. It encourages a positive mind-set by shifting attention from what's missing in your life to what is already present
Reflective Journaling focuses on specific experiences or moments, reflecting on what happened and how it made you feel or what youlearned
Bullet Journaling is a hybrid system combining to-do lists, goal setting, and reflections. It's highly organized and often includes visual elements like symbols, trackers,orartwork.
Dream Journaling is the process of writing downyourdreamsuponwaking Itisawayto exploreyoursubconscious
Journaling is a very effective method to relievestress,bemoreaware,boostcreativity and clear the mind I particularly enjoy the time I spend on my journal A few ways to startjournalingistobeconsistent Thewhole processdoesnothavetobeperfect,ithasto makesenseonlytoyouandwiththatinmind startexpressingyourself.
PAW-QUISITIVEDOGFACTS
Get to know your furry companion better, bone appétit!
1 Dogs have a keen sense of time even if they can't access a clock so if you didn't know how your lovely furball knows it's timeforsupper,nowyoudo!
2 An average dog has the brain capacity of a 2 year old can grasp your tone and actions and even learn upto 150-200 words
3 Your furry companion has an acute smell of your feelings proving how amazingtheyare!
4 Petting a paw-some dog for about 15 minutes can reduce stress, anxiety and loweryourbloodpressureby10%
5 Though you feel inclined to share all things you eat with your food, certain humanfoodslikechocolateandraisinsare deadly to them, so heads up, choose safetybeforeinclusivity!
6. If your pet looks guilty of a crime, the next time he causes a wreck, their pity puppy faces are false and they can't actuallyfeela'guilty'emotion,thoughthey candefinitelyfeelsad
7. You ever wonder why your dog is so receptive to your talk and rants, it's because they can understand your emotionsandevenempathizewithyou!
LITERARYLENS
DIVYADHARSHINI V
I remember the day I first fell in love with reading It was a rainy noon, and out of boredom, I took an old, dusty novel on my father's bookshelf Being a crime novel, with every page, I travelled to new settings, met fascinating characters, and experienced twists that felt more than real life That single book opened a portal for my long passion for reading There's a unique kind of magic in holding a book, feeling its weight, smelling its fragrance, and turning its pages They take me to a new world, making me free from everyday life.
Books don't just educate, they cultivate knowledge and social awareness Reading makes me feel various emotions, understand, think, and help me find answers to questions that arise out of my curious mind Earlier, my reading was limited to academics but now, I started getting good books for myself. In 2014, researchers conducted a study at Emory University and found that reading fiction enhances brain connectivity and improves empathy It is said, "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies The man who never reads lives only one." The famous revolutionary leader, Bhagat Singh's last wish was to finish the book "Reminiscence of Lenin" before his death This shows his passion for reading and critical thinking Being a voracious reader, he always carried a small portable library with him Books are our best companion. They help develop a positive attitude, we become mentally strong, increase vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills Moving into the digital age, we must not forget the value of this timeless art Let us encourage the art of reading So, pick up a book today Whether it's a novel, a memoir, or a collection f ' j i
Mahsun Kırmızıgül’s Mucize (The Miracle) is a Turkish movie that is set in 1960s rural Turkey, the film portrays the intersection of the lives of two people, Aziz and Mahir Aziz is a disabled man ostracized by the community and Mahir is a teacher who is assigned to the remote village in Eastern Turkey where Aziz lives It is a tale about love and transformative power of kindness
Mahir, an optimistic and determined teacher fights to establish education in his village despite the averseness he faces from the elders because of their deep rooted traditions. He strives to bring a change in the minds of the villagers. Aziz, a man with physical disability endures ridicule and isolation in the community His journey from rejection to acceptance is all thanks to Mahir’s compassion
The movie captures raw emotions and beauty of rural Turkey, which is the charming point of the movie It showcases the sharp contrast between challenges and warmth of human connections The inclusion of humorous elements helps break down the tension in the movie. The movie combines humour, tragedy, hope and transformation to make a strong comment on social prejudices and the importance of education in a person’s life The emotional depth of the story and the stunning cinematography captures the audience The director has skillfully balanced between sorrow and joy making it a heartfelt tale about empathy and perseverance The movie contains a sequel “Mucize 2: Aşk (The Miracle 2: Love)” which further makes an emotional impact on the audience
MADHU MANIVANNAN
