International Conference on “Narrative Nuances: Text and Audio-Visuals"

 

International Conference on “Narrative Nuances: Text and Audio-Visuals"

I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the International Conference on “Narrative Nuances: Text and Audio-Visuals,” organised by the Rajasthan Association for English Studies (RASE) and the Department of English, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 23rd to 25th October 2026.

The conference was an enriching learning experience that offered an excellent opportunity to meet distinguished scholars, engage with experts, exchange ideas, and participate in intellectually stimulating conversations. To borrow the expression used by Prof. Vic Gaffney, it was an opportunity to share some “intellectual juices” through meaningful academic interactions. One of the most thought-provoking reflections came from Prof. G. N. Devy, who emphasised the power of words to transcend class boundaries and reach the wider world.

The conference aimed to explore and disseminate the diverse dimensions of narrative nuances across textual and audio-visual forms. I was privileged to learn from the insightful sessions delivered by eminent speakers, including Prof. G. N. Devy, Dr. Hemendra Chandaliya, Prof. Vic Gaffney, Dr. Evgenia Zharikova, Dr. Rajul Bhargava, Prof. Pavan Kumar Shukla, Prof. Nandini Sahu, Prof. Ashutosh Mohan, Prof. Biswajoy Chatterjee, Prof. Sanjeev Kaushal, Dr. Vijay Mangukia, Dr. Viral Pandey, Prof. Paritosh, Prof. Deep Shrivastava, Prof. Dev Vrat Sharma, Prof. S. C. Hajela, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Prof. Birendra Pandey, and Prof. Rajkumar Verma.

The sessions covered a fascinating range of perspectives, from creativity and storytelling to critical approaches to understanding narratives. Equally valuable were the conversations and informal discussions that followed the sessions, where scholars shared their ideas, experiences, and perspectives. These interactions made the conference even more meaningful.

A particularly memorable moment was presenting my research paper, co-authored in collaboration with my research supervisor, Prof. (Dr.) Dilip P. Barad, titled “Mapping Space and Movement: A Digital Cartographic Study of Ecology, Migration, and Memory in The Hungry Tide.” The session was chaired by Dr. Aarti Jain. Presenting our research was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the conference, as it provided an opportunity to articulate the work we have been pursuing and engage with an intellectually curious audience. The session was highly interactive, and I particularly appreciated the chairperson's curiosity and thoughtful engagement with our research. Being able to respond to questions, explain our methodological approaches, and share our research perspectives made the experience even more rewarding.

Beyond the academic sessions, the conference beautifully celebrated the cultural richness of Rajasthan. Every evening, after the academic proceedings, cultural programmes featuring traditional Rajasthani dances and performances added a vibrant dimension to the event.

The second day featured a special “Meet the Author” session with Prof. Sanjeev Kaushal, Prof. Vic Gaffney, and Dr. Evgenia Zharikova. They shared their writing journeys, creative processes, and perspectives on writing, offering valuable insights into the relationship between experience, imagination, and literary expression.

The final day's cultural programme was another memorable experience. Students showcased their talents through dance, singing, instrumental performances, and original creative pieces. The stage was also open to the audience, providing an opportunity for everyone to participate and express themselves.

I gladly seized this opportunity to express my gratitude and recite a beautiful poem by Dhruv Bhatt, “Ochintu Koi Mane Raste Male” (ઓચિંતુ કોઈ મને રસ્તે મળે). Along with reciting the poem, I shared some of its deeper nuances and reflections with the audience. It was a special moment to connect literature, poetry, and personal expression beyond the boundaries of academic presentations.

Another beautiful aspect of this conference was that my sister accompanied me. It was her first opportunity to experience such an academic gathering, listen to eminent scholars, and witness the exchange of ideas. More importantly, she also got a platform to express herself, and she enthusiastically participated by singing a song. Watching her experience this learning environment and find the confidence to participate made the occasion even more special for me.

Another interesting attraction of the conference was the book fair, which added a literary charm to the entire experience. One of the most engaging initiatives was the concept of a “Blind Date with a Book” — an innovative way of encouraging readers to discover books without knowing their titles or authors beforehand. It was a delightful idea that brought an element of curiosity and surprise to the reading experience. The conference also featured craft demonstrations, offering participants an opportunity to appreciate creativity, artistic skills, and hands-on learning. These initiatives added another dimension to the conference, beautifully bringing together literature, creativity, and cultural expression.

As Dr. Vivek Pahadiya rightly said, “Every story needs someone to carry it forward…” I think I am taking this thought quite literally. I am carrying these stories, conversations, intellectual exchanges, questions, perspectives, and all those beautiful dialogues with me. Every interaction has left something behind, and I hope to carry these experiences forward in my academic and personal journey. Perhaps, that is what makes a conference more than just an academic gathering — it becomes a collection of stories that we continue to tell.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Rajasthan Association for English Studies (RASE) and the Department of English, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, for organising such a wonderful academic and cultural gathering. My sincere appreciation to the organising committee, coordinators, volunteers, distinguished speakers, session chairs, and fellow participants for creating such a stimulating and welcoming space for learning, dialogue, and intellectual exchange.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my research supervisor, Prof. (Dr.) Dilip P. Barad, for his constant guidance, encouragement, and invaluable academic support. 

I return with more than just academic insights. I carry with me meaningful conversations, new perspectives, memorable encounters, cultural experiences, and, above all, renewed enthusiasm for research and learning.

Some conferences offer knowledge; some offer connections; and some leave you with experiences that continue to inspire you long after they end. This conference was certainly one of them!

Taking these stories and dialogues forward! ❤️

On Idleness by Dr. Samuel Johnson

 

Samuel Johnson was one of the important writers of eighteenth-century English literature. He was a poet, essayist, critic, moralist and lexicographer. His periodical essays appeared in The Rambler, The Adventurer and The Idler. “On Idleness” is taken from The Idler, No. 31, published on 18 November 1758.

In this essay, Johnson discusses the different forms of idleness. He begins by comparing idleness with pride. Pride is often hidden under different disguises, and Johnson suggests that idleness can also hide itself very successfully. He says that idleness is often unnoticed because it does not directly harm other people. He describes it as a “silent and peaceful quality” which does not attract criticism.

Johnson first describes people who openly enjoy being idle. They sleep for long hours, avoid work and spend their lives in comfort. However, according to Johnson, there are other, more interesting forms of idleness. A person may appear extremely busy while actually avoiding his real duties. Johnson says:

“As Pride sometimes is hid under humility, Idleness is often covered by turbulence and hurry.”

Thus, someone may keep himself constantly occupied simply to avoid doing the important work that he is actually supposed to do.

Johnson also discusses people who are always preparing but never actually doing the work. They make plans, collect materials and arrange everything necessary, but the real work is never completed. Such people give the impression of being hardworking, but their preparation becomes another form of idleness.

Another form of idleness is keeping oneself occupied with small and unnecessary activities. Johnson describes people who fill their day with little tasks that keep their minds active but do not produce anything useful. He calls this the art of keeping “the mind in a state of action, but not of labour.”

Sober as a Representation of Johnson

The most important character in the essay is Sober, Johnson's “old friend.” Sober has strong desires and an active imagination, but his love of comfort prevents him from undertaking difficult work. His mind is active, but he does not turn his ideas into useful action.

Sober especially enjoys conversation. He spends a great deal of time talking and listening because it gives him the feeling that he is learning or teaching something. When he is alone, however, he becomes uncomfortable and looks for other ways to occupy himself.

He experiments with different manual activities. He tries carpentry, shoemaking, tin work, plumbing and pottery, but he does not become successful in any of them. His favourite occupation is chemistry. He spends time making oils, waters and other substances which he knows are useless. Johnson humorously observes that Sober “forgets that, whilst a drop is falling, a moment flies away.”

Autobiographical Elements

The character of Sober can be understood as a partly autobiographical representation of Johnson himself. The essay reflects Johnson's awareness of his own tendency towards idleness and his struggle to use his time productively.

Johnson presents Sober almost affectionately, calling him “my old friend,” but at the same time he criticises his habits. At the end, Johnson says that he has often advised Sober to change, but the advice has had little effect. He hopes that Sober will finally abandon his useless activities and turn towards “rational and useful diligence.”

This makes the essay more than a simple moral lesson. Johnson appears to be examining his own weaknesses through the fictional character of Sober. The source discussing Johnson's life also notes that Johnson himself regarded idleness as a serious personal weakness and frequently criticised his own laziness.

