Latest news with #PondicherryUniversity
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University launches PG diploma courses in rock art, Agamic studies
Pondicherry University has launched one-year PG diploma courses for rock art and Agamic studies offered by its History Department. Launching the courses run by two newly launched research centres on these respective areas, P. Prakash Babu, Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor, said the two centres were 'unique and socially relevant in the present-day materialist world'. Admissions to the two diploma courses will commence very soon, he added. The Center for Agamic Studies and Indian Knowledge systems aims to study the dynamic role of temple in the medieval Indian society and the role of Agamic texts in the growth and expansion of the professional arts and crafts of the lower sections of the society. The Agamic texts also help in unravelling their role as contributors to sustainable development in the medieval times which can provide lessons to learn in the implementation of SDGs in the contemporary times. The diploma in rock art and cognitive studies is a field based discipline with the curriculum designed to provide a wide knowledge of the global as well as Indian rock art traditions. The programme will equip the students the necessary skills to get employed in eco-tourism, adventure tourism as well as making them qualified site managers of the rock art locations. According to the Vice Chancellor, this vital pictorial evidence of the prehistoric times helps us to understand the evolution of the cognitive capabilities of the human species and their manifestation in the form of paintings and engravings. In fact, the prehistoric paintings acted as teaching aids for the adolescent hunters in understanding the behavioural patterns of the wild animals. N. Chandramouli, Head, Department of History said idea for these centres were sown during a 2023 international seminar led by the University on tantric religion that saw enriching contributions of several Indian and foreign scholars. Madhu Khanna, exponent of tantric studies and founding Trustee of Tantra foundation, New Delhi, conveyed her felicitation message to the University leadership. Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History, said a comprehensive curriculum had been developed for the rock art diploma programme. Students would be initiated into methodologies of rock art documentation and conservation, theoretical frameworks of cognitive archaeology and cutting-edge research on the neurological underpinnings of artistic expressions. They will not only learn from leading scholars but also gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field, contributing directly to our ongoing research projects. G. Chandhrika, Dean, School of Social Sciences & International Studies, highlighted the spiritual aspects of the Agamic temples. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, expressed the SAS's readiness to collaborate with the two research centres. Apart from Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History, the heads of the departments and centres, Deans, faculty, research scholars and statutory officers participated.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
PU offers 1-year PG diplomas for agamic studies, rock art
Puducherry: Pondicherry University (PU) has established two research centres offering one-year postgraduate diploma courses in agamic studies and rock art. The Centre for Agamic Studies and Indian Knowledge Systems aims to study the dynamic role of temples in medieval Indian society. The centre would also study the role of agamic texts in the growth and expansion of the professional arts and crafts among the lower sections of society. A statement from the university said that agamic texts help unravel their role as contributors to sustainable development in medieval times, which can provide lessons in implementation of sustainable development goals in contemporary times. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The Centre for Rock Art and Cognitive Studies, a field-based course, will be a tribute to the temple culture of South India, which is vibrant and thriving, said the statement. The centre will focus on the evolution of cognitive capabilities of the human species and their manifestation in the form of paintings and engravings, it added. Both centres are part of the university's department of history. Pondicherry University vice-chancellor P Prakash Babu said the courses offer exciting avenues for the young generation to explore the fascinating world of agamic temple culture, encompassing the entire gamut of contemporary society. "The programme will equip the students with the necessary skills to get employed in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, as well as making them qualified site managers of the rock art locations," said the statement.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
V-C hails critical role of nurses, paramedics in healthcare domain
P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, has underscored the critical role of nurses and paramedics in the healthcare system. Addressing the recent graduation ceremony at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, an affiliate institution of the University, the Vice-Chancellor told the graduating class of paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals that their role in the field of healthcare went beyond just supporting doctors. 