PSY Forum Events

A group of 18 Final year BA students were accompanied by Prof. (Dr) Sandra Sunitha Lobo & Assoc. Prof. Cecilia Farida Goveas for an educational tour to Puducherry & Mahabalipuram organized by the Departments of Psychology & Economics from 8th February 2025 to 10th February 2025.

On 8th February 2025, the places of visit included Cluny Art Embroidery Society, Marbling Group, Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory and Promenade beach. The Cluny Art Embroidery Society is housed in a colonial bungalow that exudes charm and heritage, creating an inspiring environment for both the artisans and visitors. At the Cluny Art Embroidery Society, we observed the artisans at work who promote and preserve this traditional craft characterised by intricate designs and craftsmanship. The distinctive feature of the embroidery is that the front and back of the work are almost indistinguishable. The Society empowers women by providing employment and skill development. The huge 12 feet doors of the Centre welcome several orphaned girls and women to weave their own destinies. Products like table cloths, bedspreads, handtowels, pillow covers etc are on sale at the boutique.

We next visited the Marbling Group. Marbling is a captivating art form that involves creating creative patterns on paper or fabric by floating pigments on water and transferring them onto the surface. On display and sale, were products like scarves, stoles, ties, sarees, dress materials and kerchiefs, a unique and rare craft.

We next visited Sri Aurobindo Hand made Paper Factory which specializes in producing fine cotton rag paper and handcrafted stationery. Archival paper, deckle-edge paper and marbled paper are all meticulously crafted using traditional techniques. Marbled by hand, each paper is ideal for artwork, book binding, and craft. Made by 100% cotton rag, each sheet is hand lifted, pressed and dried using age old paper making techniques. The cotton paper is suitable for stationery, calligraphy, printing and book binding.

Mesmerised by the artistic talent that has been revived and sustained, we on Day 1 in Puducherry were in awe of the varied art work of the artisans of the land. The evening was spent in a pedestrian -friendly sea-front area- Rock beach also known as Promenade Beach that offers a picturesque setting. The other places visited were the War Memorial, The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the French War Memorial.

We immersed ourselves in the unique blend of French and Indian cultures in Pondicherry on Day 2, (9th February 2025) gaining a broader understanding of cultural diversity by visiting historical sites like Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. The Ashram serves as a centre for spiritual practice. We visited the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother (Mirra Alfassa), a place of meditation and homage.

We then proceeded to Svaram Sound Garden in Auroville, a unique musical and cultural destination featuring an array of hand crafted musical instruments and interactive sound installations.

The visit to the Sound Garden was immersive where the blend of traditional Indian music with contemporary innovations was breathtaking. The Svaram sound experience had a calming, and spiritual warmth. The tour guide gave us information on musicology, contemporary designs and a demonstration of each of the instruments and thereafter, in child like in spirit, we played all those instruments. We had a magical sound experience.

A few members proceeded to the Mangrove Forest, one of the World’s largest mangrove ecosystems offering a unique opportunity to explore its rich biodiversity. We went on a boat ride to the fishing Harbour, river mouth, Lake view point and Arikamedu (archaeological site of historical significance) during sunset. The guided boat tour navigated the intricate network of waterways and the serene experience immersed us in nature’s beauty.

On Day 3, (10th February 2025) we headed towards Art & Craft Village, a vibrant cultural hub that preserves and promotes traditional Indian arts and crafts. The Village had an array of artefacts crafted from wood, terracotta, mud, glass etc reflecting Puducherry’s indigenous culture and heritage. It was a lovely experience for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

We then proceeded to India Seashell Museum, largest seashell museum in Asia and houses over 40,000 specimens of rare and unique sea shells, minerals and marine fossils. We gained knowledge on banned seas shells under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 through a pictorial display, none of which were exhibited in the museum. We saw a variety of cowrie shells that were a form of currency in the past. This reflected the value placed on natural resources and craftsmanship. The entire decor of the museum used seashells, aesthetically and artistically. We visited the Mineral Museum as well.

Our last stop before heading home was a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram. We visited the Pancha Rathas carved out of single granite rock, each dedicated to the Pandava brothers, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball. The visit blended cultural heritage, artistic expression with Hindu Mythology.

The three-day visit to Puducherry and Mahabalipuram was therapeutic, soothing with all 20 of us immersed in cultural art forms and diversity. The stay at a dormitory with bunk beds was an added learning experience.

The students and staff of Psychology and Economics had an enriching experience of collective living, mesmerising experience in visiting historical places, Ashram, monuments, museums and a mangrove. There was greater appreciation of diversity, fostering a global mindset and tolerance. They gained an understanding of diverse cultures and struggles within diaspora communities. The tour had Roshnites develop a transnational perspective, recognising and appreciating the interconectedness of historical, cultural and social aspects of varied diaspora.

-Reported by Ms Afreen Kolachalil (III BA)