Introversion means “the quality of being shy and quiet, and preferring to spend time alone rather than often being with other people”. However, introverts are not just shy and quiet people, they have a whole new world within their minds and they tend to derive energy from internal thoughts and experiences rather than external interactions and exposure Their brains seem to release less adrenaline in social settings, unlike extroverts who ooze out energy and excitement Introverts are great at exploring, introspecting, and understanding themselves They reflect on their inner thoughts and feelings It is almost like they have a better built-in GPS than Google Maps to navigate this uncertain and confusing world. While it is true that extroversion is just what one needs to develop a network in this competitive world, introversion helps one form a strong and deep connection with anyone they choose to interact with as they value quality over quantity Though long social events and interactions can drain them out, introverts are known to form the deepest of connections and have more effective conversations than extroverts Having a huge circle of friendships and facing peer pressure might sometimes pressure one to attend social events they are not comfortable with. However, being an introvert, one can set strong boundaries and master the art of saying no. Every human tends to battle stress in different ways, introverts have a strong inner space and back-up that they bounce back effectively from stress, unlike extroverts who might sometimes seek external help and external factors to influence their internal thoughts Introverts might need social events like hermit crabs needing water to hydrate their gills To conclude, introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion are just personality types under which people possess multi l t it Still it i b t i di id l' d ive h h nt and his ace
USEYOURCANVARIGHT SHERLIN J
InthedawnofourcurrentageofSwiftDIYsolutions toalmosteverysinglething,Canvahasemergedasthe best solution for our quick designing emergencies or just to water your sprouting interest in graphic designing Canva is a great platform for designing because you can create almost anything, from custom merchandise to YouTube shorts. It literally lives up to the Tamil saying “oru kallula rendu manga,” which meansyou’rekillingtwobirdswithastone Beitforfun orforprofessionalusage,Canvahasgotyoucovered! Whileitseaseofuseisablessing,manyusersstruggle withtheirdesigningorinbringingouttheirideas,and they often end up cluttered, unprofessional, or just plain forgettable If you relate to this, well, by the time you reach the end of this article, your Canva skills will soarfrommediocreto‘lemagnifique’
If you're new to canva then I would suggest you to start with a template rather than starting with a blank canvas. Why? Because while it may seem like a platform to unleash your creativity, It can drain you and lead you to frustration Especially if you're unfamiliarwithdesignprincipleslikelayout,hierarchy, andspacingbutyoushouldalsokeepinmindtonotgo overboard while using templates; once you’re familiar with the tools and re-designing the templates to your wish,youcangraduallyproceedtowardstheprocessof creatingfromscratch
Next thing you should look out for is the colour scheme Select colors that compliment each other If youfinditdifficultinunderstandingcolourtheoriesor justcluelessinfindingamatchablecolourforaspecific color in your mind; you can leverage the internet for help Therearemultitudesofwebsitesavailabletopick therightcolourschemeforyourdesign.Alongsidethe colour scheme it is also important to select fonts that justspeakyourdesignandarerelevantwiththetheme There'sabunchoffontpairingwebsitesthatmaycome to your aid The internet is your buddy and don’t shy away from asking for help! Mastering anything is always a slow process that we must endure patiently while simultaneously fighting the urge to give up. Ultimatelythechoiceisyours
Finally, we are down to alignments and elements Whenitcomestoelements,usetheelementsthatfitin with the general theme of your design and colour scheme Even if the elements are not in the same colour as others, you can use the ‘copy style’ or ‘apply colours to design’ option It is also substantial to look out for the alignment and never compromise on the spacings UseCanva’sgridandrulertooltochoosethe right alignment that goes with your design and also to evenly spread the spacings. Zoom in and review your designtospotanyinconsistencies
Byrectifyingthesecommonmistakesyoucanelevate your designs to professional standards It doesn’t matter if you're a beginner or a seasoned user, stay mindful of design principles which will make your creations not only visually appealing but also effective incommunicatingyourmessageandmostofallalways remember to have fun whilst creating the designs you love Mucize(TheMiracle)
Waste Not, Want Not: Rethinking College Food Habits
VEMENTHAANEE S A
Forsomeonewholoveseating,therearedays when I go overboard, cramming my hostel fridgewithfood,fruits,andsnacks onlytolet them sit forgotten until they spoil On other days, I am so stressed that I can't muster the energy to eat, neglecting my health entirely Sometimes, I pack lunch to college with the bestintentionsbutbymidday,it'seitherspoilt orforgotten,andIendupthrowingitaway
I am not alone in this. In my hostel dining hall, I've seen piles of untouched food left behind, students overbuying from the college cafeteria and tossing half their plates away. The overflowing food waste bins are a stark reminder of the larger problem at hand but how often do we appreciate the food we consume in the fast-paced, stress-driven collegeenvironmentwebelongto?
The pressure and stress of college life is all too real We're suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of juggling between classes, extracurriculars, a social life and managing personal needs While navigating financial challenges. Amid all this, we end up making poorfoodchoices,creatinganimbalancethat affectsbothourhealthandourwallets
Beinginourearly20s,we'reoftenunaware, and sometimes even ignorant of the key aspects of food management like the expirationdates,properstoragemethods,and the habits essential to maintain a good and healthy lifestyle Whether it's packing food or storingleftovers,weoftenfailtooverlookhow longfoodwilllast,howtostoreitproperly,or what containers are best for keeping it fresh but this is something we can change. It's important to take some time experimenting andfiguringoutwhatworksbestforus
Moreover, the reality of food waste is farfetched Every meal we discard, the money spentonfruitsandveggiesthatweneverget to eat, or even the snacks we forget to finish contributes to a much larger global issue These seemingly small acts of waste have rippleeffects,butthey can be mitigated with
greater awareness By making small, mindful changestohowweshop,store,andconsume food, we can reduce waste while supporting ourhealth,communities,andtheplanet
Not to mention, some of us struggle with irregulareatinghabits.Thestressofdeadlines, exams,andtheconstantrushbetweenclasses can often lead to unhealthy eating patterns Forsome,thismeansturningtocomfortfood inmomentsofstress,whichusuallyresultsin overeating For others, it leads to skipping meals either because there's no time or the stress makes eating feel like an afterthought Thiscyclenotonlyaffectsourhealthbutalso contributes to food waste, especially when mealsarepackedinahurrythatwedon'tgive thought to proper packaging, later leaving foodunfinishedorforgettingitaltogether.
So let's explore some simple yet effective strategies to manage both stress and food waste Oneofthemosteffectivewaysismeal prepping Byplanningandpreparingmealsin advance, tailored to your personal food preferences,youcansavetimeandavoidthe temptation of unhealthy, last-minute takeout orsnacking Whilestudentsstayinginhostels withprovidedmealsmaynothavethisoption, they can follow other methods including understanding portion sizes of food we can take in. Many of us either end up with extra foodbecauseweunderestimatehowmuchwe actually need so by learning to measure our portionsorusingsmallerutensilscanreduce the likelihood of leftovers going to waste Focusingonwhatyoutrulyneedbyshopping smarter and storing it wiser can also make a bigdifference
Food waste is not just a factor of environmentalconcernbutanopportunityfor ustotakechargeofourhealth,finances,and daily routines. Ultimately, it might seem like thetipswediscussedaretime-consuming,but thetruthisthatsmall,intentionalchangescan make a big difference. So let's start with manageable steps, make thoughtful choices, and turn food waste into a tool for positive change
LETTERSTOTHEEDITORS
Exam, the common fear of students - Exam fears are very common especially before semesters from the process of revising the portion to learning new things the last minute and dreading questions you haven’t studied. Waiting for the invigilator to give you the papers as soon as the clock starts so you can convince yourself that you haven’t forgotten the answers. Though exams are generally a stress inducing process, preparation and practice can help overcome this general fear and make the exam process a more simpler and takes away the inherent fear around it
SANDHIYAN| IIIBAENGLISHLITERATURE AIDED
BINARIES, THE BINDING SOURCE
SRIDEVI MEENAL SHANMUGAM
“Think before you speak” is an old saying that has stuck around for generations, now let’s analyse the saying Are you thinking right? You might wonder if there is a ‘right’ or structured way to think and the answer is, simply no Our minds are inherently wired to think in a certain way. This might be due to various aspects like a person’s economic background, status, ethnicity and identity but again, a question strikes If you’re a product of your environment, whydoyounotbaseallyourdecisionsonwhatyoutakeoffof it?Maybeatsomepointyourbackgroundinfluencesyouand sometimes it simply doesn’t because you can think better evenifyoudon’tthinkright
Say, you’ve always been told to avoid beggars on the street andmostofthetimesyoumightbutconsidertheothertimes when your brain acts differently and your thinking shows, ‘I mustprobablyavoidthem,butit’ssuchapitifulstatetobein, I wish I could help them’ Even if you don’t act upon your thoughts, your thoughts can always be better. We often think through binaries, sometimes unintentionally. Comparison is a part and parcel of our life, an inherent nature instilled in everyoneofus
