France’s Position in the Indo-Pacific Region
Date:29 November, 2024
The NIAS-KJC Europe Lecture Series #25 took place on November 29, 2024, focusing on "France’s Position in the Indo-Pacific Region." The event was organized by the Department of History & Kristu Jayanti College of Law in collaboration with the Science, Technology and International Relations Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru. The special guest was His Excellency Marc Abensour, the Ambassador of France for the Indo-Pacific.

Marc Abensour is a seasoned diplomat who was appointed as Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific on October 24, 2022. Some of the key themes which were presented by HE Marc Abensour during the session were:

Strategic Importance: France's strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific is crucial as it navigates the complexities of US-China relations and regional security threats.

Maritime Security: The lecture emphasized France's commitment to safeguarding maritime routes and addressing environmental challenges in the region.

Regional Partnerships: The role of France in fostering partnerships with countries like India, Australia, and Japan was highlighted as essential for promoting stability and cooperation.

The session was followed by the Q/A discussion and Vote of Thanks by Dr. Shreshtha Chowdhury, Faculty at Kristu Jayanti College of Law.

This event reflects France's ongoing efforts to assert its influence and address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in a region that is increasingly seen as a geopolitical focal point. The NIAS-KJC Europe Lecture Series #25 provided valuable insights into France’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region through a comprehensive presentation by Ambassador Marc Abensour. The event facilitated meaningful discussions among students and faculty regarding international relations, security dynamics, and collaborative opportunities in this pivotal region.

South Korean Conclave
Date:17 October, 2024
From October 17 to 19, 2024, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous) hosted a three-day conclave on India and South Korea relations. The event featured keynote addresses by Dr. Sailesh Naik, Director of NIAS, and Mr. Kim Chang-noun, Consul General of South Korea, Chennai, discussing historical ties and areas of cooperation between the two nations. The conclave included insightful sessions on Korea's soft power, demographic shifts, chaebol culture, and the impact of globalization. Students and scholars engaged in panel discussions on geopolitical issues, economic collaborations, and cultural exchanges, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and mutual understanding. The event concluded with valuable presentations on feminist movements, Indo-Pacific policy, and the influence of Korean soft power

Taming the Beast: Series on Procrastination
Date:15 October, 2024
On October 15, the Department of History at Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous) hosted a session on "Taming the Beast: Series on Procrastination" by Dr. Nidhi Raj Gupta. She discussed strategies to combat procrastination, emphasizing daily routines and sharing four key mantras: Shubh Muhrat, Say NO, Say YES, and the Power of Small

A Widening Gap: Electoral Trends and Politics in Contemporary Germany
Date:24 September, 2024
Dr. Tim Stuchty's analysis of Germany's political scene highlights the country's diverse and evolving party system. Germany’s multi-party framework includes the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Alliance 90/The Greens, Free Democratic Party (FDP), The Left (Die Linke), and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), each representing distinct political ideologies.

A notable trend in recent years has been the rise of coalition governance, particularly following the 2021 elections, which saw the formation of a "traffic light" coalition between the SPD, Greens, and FDP. This coalition emphasizes progressive policies on climate change, social justice, and economic reform.

Additionally, the increasing prominence of populism, especially through the AfD’s anti- immigration rhetoric, and the growing focus on environmental issues reflect shifting political priorities in Germany. Dr. Stuchty’s analysis sheds light on how these developments are shaping the future of German politics.

Training session on Ashokan Brahmi script
Date:20 September, 2024
On September 20, 2024, the Department of History at Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous) conducted an engaging training session on the Ashokan Script for first- and second-year History and Political Science students. The guest speaker, Mr. Gautam Jantakal, a Numismatist from the Centre for Numismatics Studies, Bengaluru, delivered an insightful lecture on the origin and evolution of the Brahmi script.

Mr. Jantakal explained that Brahmi, considered the mother of all Indian scripts, predates the Mauryan Empire and evolved into various regional forms over time. He shared fascinating details about the earliest evidence of Brahmi found on 4th-5th century pottery from Tamil Nadu and its extensive use during the Ashokan era.

The session included interactive worksheets, where students practiced translating Brahmi using matras and samyuktakshar, gaining hands-on experience with the ancient script. The event provided a valuable learning experience, enhancing students' understanding of India's rich linguistic heritage and the historical significance of the Ashokan script.

