Academia Innovative practices 2014 – 2015

1. Seminar on Universal Humanism In Literature Organised by Department of Bengali on 23- 08-2014

Concepts and Objectives: Worldwide it is notice that many of the Indigenous languages are dying out as reported by the UNO. It is a common knowledge that students of today do not prefer to study Languages as a subject. The objective of the Seminar is to encourage the young generation to study their language. Universal humanism is a comprehensive world view which embraces human reason, metaphysical naturalism, altruistic morality and distributive justice. Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values. The concept of Humanism has evolved over the years, Human – centred philosophy can be found also in the circa 1500 BCE in the Lokayata system of Indian philosophy. Nasadiya Sukta, a passage in the Rig Veda contains one of the first recorded assertion of agnosticism. In the sixth century BC the Buddha expressed in Pali Literature a sceptical attitude towards the supernatural. Another instance of ancient humanism as an organised system of thought is found in the Gathas of Zarathustra, composed between 1,000 BC- 600 BC in Iran. The Indian Renaissance of Humanism flourished in thought,deeds and words from time immemorial. The finest expressions of humanism came to embellish the writings of writers such as Ram Mohan Roy, Nazrul Islam, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Sarat Chandra Bhattacherjee and Rabindranath Tagore who came to be recognized as the global ambassador for Humanistic values. In the Context of North East India, the spirit and ideas of Humanism came to touch the western educated writers, the first group of which received their higher education from Bengal. Laxminath Bezbarooah and Babu Jibon Roy and u Soso Tham became the torch bearers of this tradition in this region. Humanism and Humanist ideas came to influence the plains and hills of North East India. Despite its widespread influence the exploration and exposition of the same has been limited, therefore a national seminal on the theme and its north eastern dimension is imperative. The Department of Bengali, Lady Keane College, Shillong , is therefore proposing to organise a One Day National Seminar on the theme “ Universal Humanism in literature on the 23rd August, 2014. The following Resource Persons have consented to participate in the above Seminar as Resource Persons: Prof. Bharati Ray, former M.P and Pro – Vice Chancellor, Calcutta University, Kolkata Prof. Amitava Roy, Shakespeare Professor, Director of Shakespeare Studies, Rabindra Bharati University. Dr. Rita Roy, Associate Professor, RNB Women’s College Deogharh Dumkah Jharkhand. Dr.Swarnali Biswas Bhattacherjee, Lecturer, Laban Bengali Girls Higher Secondary School, Shillong . Number of participants – 69

2. World Suicide Prevention Day-10th September, 2014

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10th September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. In keeping with this, the Department of Sociology, conducted a Workshop on World Suicide Prevention Day- “A Sociological and Psychological Perspective” in the college auditorium on 10th September, 2014, for all students.

The function opened with a formal welcome by the Head of Department, Dr.R.J.Nongrum. The workshop started with a presentation by Beena Jayal Sawkmie, Assistant Professor, Sociology Department, entitled “Suicide - Emile Durkheim”- an academic perspective on suicide. This was followed at length, by the actual workshop by Resource Person Revd. T. Langstieh, Counsellor, Sanker Mental Hospital, Shilllong. The speaker highlighted and discussed the aims of World Suicide Prevention Day, which were: . Raise awareness that suicide is preventable. . Improve education about suicide. . Spread information about suicide awareness. . Decrease stigmatization regarding suicide.

The total number of participants was 121. At the interactive session, students expressed their enthusiasm by raising many questions related to suicide. Initially they were hesitant, so questions were asked through written chits. But once the discussion turned into dialogues, many started to open up. A few shared experiences about relatives and friends who lost their lives to suicide. Many expressed sadness that some cases could have been prevented had the right awareness been imparted to the victims. The workshop ended with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. A. Mawlong.

3. Report on Workshop on Stress Management. The Department of Sociology conducted a Workshop on Stress Management for the Teaching faculty of the college on the 29th of October, 2014. It was attended by 75 teachers. The Resource person was Dr. Sonali Shinde Tesia, MD Psychiatry from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health And NeuroSciences), Bangalore, Senior Residency in NEIGRIHMS, Shillong and currently, Consultant Psychaitrist at Woodland Hospital. The programme started with a Welcome address by the Head of Sociology Department, Dr.R.J.Nongrum. The Resource person started with an introduction to the topic: Occupational or work-related stress "is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope." Stress management refers to a wide spectrum of techniques & psychotherapies aimed at minimizing stress. The first step of stress management is identifying the various sources and manifestations of stress. Towards this purpose, Stress Journal- a daily record of stressful events and reactions- is a helpful tool. Questionnaires were handed out to all participants to gauge stress levels and hands-on activities were carried out for participants to introspect and to help them resolve stress-related issues. All in all, it was a constructive exercise, and as teachers who undergo stress daily, the workshop proved to be extremely beneficial for everyone. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. B.J.Sawkmie. Number of participants - 75

4. National Workshop on “Virtual Learning’

The English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) in collaboration with the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL), UK, and Lady Keane College, Shillong, had organised a two-day workshop on Virtual Learning on the 27th and 28th of November, 2014.The objective of the workshop was to develop a virtual learning environment within the teaching learning processes amongst the faculty members. The workshop saw the participation by teachers from the different departments in the college and coordinated by the Department of English and the Department of Computer Science, Lady Keane College. Dr. Sakthi Prasath, Assistant Professor, SRM University, was the facilitator and trainer during the duration of the workshop. Participants were provided with online task beginning from the 24th of November which culminated on the last day of the program. The workshop was an initiative which is a first of its kind and witnessed an eager participation of teachers. The total expenditure for the workshop was borne by Lady Keane College to the amount of Rs. 25,500/-.

Number of Participants - 204

5. A ONE DAY NATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘NAAC ACCREDITATION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION FOR COLLEGES IN THE NORTHEAST’ Organised byIQAC, Lady Keane College, Shillong on 15th December 2014

The IQAC Lady Keane College, Shillong organized a one day national seminar on NAAC Accreditation for Quality Education for colleges in the Northeast. The seminar was held on the 15th of December 2014 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in the college seminar room. The event drew a wide array of participants – teachers, scholars and academicians – from colleges in and around the North East.

The day witnessed the inaugural session with addresses by the Principal of the college, Dr. Mrs. C. Massar, the Chief Guest Mr. P. Srivastava IAS Principal Secretary Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya and Mrs. M. Y. Tham, Co-ordinator, IQAC Lady Keane College. Besides welcoming the gathering, the Principal who is also the Chairperson of the IQAC, Lady Keane College, made it a point to highlight the objectives towards organising the seminar. According to her, the growth of colleges in the North East in recent years has been phenomenal but many have yet to go through the process of accreditation and have little or no access to guide them through the process of accreditation. She provided a general overview of the issues and challenges pertaining to the process of accreditation. She hoped that the seminar will enlighten and enable the participating college with the much needed skills to enable them to go for accreditation. The college which had gone through the re-accreditation (cycle-2) hoped that it can assist and facilitate the participating colleges in the upliftment of higher education in the North East and bring it at par with the rest of the country. Meanwhile, the chief guest Mr. P. Srivastava, IAS and Principal Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya congratulated the college and observed the initiative taken by the college has come about at the right time and that there is an absolute need to deliberate upon helping colleges who are to go for accreditation. He further stressed that the Government through its various schemes and programmers can help bring quality education at the higher level.

At the end of the inaugural session the Co-ordinator of IQAC, Mrs. M. Y. Tham expressed her thankfulness to the Chairperson and Principal, Dr. Mrs. C. Massar, for her undaunting help and guidance. She also extended her gratefulness to the Chief Guest for his presence and for his encouragement to the gathering. She further added her thankfulness to all distinguished participants and also reflected their commitment to the profession. The Print and Electronic media was also thanked for their presence and for giving excellent coverage of the seminar. Lastly, the Co-ordinator affectionately thanked all the members of IQAC for their support, dedication, team work and untiring efforts.

List of Participating Colleges:

Colleges from Urban Area:

1. Umshyrpi College, Shillong, Eat Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

2. Sankerdev College, Bishnupur, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

3. College of Teacher’s Education PGT., Boyce Road, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya.

4. Raid Laban College. Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.

5. Lady Keane College. Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.

Colleges from Rural Area:

1. Sngap Syiem College, Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

2. Tura Government College, Tura, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya

3. Tirot Singh Memorial, Jowai, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

4. Darrang College, Tezpur, Assam

5. Sohra Government College, Sohra, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 6. Thomas Jones Synod College, Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

7. Ri Bhoi College, Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya

8. Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.

