Sociology Magazine Release & Expert Lecture on “Diversity: A Re-Reading”
Date: 17 April 2024
The Department of Sociology successfully hosted the Annual Magazine Release “Unlocking Minds”, followed by an Expert Talk on this year’s theme "Diversity in Society: Unveiling Perspectives" on April 17, 2024, at 1:40 PM. The highlight of the event was the release of the third edition of the department's magazine, "Unlocking Minds," under the theme "Diversity in Society: Unveiling Perspectives." Fr. Jais V Thomas, Financial Administrator, Director of Jayantian Extension Services, and Faculty Member of Commerce and Management, graced the occasion by releasing the magazine and delivering an insightful talk on the significance of diversity in society. He emphasized how embracing differences fosters solidarity and underscored the vital role of social sciences in understanding and addressing societal complexities.

Following the magazine release, Mr. Jithin Joseph, Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru, delivered an expert lecture on "Diversity: A Re-Reading." Mr. Joseph explained the theoretical aspects of diversity, particularly highlighting its deceptive nature as a metaphor. He elucidated how diversity and differences, while inherently neutral, can become imbued with power dynamics, resulting in structural, categorical, and hierarchical impositions. Through his discourse, students gained clarity on the political dimensions of diversity in contemporary society, realizing its importance as a critical concept for navigating societal challenges and fostering inclusivity. The event provided a platform for scholarly engagement and deepened the understanding of diversity's multifaceted implications in today's world.

Expert Talk on “Embodied Rhythms: Exploring Dance as a Sacred Ritual”
Date: 01 March 2024
The Department of Sociology organised a Lecture Series on Musings & Reflections with the topic “Embodied Rhythms: Exploring Dance as a Sacred Ritual”. The resource person for the event was Dr. Divya Nedungadi, Assistant Professor, Department of Performing Arts, Gitam University, Bengaluru. The expert talk offered an exploration into Indian classical dance forms, especially the Mohiniyattam. Through engaging performances and demonstrations, Dr. Nedungadi dived into the complex intersections of caste, gender, and power dynamics inherent in these traditions. The session shed light on how race, religion, and caste operate within classical art forms, drawing attention to recent instances of discrimination, such as temple venue denials based on dancers' identities. Dr. Nedungadi underscored the importance of democracy and secularism in reimagining these dance forms as inclusive expressions, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and accessible cultural landscape.The session ended with a lively Q&A session, which allowed the audience to engage with the resource person directly.

Expert Lecture On Theyyam
Date: 02 February 2024
On February 2, 2024, the Department of Sociology orchestrated a captivating expert lecture, "Exploring Theyyam: Rituals, Beliefs, & Social Significance," featuring Dr. Sivaprasad V, an esteemed Assistant Professor from the Department of Professional Management Studies at Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru. Drawing upon his 15 years of active participation in Theyyam performances, Dr. Sivaprasad provided a unique and firsthand perspective on this traditional art form. His comprehensive discussion covered the essence of Theyyam, delving into its historical legacy, associated beliefs and rituals, social significance, and illuminating the nuanced comparisons between Theyyam and Bhoothakkola. The lecture, followed by an interactive session, captivated students' curiosity and enthusiasm, extending well beyond an hour. Dr. Sivaprasad's expertise offered students valuable insights into the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of Theyyam, fostering a deeper understanding of this rich and complex tradition.

Documentary Screening Of India Untouched : Stories Of A People Apart ”
Date: 22 September 2023
The Department of Sociology organized a documentary screening event featuring the groundbreaking film, "India Untouched - Stories of a People Apart." This documentary offers a profound exploration of the practice of Untouchability in India, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those considered "Untouchables." The event aimed to raise awareness and initiate critical discussions on this sensitive issue.

The event commenced with the screening of "India Untouched." The documentary took viewers on a journey across various states, offering a comprehensive exploration of Untouchability in India. It presented the experiences of individuals from different religious backgrounds, revealing the deeply entrenched discrimination they face in society. The film used personal narratives, interviews, and expert analysis to highlight the continued prevalence of Untouchability.

Following the documentary screening, a critical discussion was held to delve deeper into the issue of Untouchability and the content of the documentary. The discussion was led by the students from the I, III and V semester BA PSSO. Attendees had the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in a meaningful dialogue about this pressing societal concern.

Expert Lecture on “Doing Research Iin Prison : Experiences of a Woman Ethnographer”
The Department of Sociology organised a Lecture Series on Musings & Reflections with the topic “Doing Research in Prison : Experiences of a Woman Ethnographer”.The resource person for the event was Dr. Sheethal S. Kumar, Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Sociology, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala. It was a thought-provoking and insightful event that shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by herself as a female ethnographer conducting research within prison settings in Kerala. This program aimed to explore the experiences, perspectives, and research methodologies of women ethnographers who engage in research within correctional facilities. He discussed her journey of PhD research, the specific qualitative research tools like ethnography, hanging out with participants, participant observation etc. She explained how she has undergone a personal transformation after the completion of her fieldwork in a prison setting. She also shared some unique challenges faced by female ethnographers in prison settings, including gender-related issues, safety concerns, and the emotional toll of witnessing and documenting the hardships faced by incarcerated women. She also shared stories and examples of how their research had influenced policy, raised awareness about issues within the prison system, and contributed to a better understanding of the experiences of incarcerated women. The session ended with a lively Q&A session, which allowed the audience to engage with the resource person directly, asking questions and seeking advice on conducting research in prison settings. The session ended with Question and Answer session.

Value Added Course on Gender and Society
Department of Sociology conducted Value Added Course for third-semester EPS, JEENG, JPSENG students on “Gender and Society” for 2021-2022 academic year. Thirty hour classes were conducted from 9th August 2021- 19th August 2021 on various topics, including Domestic violence, Gender sensitization, Male gaze, Women and Human Rights, Queer Theory and Glass ceiling. Classes were organized through the zoom platform, and on August 19th, 2021, the VAC exam was conducted for all three batches through a MCQ test. Students created a short movie to raise gender awareness and promote the course's relevance in today's environment.

Creative Space
Date and time: 15/8/2020, 10 am to 17/8/2020, 10 am
Online platform: Zoom
Opened to all BA Students
Objective: 1. To enhance the creativity of students.
2. To showcase the writing skills of students.
The Department of Sociology organized the event Creative Space a creative writing competition for all BA students. It was organized on the occasion of Independence Day. The event was conducted using Google forms. The form was circulated on social media platforms and was made available to all BA students of Kristu Jayanti College. The students were free to write a short story/ poem/essay on the topic " Freedom ". The rules and regulations to be followed while writing was also given to them. Students came up with some really creative works that showcased their writing skills through this event