A Taste of the World: Celebrating World Literature Day at Carmel College

A Taste of the World: Celebrating World Literature Day at Carmel College

On 19th July 2025, the Department of English at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem turned its campus into a vibrant hub of global culture as students and faculty came together to celebrate World Literature Day—an event born straight from the creative hearts of Semester 3 BA students studying World Literature.

With the spirit of literary exploration at its core, the event was anything but ordinary. Dr. Aldina Braganza e Gomes, Officiating Principal, inaugurated the celebration with an inspiring address, urging students to make reading a habit by setting a goal of 12 books a year. Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department of English, warmly welcomed the attendees, giving a special shout-out to the enthusiastic Carmel HSS students who joined the celebration, led by their mentor Teacher Sarah Fernandes. The event was dedicated by Dr. Brian Mendonca, course facilitator, to the students themselves—those who dreamt it, planned it, and executed it with flair.

The literary voyage spanned five culturally rich countries—Australia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China—all part of the World Literature syllabus. Students brought each nation’s voice alive through poetry and folk narratives. Highlights included:

• Pari’s stirring recitation of Freedom on the Wallaby by Henry Lawson

• Simran’s powerful rendition of Tulu-e-Islam by Allama Iqbal

• Angelina’s delicate reading of Toiling Farmers by Li Shen

• Anvitha’s poignant delivery of Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka

• Melanie’s moving performance of Monuments by Kamala Wijerathne

Adding a spark of interaction, Angelina and her team hosted a fun and informative quiz on the featured countries. The musical highlight of the day was Danielle’s soulful rendition of Riptide by Australian artist Vance Joy, which had everyone clapping in rhythm. But the celebration didn’t stop with words and songs—it extended to flavours from around the globe. Students proudly introduced a spread of home-cooked international treats: Lamingtons, momos, sausage rolls, Pani Pol pancakes, Jolorice, and chana chaat—a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! Cresida wrapped up the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, while Hazel anchored the programme with warmth and poise. Behind the scenes, Daiamon, Sweasha, and Irene added charm to the venue with their creative decorations.

The 60-minute cultural extravaganza ended on a high note—with everyone chatting, laughing, and sharing snacks to the soothing rhythm of the Sinhala hit "Manika Mage Hithe." It was more than a literature event; it was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and connection—exactly what world literature is all about.

Diving into Goa’s Liquid Legacy: Internship Orientation with Goa Water Stories

Diving into Goa’s Liquid Legacy: Internship Orientation with Goa Water Stories

                                            (Ms. Elisha D’Souza presents her story)

                        (Group picture with the curator of GWS)

On July 1st, 2025, the auditorium at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, buzzed with curiosity and purpose. The Department of English hosted a special Internship Orientation in collaboration with Goa Water Stories (GWS)—an initiative that’s as enriching as the waters it seeks to preserve. Students from TYBA English and SYBA English (Major and Minor) gathered to explore the unique opportunity of interning with Goa Water Stories, a platform that seamlessly blends storytelling, sustainability, and local heritage.

GWS is more than just an archive—it’s a vibrant network that brings together academics, artists, writers, students, researchers, and communities to spotlight Goa’s intricate relationship with water. Through workshops, exhibitions, presentations, and public dialogues hosted at libraries, galleries, and universities, GWS curates a rich tapestry of Goa’s water narratives—past, present, and imagined futures. The initiative thrives on critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, using tools like research, visualisation, and storytelling to create awareness and inspire action.

Mr. Wency Mendes, the curator of Goa Water Stories, was present to walk the students through the heart of the project—its vision, goals, and how young minds can contribute. He was joined by three passionate storytellers and previous interns: Mr. Ryan Bhengra, Ms. Shivranjana Rathore, and Ms. Elisha D’Souza, a TYBA student from Carmel College. Each shared their personal “water story,” offering a glimpse into the kind of creative and meaningful work the internship fosters. Their presentations, sourced directly from GWS’s official website, opened up a new way of looking at Goa’s rivers, wells, lakes, and the cultural and ecological memories attached to them.

The orientation wasn’t just informative—it was truly inspirational. A lively interaction followed, with many students expressing interest in participating. In fact, around fifteen students signed up to pursue internships with GWS, eager to dive into this collaborative journey of environmental storytelling.

The session concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department of English, who emphasized the importance of such interdisciplinary engagements that empower students to become both thinkers and changemakers.