9. Mairang Presbyterian College, Mairang, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

10. Nongtalang College, Nongtalang, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.

11. Capt. Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara, South Garo Hills

12. Iaikyntiew College, Nongthymmai, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

13. Williamnagar Government College. Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya.

14. Don Bosco College. Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.

15. Nongstoin College, Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.

TECHNICAL SESSIONS

Session I : Importance of Assessment and Accreditations

Chairperson : Dr. Sudipti Banerjee, Professor and Former Head Department of Commerce and Director IQAC University of Calcutta.

Resource Persons : Prof. Subir Kumar Basu, Dean of Student Welfare Vidyasagar University, West Bengal.

In this session, Prof. Sibir Kumar Basu, highlighted that NAAC was constituted to monitor standards of the higher educational institutions to ensure quality and excellence. He stressed that should be NAAC a catalyzing agent to motivate institutions to improve the academic and administrative performance of the institution. Further NAAC is expected to act as an instrument for raising the quality of the teacher education system and help the institutions in using their physical and instructional infrastructure optimally and professionally. To undergrid the effectiveness of the Assessment, Prof. Subir Kumar Basu elaborated upon the following seven criteria’s identified by NAAC.

1. Curricular Aspects. 2. Teaching-learning and evaluation. 3. Research, consultancy and extension. 4. Infrastructure and learning resources. 5. Student support and progression. 6. Governance, leadership and management. 7. Innovations and best practice. Prof. Subir Kumar Basu, then talked about the grading pattern followed by NAAC and the benefits that a good grade can give to an institution. A good grade according to him can be a source of motivation for the staffs and students and thereby allow research sharing and net working with other institutions in India and abroad. With this, the process of seeking fund from government agencies and industries and other funding agencies would be much easier and would also help the institution in maintaining the momentum of quality consciousness which is of crucial importance.

Session II : Accreditation Process

Chairperson : Prof. Subir Kumar Basu Dean of Students Welfare Vidyasagar University, West Bengal Resource Person : Dr. Sudipti Banerji Professor and Former Head Department of Commerce and Director, IQAC University of Calcutta Taking his turn as a Resource person Dr. Sudipti Banerji elaborates that the vision of NAAC is to make ‘quality’ the defining element of higher education in India. The resource person then deliberated on the key aspects of the seven criteria encompass all the process of an institution. The weightages that are allotted to each of the criteria were also highlighted. Dr. Sudipti Banerji then concluded by informing about the initiatives to be adopted for the process of Accreditation and Re-accreditation in which he highlighted that institutions who are going for Re-accreditation, should focus more on implementation of the suggestions made in the previous assessment. The focus of Re-accreditation should be on the compliance of the suggestions and recommendations made in the Peer Team Report during the first assessment and accreditation. In short the framework should take into account the impact of the first assessment. Session III : Role function of IQAC

Chairperson : Mrs. D. Bhattacharjee Associate Professor, Dept of Physics Lady Keane College, Shillong Resource Person : Dr. Catherine R. Diengdoh Director College Development Council North Eastern Hills University, Shillong.

In this session the resource person Dr. Catherine R. Diengdoh highlighted the purpose for establishment of NAAC as an autonomous body under UGC under sec 12 (CCC) of the Act in September 1994, to monitor standards of higher education system. The purpose for establishment of this body is for ensuring higher education for the diverse need of the stakeholders within the society. According to her, IQAC may be established in every accredited institution, where it can play an important role within the college. IQAC is NAAC action plan for performance, up-gradation and enhancement. IQACX is meant for planning, guiding and monitoring Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Enhancement (QE) activities. The IQAC may channelize and systematize efforts and measures of an institution.

Again she emphasized that the SSR and AQAR report that has to be submitted annually to the body for every 5 years till the accreditation process. She also enlightened the gathering on the role of the IQAC by highlighting the objectives, strategies, composition, operational functions, and the expected functions of IQAC and also trade a mention of the financial assistance that can be applied. Objectives:

1. Realization of goals and quality culture of an institution. 2. System for conscious, consistent and catalytic action to improve the academic and administrative performance of the institution. 3. To promote measures for institutional functioning.

Strategies:

IQAC shall evolve mechanisms and procedures for:

1. Mechanisms 2. Timely procedures. 3. Relevance and quality of academic and research programme. 4. Curriculum framework. 5. College should be permanently affiliated to the concerned university under 12F and 12B.

Suggestions was also made that since the state accreditation is not fully functional thus there was a need to revive it in order to enable various institutions within the state to get accreditation.