FrenchphilosopherJacquesDerridaintroducedtheconcept of ‘binary’ existing within speech in his studies in linguistics, along with Ferdinand De Saussure The concept of binaries, to simply put, has never existed, but rather instilled in young minds Why do you know it’s dark at night? You might think it’s because it’s basic knowledge but suppose you’ve been taught it’s bright at night rather than dark, then imagine everyone around you is taught the same way It might be comical to think it’s bright at night but when an idea that you’ve grown up with your entire life turns out to be false, that’s when you grow, that’s when you think for yourself not onlyinarightwaybutinabetterway
Binaries have always gone hand in hand with societal issues like racism, misogyny, inferiority between classes, discrimination and prejudice. So how can one think without binaries? To explain this easily, let's think of the common mathequation1+1anditssolutionwhichis2andthenallofa sudden say a famous mathematician debunks this equation and says the solution is actually 5 with proof. Now the possibilitiesofthisimaginarysituationiseitheracceptanceor ignorance So simple is the answer to our initial question To think without binaries you must accept that binaries as a concept that has always been around, and you can’t change yourthoughtprocessinadayjustlikethatbutheythere’sno harmintrying!
Creating values - The only thing holding us back from being the best version of ourselves is the lack of values we have. We are often told we lack discipline and a set of principles and we often have a tendency to ignore it, which we shouldn’t! A good set of values is very important to shape your personality, your mood and you entire attitude. When you have your own ideals and principles, you can feel yourself judging things better which directly increases your decision making skills and improving your overall character. So, if you haven’t started, it’s high time you wrote down a values for yourself. Try it out today! ADRIJADEY| IIBAENGLISHLITERATURE AIDED
Holidays, my beloved - The one thing that keeps me going after a stressful semester is a welldeserved holiday. Not only are holidays a relief from your regular routine, it gives you time to explore yourself, find new hobbies or even catchup with your latest drama series and movies. It allows you to bond over with your family, friends or even your four legged furry companions! A breath of fresh air and a mind of peace all for yourself! Use this time wisely because the clock is running and before you have time to blink, you find yourself back in college following your mundane routine Enjoy the time while it lasts KAVIYAK| IBAENGLISHLITERATURE AIDED
Clustered Classroom - It is true and well that the space you form affect your mental state and your usual abilities. Me and my classmates (III BA English Literature Aided) find it extremely hard to adapt to our newly assigned classroom, our main complaints being the gloomy appearance, the uncomfortable chairs, not enough fans and no projector for our professors, Another thing to be noted is that our department is all the way over the E block while we are isolated from it, not letting us to interact with our professors like we used to, the lack of interaction is demotivating. SRUTHIT| IIIBAENGLISHLITERATURE AIDED
MYEXPERIENCE INTHEGYM
DHIYANA SHRI
In my previous article, I mentioned the differences and benefits of going to the gym and trying out Zumba To test this theory out, I have been going to the gym for the past 3 months It is safe to say that I am getting results and I am quite satisfied Though it is quite far from my goal, I plan on continuinguntilIreachit
The gym I go to is none other than our very own campus’ and they even provide personal assistance according to what you want to achieve The gym consists of all the necessary equipment, 3 coaches, badminton facilities and the timings arereallyflexiblefrom6:00amto6:00pm Theonlydaysthat areoff,areSundays.
One of the reasons I stay motivated in being consistent towards the gym is due to its friendly environment and the comfort of not being judged I am really insecure about that, but here I’m rather happy and am always looking forward to it Another reason is because it is less intimidating compared tonormalgyms
As I am a beginner, I started with low-impact exercises like cardioclassesandgraduallytransitionedintoweighttraining. One thing I noticed early on was that there was no pressure to perform beyond my abilities The trainers made it clear that progress is personal, and what matters most is consistency and effort and most importantly, the food we intake. The positive energy in the gym pushed itself into my personal life As I became more in tune with my body, I noticed an improvement in my self-esteem I was no longer working out to fit into a certain societal mmol but rather to feelhealthier,andmorecontentwithmyself.
