English

Infrastructure

Library: The library is a host to hundreds of books related to English language and literature for the development of literary thought in the students and faculty members. It is constantly updated as per the needs and the list of books provided by the department.

• Total number of books (for the department): 4500+
• Number of Newspapers in English: 09
• Number of Magazines in English: 40
• Total number of e-books: 6368
• E-journals: 146
• JAWS Software for PWDs
• Anti-Plagiarism Software
• TCS ion Digital Learning (LX)

Internet facilities for Staff & Students: The campus is Wi-Fi enabled. There are adequate internet facilities and a digital library. ICT-enabled teaching is used to supplement the lecture method. Sufficient supplementary e-resources and reading material, such as books, research journals, and magazines of all kinds, are provided in the library to enhance teaching and learning.

Classrooms with ICT Facility: The college provides an excellent infrastructure with a sufficient number of classrooms, an ultra-modern auditorium, seminar halls, a conference room, and laboratories.

Laboratories: 01. The Department of English has its own lab for the Functional English course. The lab is well equipped with projector screens and audiovisual aids.

• EBSCO e-Book Academic Collection – 8571
• INFLIBNET N-LIST e-Books related to all subjects
• INFLIBNET N-LIST Journal related to all subjects

Faculty & Staff Details

*Note that the following faculty list includes permanent, ad-hoc, contractual, and guest members.

Research Scholars

Research Scholars: 05

• Dr Manisha Gangahar: Research Supervisor (Approved) for Panjab University, Chandigarh. Research Scholars: 04
• Dr Poorva Trikha: Research Supervisor (Approved) for Panjab University, Chandigarh. Research Scholars: 01

Courses Offered

UG Courses (NEP and Non-NEP)

PG Courses: M.A. English

Papers offered:
Literary Movements – I, Approaches to Literary Criticism – I, Cultural Studies – I, Introduction to Literary Genres – I
Literary Movements – II, Approaches to Literary Criticism – II, Cultural Studies – II, Introduction to Literary Genres – II
Critical Theory – I, Postcolonial Literatures – I, Cultural Studies – III,
Introduction to Literary Genres – III, Dissertation Work
Critical Theory – II, Cultural Studies – IV, Postcolonial Literatures – II,
Introduction to Literary Genres – IV, Skill Enhancement/Social Outreach.

Research Projects

Dr. Kamna Singh—under the guidance of the head of CMH, drafting a proposal for SPARC 2021. The proposed project endeavours to trace the physical, psychological, ethical, cultural, and literary presence of water bodies, natural and man-made, in select suburban and rural settlements of the Chandigarh Tricity area (with specific, but not exclusive, focus on 5 villages, namely, Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Lahora, Khuda Jassi, Kaimbwala, and Dhanas). It also explores the role of engineering in the potential preservation of these water bodies and the natural ecosystems surrounding them.

Publications:

• Tyagmurti
• Annual Report
• Campus Reporter
• Student Handbook
• Prospectus

Awards/Achievements

Dr Archna Sahni

• Poetry Prize 2019, by A3 Foundation, an organization for the promotion of art and architecture
• Toronto Doctoral Fellowship, University of Toronto 1995-1996
• Toronto Doctoral Fellowship, University of Toronto 1994-1995
• Simcoe Special Fellowship, University of Toronto 1992-1993
• Agha Shahid Ali Poetry Prize Honourable Mention for E.J. Pratt Medal and Prize for Poetry

Dr Manisha Gangahar

• Fellowship (through MHRD) at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study for 2 years (2011-13)

Dr Poorva Trikha

• Gold Medal in M.Phil. (English) in 2015 from Panjab University, Chandigarh
• 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award for Worded Void (2022) by BookLeaf Publishing, India & USA

Dr Richa Puri Gaind

• Attained Gold Medal in M.A. English, and obtained First Prize from Punjab University

Dr Archana Verma Singh

• Nation Builder Award 2023 by the Rotary Club on 5th Sep 2023.