Composition:

The composition of the IQAC, according to the resource person, depends on the size and complexity of the institution. The composition may be as follows:

1. Chairperson: Head of the Institution. 2. A few senior administrative officers. 3. Three to eight teachers. 4. One member from the management. 5. One/two nominees from local society, student and alumni. 6. One/two nominees from employers/industrialists/stakeholders. 7. One of the senior teachers as the coordinator.

The resource person maintained that the membership of such nominated members shall be for a period of two years and also advised that members should be from various backgrounds who have earned respect for integrity and excellence in their teaching and research.

Operational Function:

With regards to the operational function of IQAC , Dr. Catherine Diengdoh reiterated that IQAC should devise procedures and instruments for quality enhancement and sustenance.

Expected Function:

The prime task of the IQAC is to develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic improvement in the performance institutions so the resource person deliberated upon the following functions of IQAC:

1. Application for quality benchmark/parameters. 2. Facilitate the creation of a learner centric environment conducive to quality education. 3. Arrangement for feedback response from student, parents and other stakeholders on quality related institutional process. 4. Organize inter and intra institutional workshop. 5. Documentation of various programmes/activities. Further, recording and proceedings are also to be documented.

The resource person further insisted that SSR and the AQAR has to be submitted annually.

Financial Assistance:

For establishing of the IQAC, the institution can apply from the UGC an amount of Rs. 3 lakhs can be given in two installments. The first installment can be of 90% while the second installment can be 10% after submitting the AQAR audited by UC and statement of expenditure from the college.

Session IV : Preparation of SSR (Seven Criteria)

Chairperson : Ms. D. Bhattacharjee Associate Professor Department of Physics Lady Keane College

In the final session, the resource person, Ms D. Bhattacharjee, made a clear-cut presentation on the seven criteria identified by NAAC as the basis for its Assessment and Accreditation with an assumption that these criteria encompass all the processes of an institution. The Resource person provided differential weightage for each of the seven criteria for which details are given below.

Criteria I - Curricular aspects. Total weightage –100

Criteria II – Teaching-Learning and evaluation. Total weightage—350

 Student enrollment and profile – 30  Catering to diverse needs of students – 50  Teaching-learning process - -100  Teaching quality – 80  Evaluation process and reforms – 50  Student learning and learning outcomes – 40

Criteria III – Research, consultancy and extension

 Promote of research – 20  Resource mobilization for research – 10  Research facilities – 10  Research publication and awards – 20  Extension activities and institutional social responsibility – 60  Collaboration - 20

Criteria IV – Infrastructure and Learning resources

 Physical facilities – 30  Library as a learning resource – 20  IT infrastructure

Criteria V-Student support and progression  Student mentoring and support -50  Student progression – 30(entrepreneurs)  Student participation and activities – 20

Criteria VI-Governance, Leadership and Management

 Institutional vision and leadership – 10  Strategy development and deployment – 10  Faculty empowerment strategies – 30  Financial management and resource mobilization – 20  Internal quality assurance system (IQAS) – 30

Criteria VII-Innovations and best practices

 Environmental consciousness – 30  Innovation – 30  Best practices – 40 (Human Rights Cell)

Extra Practices:

 Cell for differently Abled  Prevention of sexual harassment cell  Women’s cell.

Preparation of SSR:

 Evidence of Core Values  Evidences of Building on strength  Action taken to rectify the deficiencies

Structure of SSR:

 Preface of cover letter  Executive summary

VALEDICTORY SESSION

In this session, a report of the seminar was read out by Dr. D. G. Marbaniang, member of the IQAC, Lady Keane College followed by feedback from participants and eventually distribution of certificates by Dr. Catherine R. Lyngdoh.

The feedback received, validate that the seminar was fulfilling in its objectives towards organizing the seminar. The participants provided the feedback that the IQAC of the college prepared them well to understand the needs of accreditation. What came out clearly from the session, whether from the Resource persons or participants was that the seminar helped them understand the strength, weaknesses and opportunities of their concerned institution. Equipped with a new sense of direction, the participants seemed eager to march forward towards assisting their institutions in using its physical and instructional infrastructure optimally and professionally.

Number of Participants – 86

6. Workshop on the theme Research Processes, Proposals and Project writing on 9th May 2015

A One day Workshop on the theme ‘Research Processes, Proposals and Project Writing’ was organized on 9th May 2015 by the Research Monitoring Committee, Lady Keane College. The Resource Persons for the programme were Prof. R.N. Sharan, Department of Bio-Chemistry, NEHU and Prof. P.K.Gupta, Department of Education, NEHU. Teachers of different departments, both of Arts and Science streams participated in the programme. Number of participants - 50

7. Report of the Food and Nutrition Training Course

The IQAC of Lady Keane College, Shillong in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit, Shillong organized a five day training course on the domestic method of fruits and vegetable preservation at Lady Keane College, Shillong from the 8th.06.15 to 12th.06.15.

The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Toki Blah, member of the governing Body of the College, in presence of the Principal, Vice-Principal and members of the IQAC of the College. A total number of 42 students and 4 faculty members attended the training. Aldo Pama, The Demonstration Officer, Food & Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women & Child Development, was the resource person.

The participants were taught to prepare and preserve the following food items:

1. Jam 2. Squash 3. Ketchup/sauce 4. Chutney 5. Pickle in oil 6. Pickle without oil 7. Combination squash 8. Vinegar 9. Peels pickle 10. Synthetic syrup

The training course was a success and beneficial to all the participants where they learned the methods of preparation, preservation and the nutritional values of the food items they prepared.

Certificate of participation from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India were given to all participants after the completion of the training course.

8. Talk on “The Status and Role of the Khasi male in Society”- Dept of Sociology on 22nd July 2014

A talk on “The Status and Role of the Khasi male in Society” was organized by the Department of Sociology for the degree students of college on 22nd July 2014. The resource person for the talk was Revd. O. L. Snaitang. Number of participants -120

9. Fourth Usha Bhattacharyya Memorial Lecture- Dept of Philosophy on 8th September 2014 The Department of Philosophy, Lady Keane College organized the 4th Usha Bhattacharyya Memorial Lecture on the theme “Descartes Dream Arguement” on the 8th of September 2014, delivered by Dr. Laxminarayan Lenka, Department of Philosophy, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. The programme started at about 11 a. m. at the College Seminar Hall. The principal of our college Dr. (Ms) C. Massar extended a warm welcome to all the participants and gave a brief introduction about the occasion. The most important part of the day’s programme was that the Department of Philosophy presented the Usha Bhattacharyya Memorial Awards to Banyllashisha Kharbuli for securing 3rd rank, Iaishalin Nongseij for securing 10th rank and Tania Sarkar, Sangita Singh and Sushma Srestha for securing first class in the Degree final examination, 2014, NEHU. On the same day the Department also shared a sad news regarding the demise of Prof. Ramapada Panigrahi on 17th June, 2014. He was a renowned teacher and a philosopher of the Department of Philosophy and served the college from 1958 to 1982. He was also a renowned social worker. As a mark of respect the Department of philosophy along with all the participants observed a one minute silence in his honour. The programme came to an end at around 1.30 p. m. with a vote of thanks from the coordinator of the programme Dr. Sabita Das, Hd. Department of Phhilosophy, Lady Keane College, Shillong. Number of participants- 95 Funding: LKC = Rs. 21,000 Total Expenditure = Rs. 21,000

10. REPORT OF THE ONE-DAY PROGRAMME TITLED “BIOL – 2014” HELD ON 16TH OCTOBER, 2014

The Department of Biochemistry, Lady Keane College, Shillong organized a One-Day Programme titled “BIOL – 2014” comprising of an Inter-College Students’ Seminar Competition and, in collaboration with the Institutional Biotech Hub, Lady Keane College, Shillong a Panel Discussion on “Medicinal plants and their various uses” on the 16th of October, 2014.

(a) The Inter-College Students’ Seminar Competition saw ten student participants from Lady Keane College, Shillong; St. Edmund’s College, Shillong and St. Anthony’s College, Shillong vying for the title. The judges for the Seminar Competition were Dr. L. Kma, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, NEHU, Shillong; Dr. Rennie Orson Lakadong, Assistant Professor& Head, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong; and Mr. W. J. Kharbhih, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, NEHU, Shillong.

Following is the result of the Inter-College Students’ Seminar Competition: Prize Name Institution Topic 1st Ms. Sansa Basaiawmoit Lady Keane College Auxin 2nd Ms. Suzieonette Mawlong Lady Keane College The remarkable role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex 3rd Ms. Waniabha J. Lyngdoh St. Edmund’s College Water – the Elixir of Life

The Department of Biochemistry, Lady Keane College, Shillong congratulates all the winners of the Seminar Competition.

