Seminars and Workshops

National Conference - Dept of Botany

The Department of Botany organized a Two day National Seminar Conference on Bio-Diversity- Its Conservation on 20th & 21st Nov, 2008

Report

National Conference on Bio- Diversity - Its Conservation
20-21 Nov ’08, Hyderabad

The two day UGC - sponsored National Conference, co-sponsored by APCOST, with the theme ‘Bio-diversity-Its Conservation’ was organized by the Department of Botany, (AMS) Arts & Science College for Women on 20-21 November, 2008 in the College premises.

The participants were from various fields like Academics, Research, Government and Non-Government Organizations. Brochures and invitation cards which included the programme of the 2-day National Conference were distributed to Colleges, Research Organizations, Govt. organizations etc. The resource persons responded to our invitation and delivered highly informative and thought provoking lectures.

Inaugural Session

The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session on 20 Nov 2008 was Prof T Tirupathi Rao, Vice - Chancellor Osmania University. The Vice - Chancellor in his inaugural address praised the college for doing excellent work in all the fields in the development of the College. He said the topic of conference was very much relevant to the present day life in protecting the environment. He also said that the environmental protection was each individual’s responsibility and should be fulfilled with great care, determination and zeal. He appreciated the choice of topic.

Prof C Manohara Chary, Emeritus Scientist, Dept. of Botany, Osmania University Guest of Honor, highlighted Bio-diversity as the resource material for biotechnology. He stressed that special attention should be paid to the biodiversity for sustainability.

Shri G Srinivas, Deputy Secretary, UGC, Guest of Honor, in his address focused on the conservation of Biodiversity with his innovative idea to incorporate the topic in the syllabus for the undergraduate level. He mentioned that this conference would bring out a new platform to the biodiversity.

Prof C Lakshmanna, Chairman, Governing Body presided over the function and stressed that it was the responsibility of every individual to protect and conserve the nature by promoting education and bringing awareness about the bio-diversity.

Smt Sheila David, Principal of the College, focused on the excellent work done by the college staff with dedication and zeal. She expressed her thanks to the UGC for sponsoring this conference and the grants for development. She mentioned the importance of biodiversity and protection and conservation of nature.

The convener, Dr Veena Reddy gave the highlights of the conference after giving the definition of biodiversity, protection of the environment and conservation.

Dr SR Rao, Advisor, Department of Biotechnology New Delhi, titled his keynote address as “Bio-diversity moving from Conversation to Conservation”. He delivered a highly illuminating lecture on Bio-diversity. He stressed that building biodiversity business was one of the leading solutions for promoting the investments and tasks by bio-diversity conservation. He focused on several scientific challenges to tackle bio-diversity and its conservation, how and why biodiversity was changing, what were the ecological consequences of biodiversity changes. For all these questions he stressed that we need major effort of the size of the space exploration programmes and the best means to conserve and use multidisciplinary approach.

            The Organizing Secretary, Dr A Pramila proposed the vote of thanks thanking and conveying the gratitude to each and everyone for making the Inaugural session and the conference a grand success.

            The Scientific Programme comprised five technical sessions and paper presentations were largely attended and lively. In addition, a poster session and Panel Discussion were also organized.

The deliberations during the Conference revolved around the following sub themes:

Biodiversity and Resource Management.
Role of Microbiology and Biotechnology in Biodiversity and Environment.
Bio-diversity –Environment and Tourism Development.
Bio-diversity -Environment and Science and Technology.
Bio-diversity –Urban Environmental stress

First Day, 20 Nov ‘08
Technical Session –1: Bio-diversity and Resource Management

Prof S Sita Rama Rao, Head Department of Botany, Osmania University chaired the session. The lead lecture was delivered by Prof C Manohara Chary, Emeritus Scientist Department of Botany, Osmania University. He focused on types of bio-diversity patents, uses of Biodiversity in modern medicines from plant species, in-situ and ex-situ conservation. He focused on the National Bio-diversity and Action plans. He described that unsustainable life style leading to unsustainable consumption of natural resources, commercial greed, population growing in a manner that it exceeds the supporting capacity of the ecosystem and the continuing damage to the ecological foundations, essential for sustainability. The second lead lecture by Dr S Venkata Mohan, Scientist, IICT, delivered on the Biological waste water treatment process enhancement through controlling microbial diversity. He stressed on different ecological treatment systems to generate power from sediment of water bodies i.e. bio-electricity.