Conclusion

On Idleness is therefore both a moral essay and a self-reflective essay. Johnson shows that idleness does not always mean simply sitting without work. It can appear as excessive sleeping, endless planning, unnecessary preparation, constant conversation or meaningless activity.

Through Sober, Johnson presents a humorous but revealing picture of a person whose mind is full of ideas but who struggles to turn those ideas into useful action. The character also provides an autobiographical dimension to the essay because Johnson's own concerns about idleness are reflected through him.

The main lesson of the essay is that being busy is not the same as being productive. True diligence means using one's time for “rational and useful” purposes rather than filling life with meaningless activity.

Crux

Johnson's central idea is that idleness often disguises itself as activity. A person may look busy, make plans, talk constantly or engage in small hobbies while avoiding meaningful work. Through Sober, Johnson humorously examines this weakness and, at the same time, reflects upon his own struggle with idleness.

This blog is recontructed with the help of Genrative AI.

Richard Steele – On the Shame and Fear of Poverty

 

Richard Steele’s “On the Shame and Fear of Poverty” is Essay No. 114 of The Spectator, published on 11 July 1711. The essay deals with people’s attitudes towards poverty, wealth, social status, and unnecessary spending. Steele particularly examines two attitudes: the shame of being poor and the fear of becoming poor.

Economy and False Appearance

Steele begins by explaining the importance of economy, or careful management of money. He compares it with good manners. Just as people sometimes pretend to be more polite than they really are, they also pretend to be richer than they actually are. Such false appearances may impress others, but they ultimately make a person unhappy.

Steele describes a gentleman who has a considerable fortune but is deeply in debt. He refuses to sell part of his property because he does not want people to think that he has become less wealthy. As a result, he suffers constant worry and financial difficulty simply to protect his reputation. Steele calls his condition:

“a covered indigence, a magnificent poverty.”

This means that the man looks rich from the outside but is actually suffering financially.

Laertes and the Shame of Poverty

Steele then introduces Laertes, who represents the shame of poverty. Laertes has an income of £1,500 a year, but his estate is heavily mortgaged. He could reduce his debt by selling part of his property, but he refuses because he does not want to become equal to Irus, who has a smaller income.

Laertes spends unnecessarily on an expensive lifestyle, entertainment and luxury. His desire to appear wealthy actually pushes him closer to poverty.

Steele says:

“Shame of poverty makes Laertes go every day a step nearer to it.”

Thus, Laertes is financially troubled not simply because of his income, but because he wants to maintain the appearance of wealth.

Irus and the Fear of Poverty

Irus represents the fear of poverty. He has less income than Laertes, but he carefully controls his expenses. He lives simply, avoids unnecessary servants and expenses, and even works with his labourers.

Unlike Laertes, Irus is not concerned with appearing rich. He is concerned with protecting himself from poverty.

Steele explains the difference:

“Fear of poverty stirs up Irus to make every day some further progress from it.”

So, Laertes spends to protect his social image, while Irus saves to protect his financial security.

Two Different Extremes

Steele also shows that both attitudes can become harmful. The fear of poverty may lead to greed, exploitation and oppression, while the shame of poverty may lead to vanity, luxury and wastefulness.

Therefore, Steele argues for a balanced attitude towards money rather than either extreme.

Steele’s Idea of a Balanced Life

Steele believes that people should live within their means. They should have enough to maintain a respectable life but should not become obsessed with unnecessary luxury.

He suggests that every person should decide how much is enough. If he earns more than he needs, he can use the extra money for better purposes instead of spending it only on personal pleasure.

The essay therefore values moderation, self-control, financial responsibility and contentment.

Crux of the Essay

The crux of the essay is that people should not allow wealth or poverty to control their lives. Laertes is ashamed of appearing poor and therefore wastes his money trying to maintain a wealthy image, while Irus fears poverty and therefore lives carefully. Steele shows that both excessive pride and excessive fear can create problems. He ultimately supports a simple, moderate and sensible life, in which a person lives according to his actual means rather than trying to impress society.

In short: Do not spend to look rich; do not live in constant fear of becoming poor—learn to live reasonably and be content with what is enough.