(b) The panel discussion on “Medicinal plants and their various uses” consisted of very esteemed panelists who have been related with work on medicinal plants for quite a while and which included: Dr. D.Syiem, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, NEHU; Dr. H. Kayang, Professor, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, NEHU; Dr. A. Kharsati, Traditional Medicine Practitioner, Shillong; Dr. J. P.Lyngdoh, Junior Scientist i/c, BRDC, Shillong. The moderator was Mr.B.Kharwanlang, Assisstant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Lady Keane College, Shillong. The participants during the programme included undergraduate science students of the college as well as those from other colleges, namely, St.Edmund’s College and St.Anthony’s College, Shillong. The discussion largely deliberated on the use of plants in the treatment of various ailments and it was also informed that 70% of the leads for drug synthesis are based on indigenous knowledge. The other advantages of treatment with plants being that they are more affordable, and in villages with no or very little access to the amenities provided by conventional medicine, people depend solely on traditional methods of healing. The panelists also mentioned about certain facts like the case of turmeric which can be used for treating wounds, meethi or fenugreek for control of diabetes, tobacco can be used to kill nematodes that infect plants, and a drop of tobacco juice can kill a snake.

Expenditure incurred in conducting the programme “BIOL – 2014”: Rs 44,065.00 Number of participants - 200

11. Interactive Session with Romanian Scientists of Grigore Antipa- Dept of Zoology on 17th October 2014

The students of the Department of Zoology had an Interactive session with the Romanian Scientist, Costica Adam,Livui Moscaliuc, Gabriel Chisamera, Oana Paula Popa and of Grigore Antipa, Bucharest, Romania on the 17th October, 2014.

Number of Participants - 58

12. Invited Scientific Talk & Exhibition – Dept of Physics on 17th October 2014

The Department of Physics, Lady Keane College in collaboration with the Atomic Minerals Directorate, Govt. Of India, Shillong organised a Talk cum Exhibition on the 17th October 2014. The programme started with the inaugural session at 11:00 am and was held at the seminar room of the college with Dr. A. V. J. Gopal, Regional Director, AMD, Govt. Of India as the Chief Guest amid other dignitaries. The Principal of the college Dr. (Mrs.) C. Massar, delivered the welcome address where she expressed her gratitude to Dr A. V. J. Gopal for collaborating with the college and for accepting the chair of Chief Guest. The Principal also greeted all dignitaries and participants of the aforesaid programme. The keynote address was delivered by the honourable Chief Guest Dr. A. V. J. Gopal. The Chief Guest in his speech elaborated the importance of nuclear power as a solution to the growing energy requirements of the country. He also briefly discussed the nuclear programmes of India and talked about the works undertaken by the Atomic Minerals Directorate, Shillong. He also emphasised the importance of taking up nuclear research as a career option for the students. He concluded his speech with a note of encouragement for the Department of Physics in particular and the college in general to take up similar initiative steps in the future to bridge the gap between learning and research. The Talk was delivered by Mr A. J. Buhphang, Scientist C of the Atomic Minerals Directorate, Govt. of India. Mr Buhphang presented the talk on the topic “Radioactivity and its Applications”. After the talk, there was an interaction session between the resource person and the participants. The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. Chaudhury, HOD, Department of Physics, Lady Keane College, Shillong.

The key-note addredd by Dr A.V.J.Gopal The Talk by Mr. A.J.Buhphang

The department organized a one-day exhibition in collaboration with AMD, Shillong on 17.10.2014. in the Physics Laboratory. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr AVJ Gopal, Regional Director, AMD, Shillong. A large number of participants witnessed the inauguration function. A large numbers of hoarding and posters were exhibited in which various aspects , like , locations of nuclear energy sources around the globe, nuclear power plants, different types of nuclear reactors, usefulness of nuclear energy, danger of nuclear energy, prevention of the ganger, etc were displayed for the participants to view. As many as six Scientists from the centre explained the utility of the various instruments that they exhibited. A beautiful model of Domiasiat Nuclear Mining Terrain was displayed in the Exhibition. A model of Nuclear Reactor Building was also displayed. In addition to these, the following instrument were brought from the centre , their function displayed and purpose for which each is used was explained to the participants in a very lucid manner by the scientists from the centre:

(i) UV (Ultraviolet Lamp) Lamp (ii) Digital Count Rate4Meter (iii) Nuclear Identifinder (iv) Differential Spectrometer (v) Calibrated Metallic Cylinder for assessing Logging Standard (vi) Pellette Flourimeter (vii) Pieces of Nuclear Ore (viii) Arrangement for Chemical Analysis of Radioactive Nuclear Sources

Tea and lunch were served to the Resource Persons of the Exhibition and also the participants. The Exhibition created keen interest among the students of Physics honours which may motivate atleast some of them to take up further studies and research in Nuclear Physics in future. This was exactly the purpose of organizing the programme in collaboration with the AMD.

