Conference Report: ‘Embracing Glocal English’

ELT@I RAJASTHAN: JAIPUR CHAPTER

2nd International Conference –4th -5th November 2011

A Report

Jaipur was yet again the center of attraction for the English language teaching fraternity as Rajasthan: Jaipur Chapter organized its 2nd International conference. The theme of the conference ‘Embracing Glocal English’ was very pertinent to the educational scenario in our country. ELT professionals contributed a great deal to make it a huge success. We had ELT specialists from U.S and various parts of our country, thereby embracing the local ,national and International in the true spirit.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by the benevolent presence of the minister of Higher Education, Rajasthan, Madam Joelle Uzarski and Key note Speaker Prof Makhan Tickoo. Dr.Bandana Chakrabarty apprised the august gathering about the association’s activities right from its inception. Madam Joelle Uzarski rendered the inaugural speech in characteristic style which was truly inspiring and laden with the promise of more support from RELO in such academic fiesta in the future. The key-note address by Prof Makhan Tickoo was very inspiring. He touched upon the relevance of the theme in the present day context expressed the need for organizing programs to promote the learning and teaching of English to enable our youth to further their prospects of success in the Global Scenario. Honorable Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the whole endeavor of organizing such thought provoking forums to underline the necessity of promoting English for our youth. The highlight of the ceremony was the release of a book edited by Dr Shaila Mahan which largely contains contributions from participants of our last conference.

The first Plenary was conducted by Ms Michelle Stabler Havener in which she touched upon the Role of Assessment in International English while Dr Rajni Badlani stressed upon the processes and strategies involved in Critical Thinking.and demonstrated ways of enhancing learners’ skills of interpreting information and enable them to go beyond the surface of the texts to the real world in the second Plenary.

The panel Discussion on ‘Limits of Glocal English’ feature eminent ELT specialist like Prof V.D.Singh, Dr Rajul Bhargava, Dr.Rekha Tiwari, Dr,Mukti Sanyal and Dr.Iqbal Judge who offered valuable insights into the theme.

The day was a treat to the Teaching fraternity as the post lunch session featured highly interactive workshops by Ms.Agnieszka Alboszta,, Ms.Michelle Stabler Havener, Dr.Hema Ramanathan, Dr,Mukti Sanyal and Dr.Iqbal Judge,Dr Sami Rafiq and Dr.Sanjay Arora.

The papers presented were of high standard which convinces the academic world that the spirit to continue to strive for discussions in ELT will never cease. We had paper presenters from as distant places as Iran, Jammu, Assam and Andhra Pradesh The Chair persons gently guided the presenters amicably with their valuable inputs.
The valedictory address was delivered by the veteran ELT specialist and Patron ELT@I Jaipur Chapter Prof R.P.Bhatnagar. The hospitality offered by the host institution was commendable and the weather Gods were kind to make it a truly memorable event.

- Dr S Asha, Vice-President, Rajasthan: Jaipur Chapter