Thisalltogetherintheendledtounderstandingthatchange occurs with consistency and I am happy to say I will keep movingforward
SILAMBAM:THETRADITIONAL MARTIALARTOFTAMILNADU
MOTHIKA GOPALAKRISHNAN
Silambam is one of the traditional martial arts that originated in Tamil Nadu, India Dating over 2000 years into the past, this ancient practice is not only a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the region but is also a powerful tool for physical and mental discipline
The origins of Silambam dates back to the Sangam period, circa 300 BCE to 300 CE, where it was first mentioned in ancient Tamil literature It was developed initially as a form of self-defence and later evolved into a sophisticated martial art The word "Silambam" itself is derived from the Tamil word "silam," meaning hill, and "bam," meaning bamboo, indicating the use of bamboo sticks in the practice The history of Silambam is highly associated with the culture of the Tamils and their warrior traditions Records and folklores indicate that Silambam was being practiced by the Tamil kings and warriors Popular among the common folk was the art for self-defense as well as physical fitness
Silambam mainly involves the use of a long bamboo staff, which is approximately 1 68 meters in length The training emphasizes agility, speed, and precision The practitioners are called "Silamba kalaignar," and they learn various techniques, including, adi murai (technique of striking at various parts of the body), kambu veechu (technique of using long sticks), maan kombu (technique involving deer’s antler) and many more Footwork patterns, also known as "Kaaladi," or "Kalpadam," are also an integral part of the training in Silambam These patterns are essential for balance and quick movements It is not just a matter of physical strength but also of mental focus and discipline
Silambam is very much in Tamilian culture and is even celebrated in several traditional fairs and ceremonies Usually, it is performed in front of a huge gathering when performed during temple festivals where one can show their prowess by fighting in the streets before such a big crowd Even in Tamil cinema, Silambam is brought on screen through action-packed sequences that popularized this activity among the common public
In recent years, Silambam has seen a revival of interest both in India and globally It is being conserved and promoted through workshops, competitions, and cultural exchange programs Organizations promoting Silambam are trying to get it recognized at international levels, including even getting it included in the Olympics
Silambam as an art is not only intricate but also provides numerous benefits such as retaining Physical Fitness, Seld-Defence and Mental Discipline
Silambam is not a fighting art; it has various physical and mental benefits Precise movements and coordination, which are the main characteristics of Silambam, improve fine motor skills and overall body control Mentally, Silambam instills discipline and concentration Repeated movements help to make one patience and persevering As well, it encourages to be mindful Practitioners have to remain present at all times to be vigilant of their movement and also the surroundings
Overall, Silambam offers a unique, enriching experience and stands as a symbol of the eternal spirit and rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu With the increasing number of people embracing this ancient art, Silambam is becoming even more popular and is inspiring new generations to be in touch with their heritage and cultivate a balanced and disciplined life
DOWN:
Clues: ACROSS
1. Which modernist writer famously challenged conventional narrative structures and language in his works? ( 10 letters)
4 Who is considered as the "Father of African Literature" and the author of Things Fall Apart? (12 letters)
6 Which Anglo-Irish writer's works include essays, poetry, and novels, and also known for his wit and social commentary? (15 letters)
7 Which author’s work often explores themes of mental illness, gender, and the inner lives of women? ( 12 letters)
8 Who converted to Anglicanism and incorporated religious themes into much of his later poetry and drama? (7 letters)
9 Which author founded the charity Lumos, focused on supporting disadvantaged children around the world? (9 letters)
2 Pride and Prejudice was written by (10 letters)
3 Which Bronte sister died at the young age of 30, shortly after the publication of her novel? (11 letters)
4 Which 19th-century writer is known for his vivid depiction of life in industrial England? (14 letters)
5 Who is considered the first writer to successfully use the Middle English dialect for literary expression? (15 letters)
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, perspectives, and statements presented in Purple are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Purple Team. This publication is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as formal guidance or endorsement The Purple Editorial Team disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or omissions and reserves the right to modify or decline submissions for publication.