Technical Session –II Role of Microbiology and Biotechnology in Bio-diversity and Environment
Prof G Bagyanarayana, Chairman Board of Studies, Osmania University chaired the session. The Speaker for this Session Dr Chandpasha, Department of Microbiology, Osmania University focused on the topic Gambusia fish for controlling water Microorganisms, Pathogenic bacteria, characterization of pond water. He highlighted his topic by how to achieve an impact on malaria incidence, breeding of vector mosquitoes should be nearly eliminated as a low density vector population on sustain transmission.

The 2nd Speaker in this session Prof RV Shukla, Dept. of Botany, CMD College, Bilaspur, highlighted his topic on different types of Mushrooms, importance of Biodiversity Conservation, Mushrooms and Tribals in Chattisgarh. In this session Ms. Gayatri, St. Ann’s Degree College, Mehdipatnam made her presentation on Oilgae – Future fuel.

Technical Session – III Biodiversity-Environment and Tourism Development

The session was chaired by Dr VV Bhaskar Principal, Commerce & Science College, Jamner Maharashtra University. The Invited lead speaker Dr PN Rao, A.P Tourism Hyderabad enlighted on the tourism aspects and its sustainability.

The first speaker in this session was Prof RR Venkata Raju, S.K. University Ananthapur. He highlighted the Impact of Tourism Development, conservation sources and pro-poor Tourism on the Environmental protection and also added ethics and morals to the topic. He mentioned that if the religious beliefs and traditional wisdom contributing to forest protection could be suitably integrated with modern scientific management practices, these sacred groves could become a very useful model for bio-diversity conservation.

The second invited speaker was Dr Tulasi Rao. His presentation focused on wide aspects and scope on the Bio-diversity. He dealt with various kinds of
bio-diversity and different kinds of hotspots in the world and showed impressive slides which covered beauty of nature, and the wide area of the forest and the bio-diversity. Paper presentation on Environment, Tourism Development and Sustainability by J Kamakshi, Faculty, AMS, College of Teacher Education, added significant aspects of tourism.

Second Day, 21st Nov 2008.

Technical Session –IV: The Bio-diversity-Environment and Science and Technology
Dr PN Rao chaired the session. Dr USN Murthy, Dept., of Biology, IICT, enlightened on environmental information system, a new hope for facing challenges in environmental health. He stressed on breakdown of the global burden of environmentally related issues, stressed on water related diseases, and also stressed on hydraulic engineering, vector born diseases etc.

In this session Paper Presentations were made by the participants on different topics:

- Ethnomedicial uses and the active principles of Eranthemum, Rhynchosia   and
   Bryonopsis species found in Toronmal Forest by RS Shukla Maharashtra
   University.
- Rice crop Bio-diversity in Thane district of Maharashtra state by CL Marathe,
   Maharashtra University.
- Impact of water pollution on Eco-System, by Omkar Kayal from Srinidhi
   Degree College Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad.
     - Assessment of Environmental impacts of Tourism-issues options and tools by
         G Vijay, Lecture in Tourism and Publicity Sector, Prerna NGO.

Technical Session V: Bio-diversity-Urban Environmental Stress

Prof C Manohara Chary chaired the session. The Invited Speaker for this session Dr Prasanna Kumar, Director A.P Green Corps presentated urbanization and its impact. He stressed on the Community Development Programmes, Environmental facilities, recycling of wastes etc.

The 2nd Invited Speaker of this session, Dr Sudhakar Reddy, Scientist NRSA focused on bio-diversity-urbanization. He also emphasized on the impact on aquatic and terrestrial species diversity and covered the biological invasion.

The 3rd Invited Speaker in this session, Dr Madhava Chetty, Asst. Professor, Tirupati, focused on the uses of flowering plants in daily health care. He highlighted on the medicinal importance and curative properties of plans for each disease in our daily life.

In this session, paper presentation on Nanotechnology and its applications was made by P Sneha B.Sc (B.Z.C) Final Year student of AMS, Arts & Science College for Women.

Panel Discussion

A Panel Discussion was organized on the topic Does Conservation of Bio-diversity Hamper Economic Development? The Chairman for Panel Discussion was Prof PL Visweswara Rao, Journalist, Dept. of Journalism, Osmania University. Dr K Thulasi Rao, SFS Head Bio-diversity Research Centre, Project Tiger, Srisailam and Dr Sabesh, Officer I/C , CPR , Environmental Education Centre were the panelists.

Prof PL Visweswara Rao, highlighted the importance of Bio-diversity, estimation of the plant species, National Parks, animal diversity, Ecosystems, natural resources, water resources and stressed protection of all these for sustainability.

Dr Tulasi Rao and Dr Sabesh both focused on biodiversity conservation and human responsibility. In their deliberations they mentioned the importance of bio-diversity and that bio-diversity was a continuum and the levels help us simplify a complex system. They stressed on the economy of the bio-diversity, evolution, ecological diversity, genetic diversity, organism diversity quoting many examples for the sustainability of bio-diversity.

In ensuing discussion the panelists shared their valuable expertise with participants.

Poster Session

There was enthusiastic participation of research students/students in presenting their research findings through the posters. The poster session was held between 11-00 am to 1-00 pm on 21 Nov’ 08. The posters included - urbanization and bio-diversity, loosing of mother nature, imbalance in the eco-system in 1900 and 2000 era, environmental impacts of tourism, environmental health, earth caught by pollution, eco-tourism and sustainability, levels of bio-diversity, bio-diversity and research management, nanotechnology etc. The judges for the poster presentation were Dr Tulasi Rao, Dr VV Bhasker and Dr Pulla Reddy. The presentations were rich in the sub themes of bio-diversity – its conservation. Best poster presentations were awarded.

Valedictory Function

Prof P Padmavathy, Vice - Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University was the Chief Guest for the Valedictory Session on 21st Nov’08. She expressed her appreciation and congratulated in choosing the relevant topic and highlighted the sub - themes of the conference. Dr K Lokender Rao, Hon. Secretary & Correspondent AMS, Arts & Science College presided over the function. He mentioned the importance of bio-diversity and its conservation. A CD consisting of Paper Presentations and invited talks by the speakers was released by Prof DVR Vithal, Member, Governing Body, AMS, Arts & Science College. He complimented the organizers for a well structured program.

A two day National Conference report was given by Dr A Pramila Organising Secretary, Dept. of Botany, AMS, Arts & Science College. Feed back response was collected from all the participants for analysis of the National Conference. Vote of thanks was given by Smt B RamaDevi, Dept. of Botany, AMS, Arts & Science College.

Some of the remarks given by the delegates and speakers who attended the National Conference:

Happy to participate in the conference and impressed by the college for the academic programmes. I wish great success. – Prof T Tirupathi Rao, Vice- Chancellor, Osmania Univeristy.

Happy and privileged to participate in this prestigious institution, the college has good name in the society giving quality education–Prof C .Manohara Chary, Emeritus, Scientist, Dept. of Botany, Osmania University.

A premier institution of higher learning with many activities playing a vital role in the educational development of women in A.P. – Dr G Srinivas, Deputy Secretary, UGC.

Congratulate the college for committed teachers and keeping the spirit of the same the current faculty for their efforts. – Dr SR Rao, Advisor, Department of Bio-technology, New Delhi
The theme given proper focus in the conference – Prof S Seeta Rama Rao, Head Dept. of Botany, Osmania University.

Appreciate the theme Bio-diversity its conservation – Dr S Venkata Mohan, Scientist, Indian Institute of Chemical Technolog
Appreciate the theme and SR Rao’s and Chary”s Lectures highlighted the significance. –Dr Chand Pasha, Dept. of Microbiology, Osmania University.

Appreciate the theme and Dr SR Rao’s lecture was thought provoking - Prof RV Shukla, Dept. of Botany, CMD College, Bilaspur.

The theme is apt to the present scenario prevailing particularly in India. The conference is organized in a methodical and systematic manner. College and staff deserve high appreciation and encouragement- Prof G Bagyanarayana, Chairman, Board of Studies, Osmania University.

The Conference is organized on a elegant, systematic, academic level. Bio - diversity has to be conserved to retain economic image at global level - Prof PN Rao, A.P Tourism, Hyderabad.

The speakers are eminent personalities in the chosen field and the deliberations will bring some outstanding suggestions. - Dr VV Bhaskar, Principal, Commerce & Science College, Jamner, Maharastra University
Congratulate the college. Very much required theme in the present scenario and organized in wonderful manner with kind hearted hospitality

- Prof RR Venkata Raju, S.K Univeristy, Ananthapur.

Very much impressed by the way of organizing the wonderful theme for the young, budding scientists and inviting eminent personalities – Dr Thulasi Rao, SFS, Head Bio-diversity Research Centre,Project Tiger, Srisaila
Excellent Conference - Dr. U.S.N Murthy, Scientist, Dept. of Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology.

Important and valuable with good hospitality, stimulated various fields by academicians – Dr Madhava Chetty, Asst. Professor, Tirupathi
Appreciate the college students presenting their papers and wished great success to the organizers. Have no suggestions only have learned

–Dr Prasanna Kumar, Director, A.P Green Corps.

Faculty with very high standard and students sincere and hardworking .Thanked the organizers for organizing the scholarly conference systematically - Dr Ch Sudhakar Reddy, Scientist, NRSA.
Lectures were informative and enriched the knowledge on the subject

- Dr R Sabesh, Officer I/C, CPR, Environmental Education Centre.

Very good Conference - Prof PL Visweswara Rao, Journalist, Dept. of Journalism, Osmania University.
Exploration of the issues on the theme is highly commendable the sub themes on discussion are well thought out and highly useful. The conference is well organized and it is very much useful – Prof P Padmavathy, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University.

The Proceedings of the conference included all the Invited Talks and full papers of the National conference in CD format for the delegates and give away to select institutions. A few hard copy volumes were made for organizers and sponsors, as desired.

The conference provided a vibrant forum for deliberations on Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystem Degradation, Sustainable Development ,Tourism and
Eco-Tourism, Climate Change and Effects of Pollution on agricultural crops, food production, forest and human health.

International Lecture
Organized in Collabaration with Sulabh Institue of Action Sociology on 24Th Nov 2008 by Prof Gyorgy Szell

AALOKAN – 2008.
Colloquium on ‘Nuclear Agreement – Its Impact on our Nation’
A Report

A colloquium on ‘Nuclear Agreement – Its Impact on our Nation’ was organized by the faculty of social sciences, on 5th August 2008. It was held in the M.V Hall of the AMS academic campus. Brig. G.B. Reddy, Retired Brigadier, Indian Army, Prof. K. Nageswar, MLC and Professor, Department of Communication and Journalism, Osmania University and Dr. Swaswati Choudhury, Head Department of Political Science, St. Francis College for Women were the key speakers for the Panel Discussion Prof. V. Yoga Jyotsna Department of Political Science, P.G College, Secunderabad as the moderator.

Dr. Swaswati Choudhury Speaking on the topic ‘Indo-US Nuclear and Indian Foreign Policy’ explained how India is committed to disarmament. She highlighted various bilateral and multilateral agreements to which India is not currently a signatory. She called for the development of armament technologies in a way to serve the country’s future needs. She also spoke on India’s nuclear weapons programme. She lamented that the political parties in India are taking positions on India’s foreign policy according to their convenience.

