The PG Department of English Language and Literature at GEMS Arts and Science College organized a programme titled “Breaking the Varna: Challenging the Hierarchy, Changing the Narrative” on July 30, 2025. The event, attended by 27 S3 BA English students, aimed to deepen their understanding of the caste system and its portrayal in contemporary narratives, aligning with their “Literary and Cultural Narratives for Languages” syllabus.
The programme began with a screening of the movie ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) at the Prem Nazir Audio Visual Theatre. The film was chosen for its rich use of cultural and mythological references, providing a compelling foundation for academic discussion. A total of 27 Students from S3 BA English attended the program.
Following the screening, a faculty-moderated group discussion was held. Students actively participated, analyzing how the film used ancient narratives to critique modern social hierarchies. The conversation focused on the movie’s portrayal of the caste system, its impact on individuals, and whether its narrative successfully challenged traditional power structures.
The programme was a resounding success, effectively transforming a passive movie-watching experience into an active learning session. By combining a cinematic narrative with critical analysis, the event successfully fostered empathy, social awareness, and critical thinking among students, reinforcing the role of literature and film as tools for social change.