'You are the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the first to respond in emergencies, the steady hand in recovery, and the kind voice in moments of fear. Whether it's a nurse offering comfort in a crowded hospital ward, a physiotherapist helping someone walk again after injury, or a lab technician ensuring accurate diagnoses — your work changes lives', Mr. Prakash Babu said. Recalling the vital roles of these health professionals in times of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he said: 'The world has finally begun to see what we have always known: that healthcare is not possible without paramedics and allied professionals. Dwelling on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat - 2047: Role of Paramedics in India', Mr. Babu said achieving the set goals required robust progress in various sectors, and healthcare stands as a cornerstone. Within the healthcare system, paramedics — including nursing staff, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), lab technicians, radiographers, and other allied health professionals — have a critical role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system, expanding accessibility and affordability and ensuring a continuum of care. The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the vital role of paramedics in emergency and disaster response, mass casualty management, crisis containment, propagation of digital health and telemedicine support and supporting preventive and primary care. Their mandate, which includes conducting awareness programmes, vaccination drives, screenings (BP, diabetes, malnutrition), and home visits, is key to reducing long-term national health costs and also reducing urban-rural health disparities, he said. According to the Vice-Chancellor, as India focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure — from metros to remote villages — the need for skilled, ethical, and compassionate paramedics has never been greater. 'You are entering a field where your degree is not just a qualification; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to serve with empathy, to uphold the dignity of life, and to continue learning every day', he said. The Vice-Chancellor also conferred degrees upon the graduating students. B. Ramachandiran, chairman, Radha Ramachandiran, Founder Trustee, Rajiv Krishna, Managing Director, Sree Venkateshwaraa Group of Institutions (SVGI), Moushmi Rajiv, Executive Director, SVGI, B. Vidhya Rangaraju, Chief Operating Officer, Malliga Kannan, Principal Indirani College of Nursing, C. Ananda Vayaravel Cassinadane, Dean, College of Paramedical Sciences and S. Jeyanthi, Principal, College of Physiotherapy were present.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Tamil writer Indira Parthasarathy turns 96
Indira Parthasarathy, one of the towering figures of modern Tamil literature and drama, turned 96 on Sunday (July 6, 2025) and revealed his keen interest in completing the adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth in Tamil. His eyes lit up as he spoke about the project with childlike enthusiasm. 'I have completed 50 per cent of the work. It's not a translation, but an adaptation,' he said. It was during this process that his calcium levels dropped, requiring hospitalisation. 'I stopped at the scene where Macbeth kills Duncan in his sleep. He says, 'Methought I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more.' I also lost sleep from that day,' quipped Mr Parthasarathy with a smile, drawing an uncanny parallel between his own experience and Shakespeare's tormented protagonist. He has engaged with the adaptation of King Lear as Iruthi Aattam and The Tempest as Sooravali. Iruthi Aattam, he noted, takes its title from Samuel Beckett's play Endgame. Asked if he would finish the current work, Mr Parthasarathy said he needed to be in the right mood. 'When I meet friends and others, I get the enthusiasm to complete it,' he said. His birthday celebration brought together family members, as well as many friends, students, publishers, and admirers. Among them were Velu Saravanan, the well-known theatre personality, and Ilango Kumaravel — who adapted Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan for the stage and later collaborated with director Mani Ratnam on the film adaptation. Both were among Mr Parthasarathy's first students at Pondicherry University. 'I was a physics student and had little idea about any subject, let alone theatre. He shaped me. He once came to the university on a Sunday to appreciate my play,' recalled Saravanan. Parthasarathy is, in a way, Kesavan — the protagonist of his novel Verpattru. 'My father was a Sanskrit scholar, and we lived in a house opposite that of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in Kumbakonam. Parents on Sarangapani Street aspired to have children who excelled in mathematics. I pursued an M.A. in Tamil just to express my protest,' he said.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Indira Parthasarathy turns 96, wishes to complete Macbeth in Tamil
Indira Parthasarathy, one of the towering figures of modern Tamil literature and drama, turned 96 on Sunday and revealed his keen interest in completing the adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth in Tamil. His eyes lit up as he spoke about the project with childlike enthusiasm. 'I have completed 50 per cent of the work. It's not a translation, but an adaptation,' he said. It was during this process that his calcium levels dropped, requiring hospitalisation. 'I stopped at the scene where Macbeth kills Duncan in his sleep. He says, 'Methought I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more.' I also lost sleep from that day,' quipped Mr Parthasarathy with a smile, drawing an uncanny parallel between his own experience and Shakespeare's tormented protagonist. He has engaged with the adaptation of King Lear as Iruthi Aattam and The Tempest as Sooravali. Iruthi Aattam, he noted, takes its title from Samuel Beckett's play Endgame. Asked if he would finish the current work, Mr Parthasarathy said he needed to be in the right mood. 'When I meet friends and others, I get the enthusiasm to complete it,' he said. His birthday celebration brought together family members, as well as many friends, students, publishers, and admirers. Among them were Velu Saravanan, the well-known theatre personality, and Ilango Kumaravel — who adapted Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan for the stage and later collaborated with director Mani Ratnam on the film adaptation. Both were among Mr Parthasarathy's first students at Pondicherry University. 'I was a physics student and had little idea about any subject, let alone theatre. He shaped me. He once came to the university on a Sunday to appreciate my play,' recalled Saravanan. Parthasarathy is, in a way, Kesavan — the protagonist of his novel Verpattru. 'My father was a Sanskrit scholar, and we lived in a house opposite that of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in Kumbakonam. Parents on Sarangapani Street aspired to have children who excelled in mathematics. I pursued an M.A. in Tamil just to express my protest,' he said.