This blog is restructured with the help of Genrative AI

Joseph Addison: Rural Manners

 

Joseph Addison: Rural Manners

Read the Essay

Introduction

Joseph Addison’s Rural Manners originally published as No. 119 in The Spectator, is a social essay in which he compares the manners and behaviour of people living in the town and the countryside. Here, the word manners does not mean morality. Addison uses it to refer to behaviour, politeness, social customs and good breeding. The essay also presents the changing ideas of politeness in Addison’s time.

Addison observes that there is a considerable difference between town and rural manners. The fashionable people of the town have changed their idea of good breeding. They have moved away from excessive ceremonies and formalities and now prefer a more natural and relaxed style of behaviour. The countryside, however, continues to follow many of the older customs. Thus, Addison humorously presents the countryside as being behind the town in matters of fashion and social behaviour.

Changing Ideas of Good Manners

According to Addison, in earlier times polite people showed their good breeding through bows, formal greetings, respectful behaviour and various social ceremonies. These customs were originally meant to show courtesy and respect. However, with time, they became too numerous and artificial. Conversation became burdened with unnecessary formalities, and fashionable society began to reject them.

The new idea of good breeding was therefore based on natural and unconstrained behaviour. People no longer wanted to appear excessively formal. Addison describes this new manner as an “agreeable negligence,” meaning a pleasant lack of unnecessary formality. A truly fashionable person could behave naturally without constantly displaying his politeness.

The countryside, however, has not yet accepted this change. When country people adopt a fashion, the town has often already moved on to something new. Therefore, the manners followed by country people appear old-fashioned to fashionable town society. Addison humorously remarks that a country gentleman may make as many bows in half an hour as a courtier would make in an entire week.

Excessive Formality in the Countryside

Addison gives the example of Sir Roger to show how excessive rural politeness can become inconvenient. At Sir Roger’s dinner, the guests spend so much time deciding where everyone should sit according to their rank and social position that the dinner almost becomes cold. Sir Roger also has to consider the position and status of each guest before offering them a drink.

Through this example, Addison makes fun of the excessive importance given to social rank and precedence in the countryside. What is supposed to be politeness becomes a burden when people follow it too strictly.

The same idea is illustrated through Will Wimble. Although Will is a simple and sensible country gentleman, he has also become accustomed to these formal customs. Even after fishing all morning, he will not help himself to food until Addison has been served. When they are walking in the fields, Will even waits at a stile for Addison to reach him because he believes that this is the proper manner of behaving. His actions provide another humorous example of excessive country politeness.

Change in Polite Conversation

Addison then discusses a second major change in good manners: the language used in polite society.

In the past, a well-bred person carefully avoided vulgar or obscene expressions. Even when speaking about something unpleasant, he would use indirect and polite language. A common person or a clown, on the other hand, might use direct and vulgar expressions.

However, Addison says that fashionable town society has now moved towards the opposite extreme. Some fashionable men use coarse and uncivilised language and speak in a way that would even make a clown feel ashamed. Thus, the old excessive formality has been replaced by excessive freedom in speech.

Addison is pleased that this new vulgar style of conversation has not yet become common in the countryside. He suggests humorously that if country gentlemen adopt this fashion too late, they will think themselves fashionable and witty while others will simply consider them uncivilised or foolish.

Fashion and Dress

The third aspect of manners discussed by Addison is dress. He says that country people are also behind the town in matters of fashion. Rural men continue to wear older styles such as red coats and laced hats, while women in some areas compete with one another by wearing very elaborate and tall head-dresses. These fashions have already gone out of fashion in the town.

Thus, Addison presents the countryside as a place where older social customs, language practices and fashions continue to survive even after they have disappeared from fashionable urban society.

Major Theme

The main theme of Rural Manners is the difference between town and country manners. Addison is particularly interested in how ideas of politeness change over time. He shows that manners that were once considered fashionable can later become old-fashioned. At the same time, he does not completely praise the new manners of the town. He also criticises the fashionable people's use of coarse language.

The essay therefore presents two extremes. The old rural society is excessively formal, while some fashionable town people have become excessively informal. Addison's humour comes from showing the foolishness and inconvenience produced by both extremes.

Rural Manners as a Social Document

The essay can be considered a social document because it provides a picture of the society of Addison's time. It tells us about social ceremonies, ideas of politeness, class and rank, dining customs, conversation, clothing and changing fashions. 

