with Shrita Nyapathi |
The Department of English organised a lecture on "Art Therapy, Self-Expression & Creativity" by Ms Vandita Parikh, Founder of Nruthya Shakti Dance Academy (NSDA), Dallas,Texas, for the ‘Dr Rita Jacob Cherian Memorial Endowment Lecture’ on July 28, 2023, which was attended by the students and faculty of the department, and friends and family members of Dr Rita Jacob Cherian, former Principal and Head of the Department of English. The lecture focused on the importance of art in personal development and emotional and psychological healing.
The primary purpose of art is to grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually and internally. As Vandita Parikh said, “The field of art is therapeutic, inclusive, helps communicate, instils self-esteem and creates empathy." It helps individuals understand themselves and others better, develop a more rounded personality, and become more resilient. She added that there are more opportunities to pursue in the field of art today. Ms Parikh encouraged the students to further engage in whichever art form they chose.
The speaker also focused on the health benefits of art. Many college students are being diagnosed with depression and anxiety now. One of the reasons for this is the uncertainty of their future. Ms Parikh used instances from her own life to show how art helps express these uncharted feelings and find one’s calling. In addition to this, she spoke about how art is an area that allows intellectually challenged people to explore their creativity and boost their self-confidence.
Ms Vandita Parikh concluded the event with an impromptu dance performance. The students gave prompts and provided the beat, based on which she gave a graceful demonstration on the theme of rain, showing how emotions can be effectively and freely expressed through dance. The students found the lecture engaging, although they hoped for a deeper explanation of Ms Parikh’s foray into criminology and victimology, and how these choices shaped her career.
Vandita Parikh is an alumna of the Department of English, WCC. She completed her training in Bharatnatyam under Mrs Nirmala Sharma and Smt Krishnaveni Akka at Kalakshetra Dance Academy. Her dance academy NSDA has performed more than 600 shows and has partnered with more than 60 charities. In 2011, she received the President's Award from Smt. Pratibha Patil, for her efforts to promote folk art. Ms Parikh mentioned how her time at Women’s Christian College helped her build a strong foundation for her future career.
The ‘Dr Rita Jacob Cherian Memorial Endowment Lecture’ was instituted in 2018, in honour of Dr Rita Jacob Cherian, former Principal of WCC. Dr Cherian joined the Department of English in 1968. From 1994-2003, she served as its HOD. Dr Cherian’s classes were a fine blend of knowledge and wit. From 2003-2006, she served as the Principal of the college, and retired in 2006. Though she passed away in 2017, Dr Rita Jacob Cherian is fondly remembered by the WCC family for her dedication and service to the college.