The US Presidential Elections 2024: Issues and Implications
Date:18 September, 2024
On September 18, 2024, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), hosted an insightful online lecture on the upcoming U.S. Presidential Elections. The session featured a keynote address by Prof. Chintamani Mahapatra, former Professor at JNU and Founder Chairperson of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies.

Prof. Mahapatra provided an in-depth analysis of the key issues shaping the 2024 elections, including domestic and foreign policy concerns. He also discussed the contrasting visions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, highlighting their different approaches to addressing America's future challenges.

The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session, with participants discussing the role of social media in the elections and its potential impact on U.S.-India relations. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Ramya B, Coordinator of the Department of History, Kristu Jayanti College.

This lecture offered valuable insights into the political dynamics of the U.S. election and its global implications.

Colonial imprints: Bengaluru’s past through Historical Photographs
Date:13 September, 2024
Dr. S. K. Aruni, Deputy Director of Research at the Indian Council of Historical Research, presented on Bengaluru's history, covering pre-colonial and colonial periods. Highlights included early human habitation, the Tiddaga community's contributions earning the title "Garden City of India," Hero Stones from the Kempegowda period, and the British Cantonment establishment in 1809, dividing Bengaluru into Old and New Bengaluru. The presentation concluded with a visual tour of colonial-era landmarks and modern images, showcasing Bengaluru's transformation.

Collage making competition: Events Shaping the World
Date:09 September, 2024
On September 9, 2024, the Department of History organized a collage-making competition for first-year HPS students. The enthusiastic participants created collages on various historical topics, including the Partition of India, Mahabharata, World War II, and the American Civil Rights Movement. Key presentations covered the Indian National Congress and Muslim League's formation, significant scenes from the Mahabharata, Hitler's role in World War II, and the art revolution during the Renaissance. Other notable topics included the causes and impact of the Cold War, the symbolism of the Berlin Wall's fall, the political instability of the Vijayanagar Empire, the evolution of Earth from the Big Bang to human development, and the Black movement during the American Civil Rights era. The event highlighted the students' understanding of historical events through detailed presentations and visual displays.

50 Years of Pokhran: How India fought the Technology Sanctions
Date:03 September, 2024
Professor VS Ramamurthy, former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, discussed India's journey to becoming a nuclear nation and the impact of global sanctions in fostering innovation. Professor DK Srivastava, former Director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, highlighted challenges faced by Indian scientists and praised pioneers like Bhiba Chaudhary and Chaitanya Ganguly. The event included a Q & A and a video on nuclear test history, showcasing India's determination and perseverance in achieving nuclear development despite global challenges.

Polar dialogue and Release of Indo Arctic
Date:30 & 31 August, 2024
The Indo-Arctic conference, inaugurated on August 30, 2024, at NIAS, started with a welcome note from Prof. Shailesh Nayak and Mr. S Raghuram. Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Tanmaya Lal and Dr. M Ravichandran.

Day two, August 31, 2024, featured sessions on climate change, science and technology, Polar Regions, and international frameworks. Moderated by Rear Admiral (retd) Monty Khanna and Prof. D Suba Chandran, the conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation and sustainable practices in Polar Regions, concluding with calls for increased awareness and efforts to address the challenges faced in these regions.

Essentials of Humanites and Social Sciences.- Value Added Course
Date:02 to 08 August, 2024
The Department of Social Sciences and Languages has offered a value Added Course to I semester BA HPS students from 2nd of August to 08th of August 2024. The name of the paper is Essentials of Humanites and Social Sciences. The course was taught by Dr Ashwini Barla, Mr Karthik Manoharan, Dr Sameena, Dr Shikha, Ms, Riddhi and Dr. Deekshith. The course provided an introduction to the basic concepts of Social Sciences.

The Historian's Toolbox: Essential Skills for Exploring History- Value Added Course
Date:22 to 29 July, 2024
The Department of History has offered a value Added Course to III semester BA HSPS students from 22nd of July to 29th of July 2024. The name of the paper is The Historian's Toolbox: Essential Skills for Exploring History. The course was taught by Dr Ashwini Barla and Mr Karthik Manoharan. The course provided an introduction to History and tools to study History.

Launch and Release of NIAS- KJC Magazine
Date:05 July, 2024
The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and Kristu Jayanti College (KJC) have launched the inaugural edition of the "This Week in History" magazine. The event featured a keynote by NIAS Director, Professor D Suba Chandran, and a welcome address by KJC Principal, Fr. Dr. Augustine George, highlighting history's relevance to modern times.

The magazine was unveiled by Fr. Dr. Augustine George and Professor D Suba Chandran, with panel discussions from esteemed scholars and interactive sessions for attendees. The weekly magazine aims to foster interdisciplinary research, encourage historical exploration, and publish high-quality articles, expanding its reach with contributions from international historians.

75th Republic Day 2024 - Theme: Reminiscing Past
Date:19 January, 2024
The event began precisely at 1:30 pm, with the dignitaries sitting on the dais. The welcome note was given by Pranav Raghunath, the student coordinator. Then a speech was given by the chief guest Dr. Ravishankar, Assistant Professor of the Kannada Department. He spoke about the pivotal role of the Indian constitution and the effective administration in Karnataka. It was enlightening and interesting to the students. The cultural programmes began after the speech, the first performance was a patriotic song by Athulya of 3rd year HSPS, then a patriotic speech by 1st year Rithik shetty. This was followed by two patriotic songs, one by Henna Benny and group who were from 1st year HSPS, and then one by Kimberly from 1st year HSPS. Next was a second student speech by Lucky from 3rd year HSPS, the speech was informative and motivating. The next event was a mime, the sacrifice of a soldier and the tribute by the loved ones was beautifully portrayed. This was followed by a video recording of fellow Jayantians screened, speaking about why we celebrate Republic day and its facts in various languages. The last participants, Ryan Marcus and Manoja Yadavilli, form 3rd year and 2nd year respectively, gave a presentation on the first Republic Day Parade and unseen Pictures during the making of the Indian Constitution, on the theme ‘Saluting the Spirit: Republic Day in Frames’. The event concluded with the vote of thanks given by Dr. Sakithyan K B.

Book Discourse- Basics of Social Science in Education
Date:06 September, 2023
The library and information centre conducted a Book Discourse on 06 September 2023 at 11 am, M1 Auditorium, First floor, Main Block. The session introduced the book titled “Basics of Social Science in Education” to the students. The authors recalled and shared the inspirations that led to the creation of this book to the students. The book consisted of 2 chapter written by the author and expressed the implication of his chapters. Author also highlighted the major significance the book caused in the field of education. Dr. Sakthyan encouraged students to read, reflect and to create impact on society via writing and publishing. He was a true inspiration for the students and teachers

77th Independence Day Quiz Theme: Nation First, Always First
Date:15 August, 2023
The History Department organised a Quiz on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day 2023 on the theme of Nation First, Always First. The Independence Day Quiz conducted was a creative and interactive initiative aimed at engaging participants in commemorating Independence Day by remembering freedom movement. This event served as an innovative way to promote patriotism and educate participants about the country’s history and culture. The event was promoted through social media, email invitations, and relevant online communities to maximize participation. The event witnessed enthusiastic involvement from participants of various age groups, reflecting their keen interest in learning about their nation’s history and achievements. Upon completing the quiz, participants were provided with their certificates. The event fostered a sense of pride and historical awareness. The accessible and flexible nature of the digital platform ensured a wider reach and allowed participants to celebrate their nation’s heritage in a convenient and engaging manner.

Value Added Course on ‘Introduction to Archaeology’
Date: 9 to 19 August, 2021
The Department of History offered a Value Added Course on ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ to all the Vth Sem students of B.A. HEP & HTJ from 9th Aug to 19th Aug for thirty hours. The course was taught by Prof. Ramya B and Dr. Ravi Sankar K. The course provided an introduction to the field of archaeology, definition, scope, nature and uses. Video based lessons on types of excavation [vertical, horizontal and burial]and exploration techniques [Carbon (C14) dating, dendrochronology, seriation, thermos-luminescence] was conducted. A study of eminent archeologists of India and functions of ASI was also included.

Various self- study assignments including a study on select archeological sites of India- Lothal, Dholavira, Banwali, Hampi, Pattadakal and Aihole was given. The students also had an opportunity to make a presentation displaying their newly learnt knowledge and research skills. The feedback collected from students expressed that an introductory knowledge in the field of archaeology was beneficial ; helped them realize the value of the field of archeology for the learning of History and Social Sciences.