Ms. Ritika Sinha

• Prof. S.M. Katre Memorial Award for securing the highest marks in the paper entitled ‘Languages of South Asia’ at the MA degree examination in Linguistics
• NPTEL certificate by IIT Madras in collaboration with HRD Ministry for securing Rank 1 with a score of 90% in an online course (Jan-March, 2016)

Dr Kamna Singh

• High Distinction and Distinction in English Language Proficiency from the University of New South Wales, Australia, for 3 consecutive years, 1997-2000

Department Club and Societies

• English Literary Club
• GGDSD Debating Society
• Stanza Circle – Poetry Society

Email Address:[email protected]

Department Activities

Seminar/Workshop/Lecture/Conference/Outreach/any other activity organized or attended:

• A workshop titled “Basics of Research and Dissertation Writing”
  (Paper XIII) was conducted for the students of MA English, Semester 3, on 30th September and 1st October, 2024. This academic initiative aimed to provide in-depth guidance on the foundational aspects of research methodology and the art of dissertation writing. Combining insightful lectures with interactive sessions, the workshop offered valuable guidance on research design, academic writing, and citation practices, equipping participants with the skills essential for producing high-quality scholarly work.
• The Stanza Circle, Poetry Society of the PG Department of English, GGDSD College, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Chandigarh Literary Society, organized a captivating Poetry Slam Competition on the themes of “Burning Bridges” and “Invisible Battles” on 25th September 2024. The competition was judged by an esteemed panel featuring Ms. Rachna Singh, a former bureaucrat, writer, and Founding Editor of The Wise Owl magazine; Ms. Sonia Chauhan, a professional writer, editor, and corporate attorney; Dr. Archna Sahni, Assistant Professor, poet, and spirituality coach; and Mr. Harender Kumar, a senior Assistant Professor with over 15 years of teaching experience, both from the Department of English at GGDSD College. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout, with members of the Chandigarh Literary Society in attendance and over 25 participants presenting their original works. More than 100 students from various departments attended the poetry slam competition. Poems were performed in various languages, offering a platform for diverse voices to express themselves.
• The Debating Society, Postgraduate Department of English, GGDSD College, Chandigarh, in association with the Chandigarh Senior Citizens’ Association (Regd.), successfully organized a thought-provoking debating competition on the topic ‘The Influence of Social Media Undermines Traditional Social Interactions with Senior Citizens’ on 17th September 2024. Dr. Ajay Sharma, esteemed Principal of the college, felicitated the Chief Guest Mr Subhash Aggarwal, President Chandigarh Senior Citizens’ Association, Dr Jaswinder Kaur Bhatia, and Mr Vinay Goyal, and the esteemed panel of judges in recognition of their contributions. A vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Brij Sapra, Vice President of the association, who expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the event a success. This event marked a successful collaboration between GGDSD College and the Chandigarh Senior Citizens’ Association, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering dialogue on important intergenerational and social matters.
• The Department of English, G.G.D.S.D. College, Chandigarh, organized an invited lecture by Dr. Debraj Mookerjee, Associate Professor of English, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, on ‘Cross-cultural Influences—An Examination of Gandhi and Tagore’ on 10th September 2024. This one-hour lecture was followed by a 15-minute interaction round and was attended by approximately 100 UG and PG students of our college. Dr. Debraj Mookerjee is a valuable resource person with over thirty years of teaching experience at the University of Delhi. He is currently an Associate Professor of English at Ramjas College.
• The Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series III – Mandarin. The English Literary Club at GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh, and PML SD Business School in collaboration with Polar Linguist hosted the successful Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series III – Mandarin, on 9th February 2024. The event, featuring expert Mr. Saurav Thakral, aimed to enhance students’ linguistic understanding for global citizenship. Attended by over 150 students, the workshop provided insights into Mandarin’s cultural richness and potential career avenues.