In Rural Manners, Addison compares the manners of people living in the town with those living in the countryside. He explains that town society has moved away from excessive formality and now prefers natural and relaxed behaviour. Country people, however, continue to follow older customs and therefore appear old-fashioned. Addison illustrates this through Sir Roger's dinner and Will Wimble's behaviour.

He also discusses the change in polite conversation. Earlier, refined people avoided vulgar language, but fashionable town society has now moved towards the opposite extreme and sometimes uses coarse expressions. Finally, Addison discusses dress and explains that country people continue to follow fashions that have already disappeared from the town. In this humorous way, the essay examines manners, social behaviour, conversation and fashion and provides a picture of contemporary society.

Note: This study material is reconstructed with the help of Generative AI

 

 

Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding – Plot 

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Introduction

Joseph Andrews was written by Henry Fielding and published in 1742.

Its complete title is:

The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams.

And there is one phrase on the title page that immediately tells us something important about the novel.

Fielding says that the book is:

“Written in Imitation of the Manner of Cervantes.”

Cervantes, of course, is the famous Spanish author of Don Quixote.

So right from the beginning, Fielding is telling us that this is going to be a comic adventure involving unusual characters, journeys, and encounters with society.

Joseph Andrews and Lady Booby

The novel introduces us to Joseph Andrews, a young, handsome and virtuous footman.

Joseph works in the household of Sir Thomas Booby, a wealthy gentleman. After Sir Thomas dies, his wife, Lady Booby, becomes attracted to Joseph.

Lady Booby is socially superior to Joseph. She is wealthy and powerful, while Joseph is merely a servant.

However, Joseph remains faithful to Fanny Goodwill, the young woman he loves, and refuses Lady Booby's advances.

Lady Booby becomes frustrated and angry because Joseph will not give in to her wishes.

Eventually, Joseph is dismissed from his position.

Now Joseph decides to return to the countryside, where he hopes to reunite with Fanny.

And this is where his real adventure begins.

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Joseph's Journey

Joseph sets out on his journey home.

But before he can reach his destination, he is attacked by robbers.

They steal his belongings and leave him badly injured.

Joseph is eventually taken to an inn, where he receives assistance.

His journey, however, is only beginning.

He encounters a series of unusual people and situations, and each experience reveals something about the society through which he is travelling.

Soon, Joseph meets the person who becomes his closest companion throughout the rest of the story:

Parson Abraham Adams.

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Parson Adams

Parson Adams is a poor country clergyman.

He is intelligent and well educated, but he is also absent-minded, naïve and sometimes extremely impractical.

At the same time, he is genuinely kind and charitable.

When Adams meets Joseph, he becomes concerned about him and decides to accompany him.

From this point, the novel becomes the story of the adventures of Joseph and Parson Adams.

The two travel together and encounter people belonging to different social classes.

Some are generous and kind.

Others are selfish, dishonest or hypocritical.

Because Adams is so trusting and Joseph is so straightforward, their encounters often lead to comic situations.

But beneath the comedy, these incidents reveal the weaknesses and contradictions of society.

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Joseph and Fanny

Throughout his journey, Joseph remains devoted to Fanny Goodwill.

Fanny is a young woman of humble social circumstances, but Joseph genuinely loves her and wants to marry her.

Their relationship, however, faces several obstacles.

Lady Booby continues to oppose Joseph's relationship with Fanny.

Joseph and Fanny also have to deal with the social differences and misunderstandings surrounding them.

Their love therefore becomes an important part of the story.

But another, much more serious complication is waiting for them.

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The Mystery of Joseph's Birth

As the story progresses, questions begin to arise about Joseph's origins.

Eventually, it appears that Joseph and Fanny may actually be brother and sister.

If this is true, their relationship cannot continue as a romantic one.

This creates a major crisis for the two lovers.

But the mystery surrounding Joseph's birth is eventually investigated, and the truth begins to emerge.

The revelation changes everything.

Joseph is discovered not to be the biological son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

Instead, he is identified as the long-lost son of Mr. Wilson.

This means that Joseph and Fanny are not brother and sister.

The apparent obstacle to their marriage is removed.

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Joseph and Fanny

With the truth revealed, Joseph and Fanny are finally able to marry.

