Report on World Philosophy Day

-Shrishti Rathour

Dr. Perumalil addressing the addressing

On the occasion of World Philosophy Day, which is celebrated via discussions and debates on 17^th November, Sophia club organised a special lecture on ‘The Origin of Universe’ by Dr. Augustine Perumalil sir. The event began by Dr Anthony sir briefing the audience about humans questioning the origin of universe and how philosophy attempts to answer those.

The guest lecturer tried to bring home the idea of philosophy of nature and religion. Scientifically and religiously, the oldest writing in our scriptures happens to be about study of the skies. He emphasized on celestial mechanics which talks about forces and movements of planets. Albert Einstein becomes a vital part of the string of characters by proposing theory of relativity which took philosophy of universe to another level. 

In 1927, a Belgium priest, Georges Lemaitre shaped the idea of an expanding universe but his concept was not appreciated and discarded straightforwardly since other scientist believed the universe to be static. However, in 1929, Edwin Hubble provided astronomical proof to Lemaitre's theory and Einstein modified his theory of relativity. Later the theory was also proved by the discovery of cosmic radiations which happened by accident. The questions behind the big bang theory prevailed in the idea of in flexion which is considered to be self-explanatory.

 

After the lecture, an interesting question answer 

session was initiated which involved discussions about eternal reality and philosophy behind demonetization in recent times. 

General Body Meeting: Farewell to the Founder President

-Shrishti Rathour

President Akash Dayal addressing the audience

Vice President Arnay Shukla addressing the audience

An open general body meeting was conducted by Sophia club on 15th November, 2016 to bid farewell to their founder-president,Mr Akash Dayal sir. The meeting was addressed by the vice president, Arnay Shukla, who honored the president by calling him a rare jewel having a charming mindset. He expressed his views about Sophia being a large family of like-minded intellectuals and also briefed a few thoughts about the recent events that took place under the shadow of Sophia such as the rainbow lecture, lecture on cross cultural development and other events in Oneiros. 

 

President Akash Dayal sir stood high on the podium when he was called on to present his thoughts. The audience, mystified by his presence, listened intently to the respectful personality who had cherished a tree so big and huge so as to be called the intellectual society of Manipal University Jaipur. The honorable president expressed his nostalgia on leaving the brain child he had groomed since years. He gave foremost credit to Prof. Dr. Anthony sir for being an amazing philosopher, efficient guide and an imminent sculpture in crafting the ideas behind this Philosophy club. Apart from that, credits were showered on the vice president and other CC as well as OC members for being closely connected to the club’s activities.

Prof. Dr. Anthony sir bids farewell to President Akash Dayal

 The president also spoke about issues he wanted to be raised in future discussions such as climate change and terrorism. He explained the meaning of philosophy and as a message to his followers, he asked them to consider this a new beginning just as rise of a blazing sun after a peaceful dawn. The aim of Sophia club which is to develop compassion and love others as well as the nation was explored once more. 
 
Later, Dr Anthony sir was called upon to bid farewell to one of his closest disciples. He elaborated the idea of invisible nature of things and how we should allow life to guide us. He explained that philosophy chooses people and that’s how it chose the president to be what he is today. He bid farewell to Akash Dayal with love and blessing for his bright future. 
 

 

 
The president, before saying a last goodbye, proudly announced Arnay Shukla to be his successor as the new president while the former will continue to guide the club. Another announcement came in the form of an initiative titled ‘each one, teach one’ which revolves around uplifting the under privileged.

Group Photo of the office bearers of the club

The Origin of the Universe : Philosophical and Scientific Questions

Guest Lecture by 

Prof. Dr. Augustine Perumalil, SJ, Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Nevta, Jaipur

at Manipal University Jaipur

Date & Time: 17^th November, 2016 (Thursday), 2 pm 

Venue: Raman Hall (Room No. 307), Academic Block 1A

Diwali greetings for the Indian Army from Sophia Club

-Subhoshree Mitra

Students of Sophia Club took the initiative to send Diwali greetings to the Indian Army from Manipal University Jaipur. Many heart felt wishes in the form of greeting cards, letters and poems were received which were then sent to the Border Security Force. We thank the Indian Army and show our earnest gratitude toward them by sending this small token of love and happiness on the occasion of the festival of lights.

-Shrishti Rathour

Gripping group discussion "Sophia Circle" in Oneiros '16

-Shrishti Rathour

Discussions could be enthralling, interesting or disappointing but the platform for exchanging ideas and thoughts is necessary. Sophia club organized a group discussion as their third event in the cultural fest Oneiros of Manipal University Jaipur on 22nd October 2016.

 Participants discussing the issue with enthusiasm.

An open discussion among twelve participants was conducted as a panel of two judges observed the proceedings while the topic for the discussion was ‘Solutions to Kashmir Problems’. Many problems floated towards the surface which involved education, security and mentality of Kashmir citizens. Border issues were also raised. The participants discussed solutions such as improvement of education, advancement of technology and strengthening the Indian army. 

Participants, judges and organisers of the event.

Special Mention Award.

 A healthy argument was built up by the competitors over the efficiency of Indian army. After the discussion about important topics as LOC, annual budget and security issues, the event came to an end.

The winner-Dhanushree & Runner Up-Nukul

The winner was announced to be Ms. Dhanushree Vyas and Mr Nukul Jashoria turned out to be the runner up. A special mention was awarded to Mr. Ashwini Yadav.

-Shrishti Rathour

 "Speak Up" - Extempore competition in Oneiros'16

-Shrishti Rathour

What could be more passionate and idealistic than a platform where one could express one’s beliefs confidently? This is what Sophia club targeted towards young aspirants in their second event of cultural fest Oneiros. The philosophy club of Manipal University Jaipur organized an extempore competition titled ‘Speak up’ on 22nd October 2016.

Winner of Speak Up.

Runner up in Speak Up.

The participants were given a chance to try their luck out of the topic bowl and were obliged by four minutes to introspect. The event was judged by Prof. Raviraja Holla and Prof. Dr. Anthony S. Raj. The topic bowl flourished topics such as terrorism, generation gap, nationalism, and poverty. These social issues were worked upon efficiently by the participants as each one of them tried to bring home their expressions in different, subtle as well as cohesive ways. 

Dr. Anthony and Prof. Raviraja judging the competition.

The room filled with curious glances and nervous gestures as the audience and participants held their breath waiting for the results. The winner was announced to be Mr. Achintya Mohan while Mr. Raj Bhushan Singh turned out to be the runner up.