Number of participants - 120

13. Talk on “The Right to Information Act 2005- Dept of Political Science on 24th Oct 2014

On 24th October 2014, the Department organised a talk on “The Right to Information Act, 2005” which was given by Mr. B. Myrboh, Assistant Professor, Synod College Shillong. The talk was held in the College Seminar Hall and it was attended by honours and pass course students. Positive feedback was given by honours students in relation to the talk, as was indicated by a poll conducted after the seminar. The expenditure incurred for the talk is as follows: Rs. 1,000.00 (One Thousand) was given to the resource person, Mr. B. Myrboh.

Number of participants - 89

14. Talk on “The Constitutional Provision of the Sixth Schedule” – Dept of Political Science on 31st October 2014

Prof. L. S Gassah, Professor, Department of Political Science, NEHU, delivered a talk on “The Constitutional Provision of the Sixth Schedule” on 31st October 2014 in the College Seminar Hall. Honours and pass course students attended the talk. Positive feedback was given by honours students in relation to the talks, as was indicated by a poll conducted after the seminar.

Rs. 2,000.00 (Two Thousand) was given to the resource person, Prof. L. S. Gassah.

Number of participants - 74

15. Talk on “Towards Empowering Women in Technology”- Dept of Computer Science On 10th December 2014

We are living in the age of science and technology and we are bound by it whether we like it or not. The world of science and technology are male dominated with 50 percent gap in the number of male and female tech employees. It is interesting to note that a 2012 report on Gender Equality in the Knowledge Society*, found the number of women in the science, technology and innovation fields are "alarmingly low" in the world's leading economies, including the US. Across the technology sector there is a major disparity between men and women. While 57 percent of occupations in the workforce are held by women, in computing occupations that figure is only 25 percent. Many tech companies turn away female applicants because they feel they are a poor fit or claim they are not qualified. Even with the same level of education, men earn wages up to 73 percent more than women in the same roles. Also, men largely hold leadership positions, and no more than one woman sits on the board of directors for the vast majority of Silicon Valley’s top companies. Once hired, women in tech are stereotypes, often battle the “brogrammer” workplace culture, and may overlook issues such as harassment. Unfortunately, this is not merely a temporary malfunction, as this disparity is present at the college level. In 2010, although 57 percent of undergraduate degree recipients were female, but only 14 percent are from the computer science background at major research universities. While the percentage of computer science degrees awarded to women remains around 18 percent in the United States, India has made significant inroads in attracting girls to study Computer Science and IT with reportedly 40 percent or more of degrees awarded to women. Yet, at the elite India Institutes of Technology (IITs), women still comprise only 12 percent of the student body, with perhaps only half that number in the highly competitive computer science programs. Among the theories behind this discrepancy, one is that Indian parents gives more preference for sending sons rather than daughters to expensive and distant coaching centers to train for the IIT entrance exam. This is bad for tech and this is bad for the women folk. However various programs and initiatives are taken by top corporate and small as well to promote IT among women folk and thus building a healthy pipeline of girls and women in tech fields by linking them to opportunities that will inspire, engage and support them for entrance and success in high-paying tech careers. Microsoft has partnered with IT training solutions firm NIIT for the tech giant's 'Women in Tech' initiative in India, which among other things aims to train and mentor women IT professional. Through 'IT Wizard' workshops, the program aim to introduce school girls of aged 13-16 years across 4,000 schools to the exciting world of IT. Further, a campus connect programme will reach out to young women in over 1,000 colleges and encourage them to participate and contribute to the dream of a Digital India. Times are changing and we see women are excelling themselves in the field of technology. Some of the iconic women in the field of IT of this generation are:- Vanitha Narayanan, Managing Director, IBM India Private Limited Neelam Dhawan, Managing Director, HP India Aruna Jayanthi, CEO, Capgemini India Kirthiga Reddy, Head of Office, Facebook India Kumud Srinivasan, President, Intel India The women of Meghalaya are no exceptions. They are hard working, have great personality, and always strive for the best. A door needs to be open, hence, the Computer Science Department of Lady Keane College organizes this program to enlighten the women folk about the potential the field of Computer Science and IT has. The main aims and objectives of this program is to inspire women in the North Eastern Region to think out of the box and to open their curiosity to look closely at the vast scope and advantage the technology field has to offer and to ultimately contribute to the economy of the society. Also, to the policy makers to design better programs, to be more women-inclusive in their development approaches both in the rural and urban areas. Because with the right training great careers can be created and by getting women into technology effective teams can be build, ideas and solutions from different perspective can pool in together and thus helps both men and women succeed. The Framework on Gender Equality and the Knowledge Society (GE&KS) brings together gender- sensitive data on key areas in the knowledge society (ICT, science, technology and innovation) with gender indicators of health, economic and social status and other areas.

Number of participants - 182

16. Talk titled “Health Financing in the 21st century”- Dept of Economics on 4th& 8th December 2014

The Department, on the 4th December 2014, held a talk titled “Health Financing in the 21st century” for students and the same was conducted for the Faculty Members on the 8th December 2014. The Resource person for this talk was Dr Arpita Chattopadhyay who is a Health Services Researcher working in the intersection of health care policy and the Economics of Health Care at the Health Services Resource and Administration in the US Government on policy implications of the Affordable Health Care Act (also known as Obama Care).

Number of participants - 60

17. Career/Academic Counselling session - Dept of English on 9th December 2014

The Department of English organized A Career/Academic Counselling session was arranged with Dr. T.K. Kharbaman, EFLU for English Honours Students of BA I, II and III year on the 9th of December 2014.

Number of participants- 50

18. Face To Face With Khasi Autors”-Dept of Khasi on 10th June 2015

The department organised its regular interactive programme, “Face to Face with Khasi Authors” on 10th June 2015. This year, the faculty and Degree students of the department got the opportunity to interact with Mr. Hamarbabiang .Mylliemngap, an eminent Khasi author.

Number of participants -100

19. Awareness Programme on BMI on 19th June 2015

The Departments of Biochemistry and Mathematics, Lady Keane College, Shillong in collaboration with VLCC, Shillong had jointly organized an Awareness Programme on BMI for the BSc 2nd and 3rd year students of the College on 19th June 2015. The highlights of the programme was that Dr. D. Nongbri, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Lady Keane College, Shillong in his keynote address; briefed the gathering about the findings from the study being conducted on analysing the association between weight perception and Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) among the students of Lady Keane College, Shillong. Then subsequently a team from VLCC, Shillong comprising of Ms. Rejoice Indalin Rynjah – Slimming Manager, Ms. Ibashisha Kharlukhi – Dietician, and Ms. Dari Sohtun – Physiotherapist, explained to the audience about the importance of having a nutritious diet in ensuring an overall wellbeing by helping to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) which in turn reduces the risk of developing several debilitating diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke. This is important because according to the World Health Organisation report, overweight and obesity conditions are the primary causes for around 44 per cent cases of diabetes and 23 per cent cases of heart disease besides 7- 41 per cent of certain cases of cancer. Then in the demonstration session, Ms. Dari Sohtun demonstrated the workout exercises for the abdomen, arms, legs and full body; so as to improve muscle imbalances and weaknesses, to grow stronger, and become more flexible. Finally, the participants got an opportunity to know about their weight, height, BMI and whether they were overweight/underweight or normal; depending on the results indicated by the BMI Machine which the VLCC team had brought together with them. Number of participants - 200 Expenditure incurred for conducting the programme = Rs 12,255.00

20. Talk on the Relevance of traditional institutions in modern society-Dept of Sociology on 26th June 2015 Owing to the present debate on the role and power of traditional institutions in the present day context, a talk on The Relevance of Traditional institutions in Modern Society was organised for the Honours students of Sociology and Political Science of the college. It was delivered by Mr.John Kharshing, Chairman, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, and spokesperson, Federation of Khasi Chiefs. He explained the concept of traditional institutions and the relevance of traditional institutions by linking them directly to the identity of the people. Unfortunately globalisation and the onslaught of technology has influenced these institutions resulting in an identity crisis whereby the relevance and importance of kinship has been diluted, hence the need for codification of traditional laws. What was interesting was his submission that there is no rule to exclude women from the male-dominated dorbar. The talk elicited a good response from the students at the interactive session.

Objectives: To generate in students an interest in the current political situation concerning traditional institutions in the state. Number of Participants: 95 Expenditure: Rs. 9000.00