About the Department
Building Insights, Enabling Holistic Development, Transforming Lives
The Department began functioning simultaneously with the founding of the College on June 16, 1965, with five Pre-Degree batches. On July 28, 1970, with the commencement of the undergraduate programme, it was officially established as the Department of English, with a sanctioned strength of 24 students. Rev. Dr. C. A. Abraham served as the first Head of the Department.On October 17, 2013, the M.A. Programme in English was launched, elevating it to the status of a Postgraduate Department. The course is designed to acquaint students with the interrelationship between paradigms of social formation, foster an appreciation of literature, and encourage interdisciplinary engagement. In 2023, the Department achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as a Research Centre in English, marking a new chapter in the Department’s academic journey, expanding its scope to advanced research and doctoral studies. The programmes offered by the department equips students to critically explore questions of culture, gender, and marginality, while deepening their understanding of narration and representation. With the strong academic foundation and skill provided by the Department, students are equipped to become effective educators,administrators, HR professionals, content creators capable of transmitting linguistic and cultural knowledge to future generations. .
Our VISION
Our vision is to emerge as a center of excellence in English studies and research, fostering holistic development by nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and scholarly innovation. We aspire to empower students and scholars to engage deeply with diverse literary traditions, advance interdisciplinary research, and serve society as skilled, ethical, and globally-minded professionals.
Our MISSION
Our mission is to advance knowledge and foster a deep appreciation of literature and culture through research, scholarship, and upskilling. We are committed to developing creative expression and effective communication skills in students. Through inclusivity and intellectual stimulation, we prepare students to contribute meaningfully to academia and society.
Highlights of the Department
- Annual intercollegiate Fest- Chrysalis, A Fest for a Cause.
- Annual enactment of Shakespearean plays.
- Internships, Field trips, Industry interaction, and collaborations with NGOs
- International conferences, invited lecture series, workshops, and alumni interactions
- Robust research ecosystem with diverse and contemporary research and faculty with research expertise
- Faculty with prestigious international postdoctoral research fellowships and grants from institutions such as Harvard, Yale, the British Council, and Charles Wallace Trust.
- Consistent NET / JRF qualifiers and alumni pursuing PG and PhD in IITs, NITs, and Central Universities
- Focus on the holistic development of students with a combination of academic, artistic, teambuilding, dramatic, and digital activities.
- Reading Forum
- Wall magazines and manuscript magazines on topics of literary and social relevance
What makes us Unique?
The Department of English at Bharata Mata College stands out for its dynamic blend of academic rigor and creative exploration. Alongside a strong foundation in classical, modern, and contemporary literatures, the department emphasizes innovative teaching techniques and experiential learning through field trips, theatre productions, and cultural immersion activities. Students benefit from a vibrant learning environment enriched by workshops, seminars, and guest lectures from distinguished scholars and practitioners. Faculty research in areas such as museum studies, media, studies, semiotics, mythology, gender studies, ELT and cultural theory shapes classroom discussions, while workshops, fests, and forums extend learning beyond textbooks. Community extension programs and collaborations with NGOs ensure social relevance, while the integration of both global and local perspectives prepares students to engage critically with diverse traditions. With its supportive mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and creative pedagogy, the department nurtures not only scholars but also creators, leaders, and socially responsible individuals.
Methodology of Teaching-Learning
The Department adopts a learner-centric and inclusive approach to teaching and learning, combining traditional and innovative pedagogical practices to foster intellectual growth and creative expression.
A judicious blend of the lecture method, elicitation techniques, and ICT-enabled instruction facilitates both content delivery and interactive engagement. Roleplay, dramatization, and scriptwriting are employed to enhance comprehension, build confidence, and develop literary, linguistic, and performative skills among students.
Seminar presentations are regularly conducted to train students in locating, organizing, and articulating information effectively. Creative assignments are encouraged to promote alternative and imaginative responses to academic content. Opportunities for interaction with the real world—through field-based activities, public-facing events, and club initiatives—further strengthen their communication and conversational skills.
The Department emphasizes critical appreciation and interpretation of literature. Students are trained to evaluate texts through multiple lenses and develop nuanced arguments, fostering both analytical and empathetic thinking.
Regular assessment is conducted through assignments, internal tests, and project submissions. Submission of projects is mandatory at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Remedial classes are arranged for students requiring additional academic support, while advanced learners are assigned enrichment tasks to further enhance their skills.
Infrastructural Facilities
The Department of English is located on the top floor of the main block of the college, with dedicated academic and support spaces that foster a conducive and engaging learning environment. The classrooms are fully equipped as smart classrooms, allowing for an enhanced and interactive learning experience.
A fully functional main library provides students with access to a wide range of literary texts, reference materials, and academic journals. The library also houses a dedicated research room for the use of research scholars, offering a quiet and resource-rich environment for advanced academic work. The Department includes a well-maintained Staff Room to facilitate faculty collaboration and academic planning.