Brig. G.B. Reddy explained how the nuclear deal with the US would be helpful to India. He presented information relating to nuclear reactors and technologies with the help of power point presentation. He supported the Deal from the financial viewpoint also. Brig. Reddy felt that the Deal could spur India’s economic growth and bring foreign investment in huge amounts in the nuclear sector in the coming decades. According to him The Deal also will help to increase nuclear power generation in India from its present capacity of 4000 MW to 20000 MW in the next decade or so.

Prof. Nageswar criticized the Deal on several grounds. He said the Deal with America is not helpful in anyway to make India self-sufficient in its electricity needs. He expressed fear that this agreement might reduce India to the status of a junior partner to the United States in world affairs. Dr. Nageswar pointed out that 123 Agreement is constrained by the Hyde Act.

While moderating the colloquium, Prof. Yoga Jyotsna explained different treaties such as the CTBT, Non-Proliferation Treaty, etc in the context of Indo-US Nuclear Deal. Students and teachers from other colleges (15 colleges in total) from the city participated in this colloquium. Students followed the speeches with keen interest. They raised several questions during discussion, Speakers cleared all their doubts and filled the young minds with a lot of information.

Mrs. Sunanda Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Arts & Science College for Women, proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers.

A One-day Annual State Level Seminar “Focus – 2008 – on HEALTH AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN” was organized by the Department of Zoology, on 31st July 2008 Welcome Address & Introduction of the Guests given by Dr. D. Rajeshwari. I/c HOD of Zoology. Prof. Ch. Ramana Devi, professor emeritus, Dept. Biochemistry, O.U and APCOST, Member Secretary, Govt. A.P. was the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. Dr. Lalitha was the speaker and chair person was Dr. Laxmi Suray Prabha Prof. of community medicine of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad.

The programme started with prayer song by the students and later followed by lightening of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Principal Smt. Sheila David, Chair Person, Speaker and the Convenor. Smt. Sheila David has addressed about importance of the Focus- 2008 and activities of the college, convenor has given information about the theme of the seminar.

Professor Dr. Ramana Devi Chief Guest of the Occasion in her key note address stressed on the health and empowerment of women focused on the different directions of health and highlighted the on different roles of the women in the community. Morning Session was concluded with Vote of Thanks given by the Convenor.

After Tea Break Scientific Session started with the speaker. She has given extensive information on the women’s health, on the various health disorders by way of showing different slides pictures posters and interaction with students. Chairperson conducted the seminar session and gave the valuable information about the prevention and improvement of health. The Scientific Session ended with Vote of Thanks given by IInd Year B.Sc students of Bio-tech Kum. Nishetha.

After the small break the Scientific Session II started. Students presented their scientific papers. Judges for the scientific session – II – Dr. Aruna & Dr. Madhavi RBVRR College, Faculty of Zoology. The end of the paper presentation they announced the first, second, and third consolation prizes for the students.

The scientific session and seminar ended with Vote of Thanks given by Kum. Priyanka student of B.Sc II year Student.

A one-day Seminar " ORBITAL - 2008 on Contribution of women scientists in Industry" organized by the Department of chemistry , on 10th September 2008 .Welcome Address given by Kiranmai HOD of The Chemistry. Guests were introduced by Mrs.B.Vijaya. Mrs.C.B.Lakshmi Deputy Director, R.M.A, IICT, the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. Dr. S.V. Manorama Scientist E- II, IICT, the speaker and chair person was Smt Sheila David, Principal AMS Arts& Science College for women.

