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Philosophy Department

Teachers Profile

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DR. MITASHREE CHAKRABORTY

Associate Professor

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SMT. SARBANI GANGULY

Associate Professor

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SIKHA MUKHERJEE

Associate Professor

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DR. URMI RAY

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

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Mr. Saheb Samanta

Assistant Professor

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About

 

The Department of Philosophy embarked upon its academic journey in 1945, alongside the foundation of the college. It was established under the guidance of two passionate educators Subinita Chowdhury and Sushil Lahiri who played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s early ethos and curriculum. A significant milestone was accomplished with the introduction of the Hons. course under the University of Calcutta in 1981, reflecting its commitment to academic growth. Over the years the department’s journey has been enriched by the dedication of four faculty members namely, Prof. K. Tikadar, Dr Dipali Mukherjee, Prof. Sarbani Ganguly and Dr Mitashree Chakraborty who served at various times.

At present three faculty members, namely, Ms. Sikha Mukherjee, Dr Urmi Ray and Mr. Saheb Samanta strive to impart a comprehensive education to its students with sincerity and dedication. Regular classes by experienced faculty members, a supportive and nurturing environment and the consistently good performance of students in Calcutta University Examinations are the distinctive features of the department.

Many a luminary in the field of Philosophy has visited the department on different occasions, enriching its intellectual vibrancy with their erudite presentations. Over the last five years, the department has had the honour to listen to the scholarly lectures of Professor Arindam Chakraborti, Department of Philosophy, University of Hawaii, Dr J. L. Shaw, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Dr Amita Chatterjee, former Vice Chancellor, Presidency University and Professor Emerita, Department of Philosophy, Jadavpur University among others. Their insightful discussions have inspired both faculty members and students to explore the intricacies of Philosophy.

Taking part in debates, presenting papers and teaching peers enable students to enhance their academic standards.  Active participation of students in various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities organized by different cells of the college makes the department lively and vibrant. Above all, the focus is placed on inculcating values in the young minds. Our motto is: Learn, earn and be humane.

Best Practices

Teaching Learning

Syllabus

Capacity Building

Academic Activities

 

We firmly believe that every student possesses immense potential. The department strives to nurture it to the fullest. With an aim to attain this goal, the department regularly organizes a wide range of programmes.  Here are some glimpses of departmental activities.

 

Academic Year 2024-25                                                                                    

Invited Lecture:                                                                    
On the 4th of January, 2025, the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College, in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy, New Alipore College, organised an invited lecture focused on Indian Ethics. The event took place at New Alipore College. Dr. Gargi Goswami, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Jadavpur University, was the Chief Guest and the speaker of the event. Her lecture was titled ‘Bhagavad-gītā: Duty or Virtue Ethics?’ The event saw the participation of over 60 students from both institutions, reflecting a commitment to academic engagement in philosophical discourse.

Screening of the Film “12th Fail”:                                     
On December 3rd 2024, a screening of the film “12th Fail” was conducted at Women’s Christian College with the aim of inspiring and motivating the students. The Department of Philosophy organised the event in collaboration with the Cine Club and Mentor-Mentee Cell of Women’s Christian College. Over 80 students and faculty members from the various departments attended the event and enjoyed the screening. 
 

Academic Year 2023-24                                                                                    

International Seminar:                                                       
On the 13th of January, 2024, the Department of Philosophy organised a day-long international seminar entitled Relevance of Indian Philosophy in the Context of Western Philosophy in the college auditorium. Two luminaries, in the field of Philosophy, namely, Dr. J.L Shaw, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Dr Amita Chatterjee, former Vice Chancellor, Presidency University and Professor Emerita, Department of Philosophy, Jadavpur University graced the occasion and delivered their scholarly speeches. 

Commemoration of World Peace Day:                              
On the 21st of September, 2023 the Departments of Philosophy, History and IQAC of  Women’s Christian College in collaboration with the Department of History of Shri Shikshayatan College observed World Peace Day with a day-long programme in the college auditorium. The erudite scholar Dr. Kuntala Bhattacharya, Professor, Department of Philosophy, Rabindra Bharati University was the resource person who delivered her lecture on The Concept of Peace in Buddhism.  Her lecture was followed by a variety of activities, participated by the students of both colleges.

Special Lecture:                                                                   
On the 3rd of October, 2023 the Department of Philosophy and the Self-Care Cell of Women’s Christian College arranged a special lecture on Sonic Intervention on Human Behaviour, delivered by Dr Basudev Das, chairman-Long Island Justice Initiative. Students immensely benefitted from his insightful discussion.

 

Academic Year 2022-23                                                                                    

ICSSR-ERC sponsored National Seminar:                       
On the 17th of June,2023 the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College, organized a one-day ISSR-ERC sponsored National Seminar in collaboration with ROTTO (Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation) of SSKM Hospital Kolkata on Birth, Sustenance and Death: Exploring Contemporary Bioethical  Issues at the College Auditorium. From doctors to economists, including Professors of Philosophy at premier Indian Academic Institutions, were the invited speakers. Their insightful and erudite lectures sparked curiosity and interest in the emerging field of ethics among the audience. Around 120 people comprising research scholars, students as well as faculty members of different colleges and universities attended the seminar. 