• The Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series II —Korean. The English Literary Club, GGDSD College in collaboration with PML SD Business School, hosted an engaging Korean language workshop on 6th February 2024. The event, part of the Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series, aimed to introduce students to the richness of Korean language, its culture and potential career opportunities emerging from the language. The resource person for the workshop was Ms. Sanjana Dua, an alumna of the college, and an expert Korean language tutor.
• An immersive Workshop on “Film Making” (Paper XVIII) was organized for the students of MA English, Semester 4, from 22nd to 25th January 2024. Spanning four days, the workshop offered a hands-on exploration of the art and craft of filmmaking, blending theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Designed to inspire creativity and enhance technical proficiency, the sessions provided valuable insights into the multifaceted process of film production, from conceptualization to execution, empowering students to translate their artistic visions into compelling cinematic narratives.
• Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series I—French. The English Literary Club of Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, in collaboration with PML SD Business School and CANAM, organized the Global Language(s) Proficiency Workshop Series I – French on 18th and 19th January 2024. Ms. Sabia Nagpal was the resource person for the same. Ms. Nagpal seamlessly blended linguistic expertise, test-taking strategies, and cultural immersion. In the workshop, she shared insights and strategies to enhance proficiency in French, underlining the diverse career prospects that linguistic skills can unlock for students. Her interactive sessions ignited tremendous enthusiasm and spirit of learning in the students. It proved to be an inviting atmosphere for over 150 students from diverse disciplines.
• The English Literary Club, in collaboration with the SD Aadarsh Foundation, undertook an inspiring initiative to empower and educate the bright young minds of Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 45, as part of the Pardhna Likhna Abhiyan in November 2023. This transformative campaign is dedicated to fostering a brighter future by championing quality education and providing unwavering support to students. Through innovative programs and interactive sessions, the initiative seeks to ignite a passion for learning and equip students with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond.
• A workshop on “Basics of Research and Dissertation Writing” (Paper XIII) was conducted for the students of MA English, Semester 3, from 9th to 11th October 2023. This three-day academic endeavour aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of research fundamentals and dissertation-writing techniques.
• The Department of English organized an ICSSR-sponsored National Seminar on “India’s Rich Cultural Heritage-Texts and Frames: Contouring India’s Cultural Nuances” on 20th September 2023. The inaugural session heralded the proceedings with a verdant reception of luminaries, a symbolic homage to the verdant depths of India’s cultural legacy. Dr. Manisha Gangahar, the Seminar’s Organizing Secretary, graced the gathering with a Concept Note, elucidating the profound objectives and the seminal significance of the event in the context of safeguarding India’s opulent cultural heritage, followed by a captivating discourse by Prof. Anirudh Joshi, the erudite General Secretary of the GGDSD College Society. A key highlight of the seminar manifested itself in the form of the Keynote Address, delivered by the distinguished Prof. Vivek Sachdeva, hailing from the University School of Humanities and Social Sciences at GGSIP in Dwarka, New Delhi. Prof. Sachdeva’s talk constituted a masterful exposition of India’s cultural mosaic, informed by a profound erudition that afforded attendees a comprehensive vista into our nation’s rich heritage. He traversed the intricate labyrinth of cultural origins, embarking upon an odyssey through the rhizomatic pathways of India’s cultural evolution. As the sun descended towards the horizon, Prof. Ronki Ram, an eminent figure from the Department of Political Science at Panjab University, graced the assembly with a much-anticipated and compelling Valedictory Address.
• A workshop on “Basics of Research and Dissertation Writing” (Paper XIII) was held for the students of M.A. English, Semester 3, from 20th to 22nd October 2022. The three-day program focused on introducing students to the principles of research methodology and the techniques of dissertation writing. Combining theoretical discussions with practical exercises, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary for effective academic research and writing.