The Programme started with prayer song by the students and later followed by the lightening of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Principal Smt. Sheila David, Speaker and the Convener. Smt Sheila David addressed about importance of the Orbital 2008 and activities of the college. The Theme of the seminar given by Mrs.kiranmai.
                        Mrs.C.B.Lakshmi, in her key note address stressed on opportunities for students in Scientific field especially for women through a flow chart. She compared men and women ratio at Directors level in various scientific field. And finally she said women are more efficient and patience. The morning session concluded with vote of thanks given by Mrs. K.B Shanti Sudha.
            After the tea break technical session-I started with the speaker Dr.S.V.Manorama given extensive information about nanotechnology. She started with from basics about nano giving various examples, and how they are utilizing many areas including industry, biological research, etc., technical session ended with vote of thanks given by the Mrs. M. Swapna.
            Technical Session II started with Students paper presentation. For this session Mrs.Jhansi Lakshmi Lecturer in chemistry, University College for Women, Koti was the evaluator. At the end of the session Prizes given for best presentations . The Programme was ended with vote of thanks given by the Final year student Kum.Sravanthi.

The one day intercollegiate Seminar “Transgene 2008” organized by the Department of Biotechnology was held on 24th September, 08 at 10:30 A.M.

The theme of the seminar is “Role of Women in Biotech Industry”. The Chief Guest of the seminar is Dr. Vijaya laxmi, Assistant Director in National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

Inaugural Session: - The programme started with prayer song by Jyothi of B.Sc (Biotech) IIIyr followed by lighting of the lamp by the Honourable Chief Guest and Principal Smt. Sheila David.

Our Principal introduced the Seminar about the Role of Women in different streams.

The Chief Guest Dr. Vijaya laxmi, gave a keynote address on Emerging Trends in Biotechnology. She focused on Ancient Biotechnology and Modern Nanotechnology, which was very amazing and admirable lecture. She also addressed the students to visit their Lab and motivated the students and staff.

Then, Scientific Session started at 12:00 A.M and Competitions on Poster and Model Presentations. The Evaluators of these session are Smt. T. Vidya from Sai Sudhir Degree College and Smt. Ch. Pradyutha Professor in RBVRR women’s College.

The Arpana of Begumpet Women College won II Prize, in Quiz competiton and Debate are conducted in biotech lab on 20th and 22nd Sep 2008. The Seminar came to an end distribution of prizes by the Vice-Principal Smt. Kalyana Sarada.

Overall, the Transgene ‘08 Seminar was very informative and enthusiastic and also s able to reach the expectations of the students.

VIPANI means ‘Market’. The Department of Commerce has been organizing VIPANI for the last 6 years on various contemporary issues.

2004-Higher Education and Education and employment opportunities for Commerce Students.

This Year VIPANI 2008 was organized on the theme ‘Women In Challenging Positions’, inviting women from diverse fields.

The seminar commenced with the opening remarks of the Principal of the college Smt. Sheila Ramani David, Madam elaborated at length about VIPANI, the motive behind organizing the seminar and various themes with which VIPANI was organized.

Dr. G.L.K Durga, Convenor of the seminar emphasized on the relevance of the topic ‘Women in Challenging Positions’ today.

The seminar was a Panel Discussion on the theme “Women in Challenging Positions”. All the Panelists spoke about various facets of women issues. Smt. Annapurna Sastry, Director, Bhamidi Finance & Counselling Pvt. Ltd was the Moderator for Panel Discussion.

Captain – Mamatha – Women Flying High – ways to break the glass ceiling. Captain Mamatha spoke about the opportunities available to women in Aviation Industry. Madam also emphasized on a positive frame of mind.

Mrs. Hemalatha, Secretary, FAPCCI spoke on “Accepting Women as a Manager”. Madam emphasized on appearance and mannerism to be inculcated in order to succeed as a Women Manager.

Mrs. Shantha Ch, Manager SBM Zonal Office, spoke on Conducive Socio-Cultural Environment that is required for the women to reach the top position in the selected fields.

Ms. Padma Parupudi, former delivery Manager, Prime Technologies spoke about Women’s Dual Role – A Balancing Act. Madam elaborated on various situations in daily life, which demand women’s attention. She emphasized on prioritizing the issues and attending the more urgent issues first.

Dr. Madhavi Prasad, Senior Manager Operations, APOLLO CLINICS Pvt. Ltd., focused on various job opportunities available to students in general, commerce students in particular.

The Seminar was opened for Panel Discussion. All the Panelists actively participated in the discussion and brought forth many useful suggestions. Students were also involved in the discussion.

The Seminar concluded with Vote of Thanks by Smt. Jyotsna, Lecturer in Commerce.

The Department of English Organized a seminar IGNITE – 2008 on the topic Indian Women Writers in English on 29th July 2008. The programme started at 10:00 AM. The academic year 2008-2009 has been declared as centenary year of Padmavibhushan Dr. Smt. Durgabai Deshmukh. The Department dedicated this seminar to Durgabai Deshmukh, the Founder and President of the college who strived for the empowerment of women for national building.

Dr. Durgabai herself was a writer who contributed to prose writing with her two books, ‘The Stone that Speaketh’, ‘Chintaman and I’. As a successful women in the field of Empowering Women through her Educational Institutes & Hospitals, under the banner of Andhra Mahila Sabha. Her desire was to place on record the history-origin and development of Andhra Mahila Sabha this desire which has taken the shape of the book ‘The Stone that Speaketh’. This book is a precious store house of information and source of inspiration to every social worker. This book throws light on her personality and social philosophy. Chintaman & I is a fascinating autobiography of Durgabai.

Women Empowerment is an essential component in every dimension of development. In the field of literature to name a few women writers like in Shashi Deshpande, Arundathi Roy, Anitha Desai, Kamala Das, Shoba De have climbed the ladder of success from a slow and painful way. These women writers have given literary work in India an unmistakable edge. Their writings are no more treated as a medium for entertainment alone but they are filled with sensuality, servility, subjugation and society. They handle them with a sense of balance never disregarding our Indian tradition. Women writers in India can no longer be claimed as an exclusive property of India alone but to the world.

            The Chief Guest of the seminar Mrs. Vasanth Kannabiran, Advisor, Asmitha Resource Centre for Women, enlightened the gathering about the problems faced by the Women Writers in general and Indian Women Writers in particulars. She quoted many writers and their writings and also their status in their homes. In spite of all these difficulties and the inequality they face, today these women are labeled as ‘powerful writers’. Vasanth Kannabiran is one among them. The Department is proud to have her as the Chief Guest
            Smt. Padmavathi, Vice President, Andhra Mahila Sabha and Guest of Honour to the seminar gave an over all view of Indian Women Writers in English from Toru Dutt., Sarojini Naidu to Shashi Deshpande and Kamala Das. She glorified the expression of their writing and motivated the students to the habit of writing so that they too can become future writers by quoting Durgabai.
            Smt. Sheila Ramani David, Principal President of the Seminar informed the guest and audience about IGNITE. She quoted some Modern Women Writers, their struggle and their achievements.
            Smt. Sunitha, Resource person to the session spoke to the students on the topic relating it to the prescribed text books and the writings of women writers. She very beautifully explained the word ‘Women’ of yesterday as weak, obligated, marginalized, elevated and neglected and today as wisdom, optimistic, motherly, affectionate and noteworthy.
            Students presented papers on different aspects of the writings. Dr. Sunitha carried on the session by judging the papers presented and Ms. P. Radha of B.Sc Biotech I year was awarded Ist Prize and Ms. Saritha of B.Com I year as IInd.
            Ms. P. Rajyalakshmi Head Dept of English Presented the Theme of the Seminar, Mrs. K. Karuna faculty welcomed and introduced the guest and also proposed Vote of Thanks. Ms. R. Uma faculty welcomed and introduced Dr. Sunitha, Resource person and Ms. Sowmya of B.Com I year proposed Vote of Thanks.
            The Department of English is happy for getting an opportunity to read out the preface of the book, ‘The Stone that Speaketh’ to the students as an inspirational book for the empowerment of women and nation building