Well, like everything, the Sociology Club can’t be defined ‘exactly’. But yeah, it is an always-open group of individuals striving to create an environment of critique and creativity, while aspiring to celebrate their differences and diversity. It’s not, and can never be, restricted to the discipline of Sociology, and people from all schools of thought are welcome to contribute their share of opinion and reflection. It’s an expanse of learning, sharing knowledge, good times and tough times.
The Sociology Club of Fergusson College started off as a students’ initiative in 2005. The activities conducted included film screenings, group discussions and volunteering with NGOs. Today, the Sociology club has diversified its activities and provides members various forums to discuss and debate issues of their concern as well as those with larger social implications.
The aim of the club is to make social issues approachable to all and to provide a strong platform for discussion, action and skill building. We are guided by values of plurality, equality and justice and encourage cooperation and team work. Fostering creativity, organizational skills and social responsibility is also one of our primary objectives.
The activities of the Socio club are as follows:
1. The Discussion Forum: This forum includes activities such as group iscussions, debates, book reading and reviews, picture analysis, etc. Students meet to discuss and debate on the topic decided for that session.
2. The Media and Arts Forum: While film screeningshave been a regular acivity, theme based photo exhibitions, collage and cartoon making, theatre related activities and other form of expression through various media are some of the newactivities proposed for this forum.
3. Organizing workshops, seminars, guest lectures, observing prominent days, etc.: This forum, as mentioned above, encourages students to organize and/or participate in interactive workshops and guest speakers’ lectures. Important days such as Human rights day, World Environment day, Hiroshima Day, etc. are also observed.
4.Volunteering with NGOs ans VOs: Students are encouraged to work with the disadvantaged sections of society through placements in various NGOs and Voluntary Organizations. This is a great learning opportunity not only to learn about the issue but also to understand the functioning of such organizations.
The club works through four working groups, one for each activity. A nominal fee is charged depending on the activity. The club, depending on the level of engagement, helps students articulate thoughts more comprehensively, equips them with organizational, social and documentation skills, develops leadership qualities and most inportantly, provides them with an in-depth critical understanding of social issues. A certificate of appreciation is given to regular, committed members.
www.theunexplored.wordpress.com is an online effort to carry on parallel activities. We look forward to many a heated yet fruitful discussions and overwhelming participation through opinions and comments that’ll make each one of us think and see the ‘other side’!
Kaanda-Lehsun 