• A two-day Creative Writing Workshop was conducted on 27th and 28th May 2022, by Prof. Deepti Gupta, Senior Professor at the Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University. The workshop featured eight sessions and included interactions with renowned authors from Chandigarh, including Mr. Khushwant Singh, Mr. Vivek Atray, Mrs. Alka Kansra, and Mr. Jatin Salwan. These sessions provided an enriching platform for the college students to gain insights into the nuances of creative writing and engage in meaningful dialogue with accomplished literary figures.
• An online seminar series titled “Pitfalls of Postmodernist Theory and How to Avoid Them” was held on 1st June, 8th June, 15th June, and 22nd June 2021. The series featured Professor Satya P. Mohanty, a distinguished scholar in English literary theory and a celebrated translator, who teaches at Cornell University, New York. Through these sessions, Professor Mohanty offered insightful discussions on the challenges associated with postmodernist theory, providing strategies to critically navigate and address its complexities. The series served as a valuable academic platform for participants to deepen their understanding of contemporary literary discourse.
• An International Lecture Series on Shakespeare, Part II, titled “Unravelling the Bard: Through Global Perspectives” was held from 19th to 25th May 2021. The series featured distinguished professors and scholars of English Literature from across the globe, including Dr. Ronan Paterson (Teesside University, England), Dr. Carla Della Gatta (Florida State University, USA), Dr. Anthony Guy Patricia (Concord University, USA), Dr. Kimberly Anne Coles (University of Maryland, USA), and Dr. Thea Buckley (Queen’s University, Ireland). These eminent speakers offered diverse and enriching insights into Shakespeare’s works, exploring their interpretations and relevance through a global lens, making the series a significant academic event for scholars and students alike.
• A virtual Creative Writing Workshop was successfully conducted for the students of M.A. English from 20th to 29th April 2021, by Professor Deepti Gupta, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University. The workshop offered students an opportunity to explore various facets of creative writing, providing guidance on techniques and strategies to enhance their writing skills. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to experiment with different writing styles and expand their creative expression.
• An International Lecture Series on Shakespeare, Part I titled “Unravelling the Bard: Through Global Perspectives”, was held from 15th to 20th April 2021. This five-day event hosted distinguished professors and scholars of English literature from around the world, including Dr. Michael Saenger (Southwestern University), Dr. Katherine Gillen (Texas A&M University), Dr. Vivek Sachdeva (GGSIP University, New Delhi), Andrew James Hartley (Robinson Professor of Shakespeare Studies, UK), and David Lee Miller (University of South Carolina). The series offered a diverse range of perspectives on Shakespeare’s works, fostering an engaging dialogue on their global relevance and enduring impact.
• On 17th February 2020, IRA 2020 – Ira: An Inter-College Literary Fest was organized by the Department of English in association with the S.P.E.A.K. Society for Promotion of Ethical and Affordable Health Care. The theme of the fest was “Physical & Mental Health,” highlighting the importance of well-being in today’s fast-paced world. The event saw enthusiastic participation from eight colleges across the Tri-City, with students actively competing in four different competitions. The fest provided a platform for students to express their creativity and raise awareness on issues related to health and well-being.
• On 13th November 2019, an Academic Writing Workshop was conducted by Mr. Andrew Golden, English Language Fellow, U.S. Department of State. The workshop aimed to enhance students’ academic writing skills, offering valuable insights into effective writing techniques, structuring essays, and presenting research clearly and coherently. Mr. Golden’s expertise provided participants with practical tools and strategies to improve their academic writing, empowering them to excel in their scholarly endeavours.

Email Address:[email protected]

PhD Completed/Enrolled

• PhD: 09
• MPhil: 09
• Ph.D. completed during service: 02
• Pursuing PhD: 10
• Ph.D. Supervisor: 02
  • Dr Manisha Gangahar: Research Supervisor (Approved) for Panjab University, Chandigarh. Research Scholars: 04
  • Dr Poorva Trikha: Research Supervisor (Approved) for Panjab University, Chandigarh. Research Scholars: 01