Seminar and Book Launch Programme:                           
On the 7th of June, 2023 a book entitled - A Journey of Religious Pluralism: Some Reflections edited by Sikha Mukherjee, Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College, was launched in a Book Launch Programme organised by the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College in the College Auditorium. Swami Divyavibhanandaji Maharaj, Library in Charge, of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, graced the programme with his presence as the Speaker and Guest of Honour. The book was officially launched by the hands of Swami Divyavibhanandaji Maharaj, Dr. Dipali Mukherjee and Dr. Ajanta Paul. Smt. Sikha Mukherjee shared her experience and editorial journey to the audience. 
The Book Launch Programme was followed by a seminar entitled Peace and Harmony in Society. The chief resource person was Swami Divyavibhanandaji Maharaj who delivered a very thought-provoking speech on the very pertinent issue, relevant in today’s society.

Add-on-Course:                                                                    
From 8th May to 7th June, 2023 the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy, New Alipore College conducted a thirty-hour Add-on course entitled Yoga: A Journey Towards Well-being. Students from different departments of Women’s Christian College and students of Philosophy (Hons.) of New Alipore College were the participants. They learnt not only the fundamentals of the Yoga System but also acquired the basic techniques of Asana, Pranayama and Meditation, which proved immensely beneficial to their physical and mental health.

Debate Competition:                                                            
On the 24th of April, 2023 the Department of Philosophy of Women’s Christian College hosted an inter-college debate competition on the issue A Legal Offender Cannot be Reformed at the college auditorium. Ten students from four colleges, namely, Asutosh College, New Alipore College, Gokhale Memorial College and Women’s Christian College participated in the event. Asutosh College won the Best Team Award. Suparna Sinha was named the Best Speaker for the motion, while Imon Sanpui was judged the Best Speaker against the motion.

Educational Excursion:                                                        
On the 24th of March, 2023 the Departments of Philosophy, Sanskrit and Bengali conducted  an educational excursion. Students from three ongoing semesters, namely, 2nd, 3rd and 6th semesters and three faculty members of the Department of Philosophy joined the tour. Apart from the Sanskrit Sahitya Parishad, they visited the ancestral houses of Rabindranath Tagore (Jorasanko) and Swami Vivekananda and also the museums located therein. Students enjoyed the tour very much.

Celebration of National Youth Day:                                    
On the 16th of January, 2023 the Departments of History and Philosophy and NSS Unit of Women’s Christian College in collaboration with Bakchakra celebrated the National Youth Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at the college auditorium. A seminar entitled “Swami Vivekananda: In the Light of New Researches was held on this occasion. Shri Tarun Goswami, the Coordinating Editor of The Statesman, who was the resource person of the seminar, delivered a very illuminating lecture on Swami Vivekananda’s Seva Dharma.

Faculty Exchange Programme:                                           
From 6th December to 9th December 2022 a Faculty Exchange Programme was organized by the Department of Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy of New  Alipore College. Two faculty members of the Department of Philosophy of New Alipore College, namely Ms. Jayita Dutta and Ms. Sonali Paul visited the college on 6th December and took classes with the students of V and III semesters Philosophy (Hons.) respectively. Ms. Paul also took classes on 7th December. Ms Sikha Mukherjee, the Head of the Department of Philosophy of Women’s Christian College, taught the students of V semester Philosophy (Hons.) Tarkasamgraha on 8th and 9th December 2022.

Celebration of World Philosophy Day:                               
On the 17th of November, 2022 the Department of Philosophy,  Women’s Christian College commemorated World Philosophy Day by organising a seminar on Vedanta and Ethics.  The resource person was the eminent scholar, Shri Swaraj Mazumder of Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. His lecture was followed by a student presentation.

 

Academic Year 2021-22                                                                                    

National Webinar:                                                                
On the 17th of July, 2021 a National Webinar on Exploring New Horizons:  Career Opportunities for Students was held by the Department of Philosophy in collaboration with the Career Counselling and Placement Cell of the college. With a view to appraising the final semester students of the college of prospective jobs in different fields, the programme was organized. 
The invited speakers were Manick Lal Maitra, WBRS, Mentor, Sonali Chakraborty Foundation, Prama Mukhopadhyay, Lecturer, Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat,   Malay Mitra, IT Consultant at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata and Ex- TCS,    Godhuli Sengupta, OMAM Consultants Pvt. Limited, New Delhi and    Subhojyoti Ghosh, Branch Operation Manager, ICICI Bank, Parnasree Branch, Kolkata.
 

Academic Year 2020-21                                                                                    

Seminar:                                                                                
On the 13th of January, 2020, the Department of Philosophy organized a seminar on Non-Cruelty. The internationally renowned scholar Professor Arindam Chakraborti, Stony Brook University, New York graced the occasion and enriched the audience with his erudite deliberation.
 

Academic Year 2019-20                                                                                    

Seminar:                                                                                
On the 13th of January, 2020, the Department of Philosophy organized a seminar on Non-Cruelty. The internationally renowned scholar Professor Arindam Chakraborti, Stony Brook University, New York graced the occasion and enriched the audience with his erudite deliberation.
 

Academic Year 2018-19                                                                                    

Counselling Session:                                                             
On the 23rd of March, 2018, the Department of Philosophy arranged a counselling session on examination phobia at the college auditorium.  A renowned stress management consultant, Dr Chandrima Banerjee used music therapy to counsel the students on examination phobia.  Her method of counselling was based on Psychology, Management and Philosophy along with music. She is the founder of DSL, a centre for counselling.

Certificate Courses

Awards

MOUs

Distinguished Alumna

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Student Progression

Departmental Notices

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Research

Project

Facilities

Activities

DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES

Apart from the conventional class-room teaching, the department regularly organizes various programmes with a view to enhancing academic standards of the students and inculcating social values in them. Some of them are:
Seminar
Special Lectures
Student Seminars / Panel Discussions
Project Work
Micro-Teaching
Parent-Teacher Meeting
Co-curricular Activities
Educational Excursions
Social Community Service

Seminars

  • The Department of Philosophy, Muralidhar Girls’ College in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College organized a UGC Sponsored State Level Seminar on “Ethics in Epics” on 4 February,2016
  • The department of Philosophy in collaboration with the department of Philosophy, Jogomaya Devi College organized a seminar entitled “Religious Pluralism in India: Curse or Boon” on 19 Nov. 2015.It was sponsored by the West Bengal State Council of Higher Education.

Special Lecture

  • Dr Subir Ranjan Bhattacharya ex-Professor of Department of Philosophy, C.U spoke on the Ethical, Epistemological and Metaphysical aspects of Death on  6.12.17
  • Dr Ranjana Ray, Professor Emeritus, formerly of Deparment of Anthropology, Calcutta Universitydelivered a special lecture entitled “An overview of the authors of Rig Veda , the Fountain head of Hindu Philosophy on 16 September,2016.Mr. Tarun Kumar Goswami, City Editor, The Statesman, delivered a lecture entitled “Vivekananda and the Youth of Today” on 7.12.2012

Counselling

  • Dr. Chandrima Banerjee had been called upon by Philosophy Department  to impart Philosophical Meditation to conquer Exam Fear on 23.3.18 .

Faculty Exchange Programme

  • In August 2016, Dr. Mitashree Chakroborty from Women’s Christian College and Professor Shukla Chakroborty from Muralidhar Girls' College participated in a Faculty Exchange Programme, enriching the academic experience for students in the departments of Philosophy at both institutions. Dr. Chakroborty delivered engaging lectures at Muralidhar Girls’ College, sharing her insights and expertise, while Professor Chakroborty inspired students at Women’s Christian College with thought-provoking discussions and ideas. This collaborative initiative fostered a vibrant exchange of knowledge between the two colleges, enhancing the educational landscape for their philosophy students.

Micro Teaching

  • Students of IIIYear Hons. taught the students of I and II Years on 16.12.2016 on Nyaya Philosophy.

Student Seminar

  • Students of Philosophy Department had conducted a seminar on Carvaka Philosophy on  13.5.2017.
  • Through Ages Students of the departments of History, Sanskrit and Philosophy presented papers at the seminar entitled Women on 05.03.2012.

Quiz

  • An Inter college quiz was held between the Department of Philosophy, Women’s Christian College and MaruliDhar Girls’ College on 27.11.2017

Educational Excursion

  • The Department of Philosophy had conducted an educational excursion to Bandel Church, Imambara and Hanseshwari temple on 17.3.2017.
  • The Department of Philosophy had conducted an educational excursion to Town Hall,Jora Shako and Vivekananda’s ancestral house on 21.3.2014.
    The Department arranged an Educational Excursion to Athpur in collaboration with the Department of English on 09.02. 2012.

SEMINAR LIBRARY

  • Students of the department can access to the resources available in the Seminar Library which has an enriched collection of text books and reference books as well.

DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS

  • The department publishes its own journal entitled “Disha”contributed by students, faculty members and renowned academicians.
  • Students regularly put up Wall magazine named “Prayash” where they articulate their views on different philosophical issues.

RESULTS

  • Final results of the Department of Philosophy, under the University of Calcutta, are consistently good over the years.. After doing Bachelor’s degree with honours in the subject most of them pursue higher studies. Some students opt for services, some of them prepare themselves for competitive examinations.

Contact Us

Contact Us

E-mail: wccphilosophy@gmail.com