Their relationship survives the many difficulties they have faced throughout the novel.

Joseph's journey has therefore taken him from being a young servant in Lady Booby's household to discovering his true family identity and finally being united with Fanny.

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The Role of Parson Adams

Alongside Joseph's story, Parson Adams remains an important part of the novel until the end.

His adventures provide much of the novel's comedy.

He frequently finds himself in ridiculous situations because of his innocence and absent-mindedness.

However, beneath the humour, Adams represents genuine goodness.

He is charitable, sympathetic and willing to help others even when he receives nothing in return.

This makes him very different from several characters who appear respectable but behave selfishly.

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The Ending

By the end of the novel, the major misunderstandings are resolved.

Joseph's true identity has been discovered.

His relationship with Fanny is restored.

Joseph and Fanny marry, and their love receives a happy resolution.

At the same time, the various adventures of Joseph and Parson Adams have exposed the hypocrisy, selfishness, greed and pretension of many of the people they encounter.

This is why the plot is more than simply a romantic adventure.

Joseph's journey becomes a journey through eighteenth-century society.

At every stage, Fielding introduces us to different people and situations, allowing us to see the contrast between appearance and reality, social status and moral worth, and genuine virtue and hypocrisy.

So, while Joseph Andrews tells the story of a young man's journey and his love for Fanny, it also gives us a comic picture of human nature and society.

And this is what makes the novel much more than a simple love story.

Guidance lecture for NET/SET aspirants, organized by the Alumni Association of the Department of English, MKBU

 On 10th September 2026, I had the privilege of delivering a guidance lecture for UGC NET/GSET aspirants, organized by the Alumni Association of the Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.

The session focused on “Logical Reasoning” from Paper 1 (General Paper) for NET/GSET, along with practical strategies and approaches for effective exam preparation.

🔑 Highlights from the session:

• Understanding the fundamentals and key concepts of Logical Reasoning

• Exploring different types of reasoning questions and logical fallacies

• Learning techniques to approach questions with greater accuracy and confidence

• Discussing time management and strategies for Paper 1

• Sharing practical tips and approaches for effective NET/GSET preparation

One of the most rewarding aspects of the session was seeing the students actively engaging with the concepts, responding to questions, and gradually grasping the ideas being discussed. I was particularly pleased to see their participation and the way they connected with the concepts of logical reasoning. It made the experience of teaching and interacting with them all the more fulfilling.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share what I have learned and, in a small way, contribute to the preparation journey of aspiring NET/GSET candidates.

Click here to watch the session:

My sincere thanks to Dr. Dilip Barad Sir, Megha Trivedi Ma’am, and Prakruti Bhatt Ma’am for providing me with this opportunity and for their encouragement and support.

Grateful for the opportunity to return to my academic roots and give back to the department that has been an important part of my journey. 🌸

Guidance lecture for NET/GSET aspirants, organized by the Alumni Association of the Department of English, MKBU

 

On 14th September, I had the privilege of delivering a guidance lecture for NET/GSET aspirants, organized by the Alumni Association of the Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.

The session focused on “ICT in Education” from Paper 1 (General Paper) for NET/GSET, along with strategies for preparing for the exam in general.

The session was streamed live on YouTube. Here is the link of Youtube Video:

Highlights from the session:

ICT is an umbrella term for technologies like computers and the internet used to create, store, and share information.

Three main objectives: ICT Education (learning about ICT), ICT Supported Education (using tools like multimedia), and ICT Enabled Education (delivering complete courses digitally).

Key models: e-learning, blended learning, and distance learning.

Major initiatives by the Indian government: SWAYAM, National Digital Library (NDL), and DIKSHA.

NEP 2020 strongly emphasizes the integration of ICT into education.

Benefits include personalised learning, wider reach, and educational continuity in times of crisis.

Challenges include infrastructure costs, accessibility issues, and the need for continuous training—requiring a crucial attitudinal shift to fully embrace ICT in teaching and learning.

It was truly wonderful to interact with the aspirants and share insights on this important topic. I am deeply thankful to the Department of English and Alumni Association for this platform, and to all the aspirants who joined with such enthusiasm.

Special thanks to Dr. Dilip Barad Sir, Megha Trivedi Ma’am, and Prakruti Bhatt Ma’am for providing me this opportunity.