Orientation Programme for First Year BA History Honours

On 29 July 2025, the Department of History at Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla, conducted an Orientation Programme for the First Year BA History Honours students in the College Seminar Hall at 10:00 AM. The event, meticulously organised, aimed to acquaint the incoming students with the academic ethos and intellectual rigour of the discipline, setting a purposeful tone for their scholarly journey. 22 out of 28 students participated in the Orientation Programme

The programme commenced with a silent prayer, fostering a moment of reflection and solemnity. Dr. Santhosh Kaleb, a respected faculty member, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm greeting to the students and guests while underscoring the significance of history as a field of study in understanding human experiences. His words resonated with enthusiasm, encouraging the students to embrace their academic pursuits with curiosity and dedication.

Dr. Mathew Sam, Head of the Department of History, presided over the event and delivered an insightful address. He elaborated on the department’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and historical inquiry, urging students to engage deeply with the subject to uncover its relevance in contemporary times. His speech was both motivational and reflective, setting an inspiring tone for the proceedings.

Dr. Mathew Varkey T.K., Principal of Mar Thoma College, offered his remarks, emphasizing the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and its role in nurturing well-rounded individuals. He encouraged the students to leverage the opportunities provided by the college to cultivate both intellectual and personal growth, reinforcing the importance of discipline and perseverance in their academic endeavours.

Dr. Agney G.K., a distinguished faculty member, extended felicitations, sharing words of encouragement and highlighting the vibrant academic community the students were now part of. His address underscored the collaborative spirit of the department and its commitment to supporting students in their scholarly pursuits.

The highlight of the programme was the orientation lecture delivered by Dr. Binumol Abraham, Associate Professor, Department of History, Assumption College, Changanacherry. Dr. Abraham’s lecture was an erudite exploration of the scope and significance of historical studies. She elucidated the methodologies of historical research and the importance of critically analysing primary sources, captivating the audience with her scholarly insights. Her address not only provided an academic foundation but also inspired students to approach history with intellectual curiosity and analytical precision.

A lively question-and-answer session followed, where students actively engaged with Dr. Abraham, seeking clarity on various aspects of historical study and its practical applications. The interactive session fostered an atmosphere of intellectual exchange, allowing students to voice their queries and gain deeper insights into the discipline.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. K.M. Vishnu Namboodiri, Faculty In-Charge and Student Faculty Advisor. He expressed gratitude to the resource person, faculty, and students for their enthusiastic participation, acknowledging the collective effort that ensured the event’s success.

The Orientation Programme proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience, successfully orienting the First Year BA History Honours students to the academic and intellectual expectations of their course. It set a promising foundation for their academic journey at Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla.