BEST PRACTICE 1: FILM CLUB
Title: SrujanRang (सृजनरंग): Fostering Creative Culture through Cinema and Theatre
Objectives:
- To develop students’ appreciation for cinema and drama as powerful artistic and cultural mediums.
- To enhance understanding of global cinema through screenings with Marathi subtitles.
- To foster creativity, confidence, and communication skills through drama training.
- To preserve and promote regional literature and theatrical traditions.
- To offer hands-on learning through educational visits to cultural institutions.
- To encourage critical thinking and cultural sensitivity among students.
- To bridge the gap between curriculum and creativity through film and theatre activities.
- To nurture holistic personalities through interdisciplinary exposure.
The Context:
In an era dominated by digital distractions and fragmented attention, there is an urgent need to rekindle cultural curiosity and creative expression among students. The Department of Marathi identified this gap and envisioned a platform that would go beyond textbooks to stimulate the aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual development of learners. The context behind initiating the Film Club and Drama-related activities was rooted in creating experiential learning opportunities through cinema, theatre, and field visits. While students are often exposed to academic discourse, there is limited scope for real-world cultural engagement. By introducing screenings of world cinema with Marathi subtitles, organizing a drama training workshop, and arranging educational visits to iconic institutions like Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak and Radio Vishwas, the department aimed to bridge the gap between traditional education and artistic experience. This initiative not only supports language and cultural development but also aligns with holistic education practices in the 21st century.
The Practice:
The Film Club and Drama-related activities introduced by the Department of Marathi in the academic year 2024-25 have emerged as a vibrant and enriching practice aimed at fostering cultural awareness, creative expression, and intellectual engagement among students. The practice is designed to provide students with an immersive experience in the world of cinema, theatre, and media, while simultaneously strengthening their understanding of language and culture. Through this multifaceted approach, the department encourages students to not only learn about but also experience the artistic and emotional power of visual storytelling.
A key component of the practice was the screening of a variety of world cinema with Marathi subtitles. This initiative provided students with an opportunity to appreciate global cinema, explore diverse cultures, and enhance their language proficiency by watching films in their original form while connecting them to the Marathi language. The Marathi subtitles were added to ensure that students could both understand and engage deeply with the cinematic experience. This film screening series introduced students to different genres and cinematic styles, including films from various countries and cultures, offering them a broader understanding of the world around them.
Additionally, the Department screened popular Marathi drama performances, which played a significant role in connecting students to their rich cultural heritage. These performances showcased the beauty of Marathi theatre, its historical significance, and the powerful impact of storytelling in drama. By watching these performances, students gained a deep appreciation for Marathi theatre, its intricacies, and its unique contribution to Indian performing arts.
A unique feature of the practice was the three-day drama training workshop conducted for the students. This workshop provided hands-on experience in drama, enhancing students’ acting skills, confidence, and team collaboration. The workshop also highlighted various aspects of drama, such as script reading, character development, stage design, and the importance of body language and expressions.
To supplement these activities, an educational visit was organized to two iconic institutions in Nashik: the Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak, which celebrates the life and work of the father of Indian cinema, and the Radio Vishwas Community Radio Station, where students learned about the importance of community radio and its role in spreading cultural awareness. These visits helped students connect theory to practice and provided a deeper understanding of cinema, radio, and the arts.
This comprehensive practice reflects the department’s commitment to creating a holistic, student-centric learning environment.
Evidence of Success:
The success of the Film Club and Drama-related activities is reflected in the overwhelming positive response from students, faculty, and the wider community. The benchmarks for success were set around student participation, the quality of engagement with the content, and the development of their creative and critical thinking skills. With active participation from over 80% of the students in each activity, including film screenings, drama workshops, and educational visits, the program exceeded expectations. The consistent attendance and enthusiastic involvement in all events indicated the strong interest students had in exploring cinema and theatre as a medium of cultural learning.
The reviews from participants were overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed that they had gained a deeper understanding of both global and Marathi cinema, and the drama training workshop significantly boosted their confidence and creativity. Feedback indicated a heightened sense of cultural pride and an improved appreciation for the Marathi language and theatre. Additionally, the visits to the Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak and Radio Vishwas allowed students to interact with professionals in the fields of cinema and radio, thus making their learning experience more practical and impactful.
The success of this practice was also evident in the appreciation from faculty members, with many commenting on how these activities enhanced the students’ academic experience. As a result, the Film Club and Drama activities have been established as an integral part of the department’s extracurricular programming, achieving its goals of fostering cultural engagement and creative expression.
Problems Encountered & Resources Required:
While organizing the Film Club activities and Drama workshops, several non-financial and non-technical challenges emerged. One significant issue was the coordination of schedules for both students and staff, as many participants had overlapping academic commitments. Aligning the availability of all participants, particularly for the three-day drama training workshop, was a difficult task that required extensive planning and communication.
Another challenge was engaging students with varied interests. Not all students were familiar with world cinema or Marathi drama, which meant some of the audience required additional motivation to attend and actively participate in screenings and discussions. Student participation and involvement in post-screening discussions was initially low, requiring extra efforts from the faculty to create an interactive and encouraging environment.
Lastly, crowd management during film screenings and workshops, especially in confined spaces, was occasionally difficult, requiring better space planning and organization for future events.
Resources needed include better collaboration with external cultural organizations and more interactive materials to engage a diverse student body effectively.
BEST PRACTICE 2: DHAMMAGIRI POSTER PUBLICATION
Title: Whispers of Creativity – The Dhammagiri Poetry Showcase
Objectives:
- Provide a Creative Platform: To offer students and staff an opportunity to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through self-written poetry.
- Promote Literary Talent: To foster the development of literary skills and encourage creative writing among the college community.
- Enhance Language Appreciation: To deepen the appreciation for Marathi and other languages by showcasing the beauty and versatility of poetry.
- Foster Community Building: To create a sense of unity and shared cultural experience within the institution by publishing diverse voices.
- Encourage Artistic Expression: To provide a safe space for artistic expression, allowing individuals to share their creativity with others.
- Build Confidence: To instill confidence in young writers by giving them a platform to showcase their work publicly.
- Preserve Cultural Heritage: To contribute to the preservation of cultural and literary heritage through the publication of poems in traditional and modern styles.
- Intellectual Growth: To support the overall intellectual development of the institution by engaging students and staff in creative and thought-provoking activities.
The Context:
The Dhammagiri Poster Publication was initiated as a unique literary and cultural practice by the Department of Marathi to encourage and showcase self-written poems by students and staff. In an era dominated by digital media, the publication offers a platform to revitalize the rich tradition of poetry writing and appreciation, promoting intellectual and emotional expression through words. The initiative is designed to nurture a creative environment within the academic community, where the act of writing is celebrated as both a personal and collective endeavor. The poems, which span various themes such as nature, emotions, society, and spirituality, are thoughtfully compiled and published in the form of posters. These posters, adorned with vibrant designs, are displayed throughout the college, giving both the authors and the readers a sense of pride. The continuous publication of these posters encourages regular engagement with literary arts, strengthening the bond between the college and its cultural heritage.
The Practice:
The Dhammagiri Poster Publication is an innovative and ongoing practice that blends creativity, literary expression, and cultural heritage within the academic community. Initiated by the Marathi Department, this practice has transformed into an essential platform for both students and staff to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through the art of poetry. What makes this initiative stand out is its emphasis on promoting self-written poems, allowing individuals from different walks of life to contribute their creativity to a common cause.
The practice began with the intention of creating a space for creative expression that is often overshadowed by academic pressures. Poetry, being a profound medium for reflection, allows individuals to convey their deepest feelings, whether they pertain to nature, society, personal experiences, or abstract concepts like hope and despair. The Dhammagiri Poster Publication takes these poetic expressions and gives them a tangible form, bringing them to life through colorful, artistic posters.
Each poem is carefully curated, ensuring that it embodies the ethos of the college community, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among contributors. The posters are designed with visual appeal in mind, as the vibrant colors and engaging layouts attract attention and spark curiosity among students and staff alike. The placement of these posters in key locations around the campus ensures that they are accessible to everyone, thereby creating an environment where literature and art are celebrated on a daily basis.
In addition to giving a creative outlet to students and staff, the practice also helps in enhancing the literary culture within the institution. The publication serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers, encouraging them to contribute their own creative pieces. Furthermore, the continuity of the project strengthens the bond between the college’s academic and cultural spheres. By allowing both students and faculty to participate, the initiative breaks down hierarchical barriers, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
The Dhammagiri Poster Publication serves as a model for a sustainable literary practice, one that celebrates the written word in a format that is both accessible and engaging. Through this practice, the college upholds its commitment to nurturing intellectual creativity and cultural enrichment, providing a unique space for all to contribute to the world of literature.
Evidence of Success:
The Dhammagiri Poster Publication has proven to be an immensely successful practice, with significant milestones and positive feedback marking its progress. One of the key benchmarks of success is the steady increase in the number of contributors over the years, with both students and staff actively participating in submitting their self-written poems. The continuous publication of posters, showcasing creative and thought-provoking pieces, has helped in maintaining a vibrant literary culture within the college.
Reviews from both students and faculty have been overwhelmingly positive. The posters have become a symbol of creative expression, with many praising the initiative for providing a platform for unheard voices and for fostering a sense of community. Teachers have reported that the initiative has enhanced the creative outlook of their students, who now feel encouraged to express their thoughts more freely. Many have also noted the educational value of this practice, as it aligns with the development of critical thinking and writing skills.
The success of the practice is further reflected in its sustainability and growth. The practice has become an integral part of the college’s cultural activities, and its presence is now a significant aspect of the institution’s literary identity. The Dhammagiri Poster Publication has successfully bridged the gap between academia and creativity, offering a unique platform for self-expression while enhancing the cultural environment of the college.
Problems Encountered & Resources Required:
While the Dhammagiri Poster Publication has been a resounding success, it has also encountered certain challenges that needed to be addressed. One significant issue has been the time management for both students and faculty, as the publication requires consistent efforts for content creation, editing, and design. As the number of submissions grew, the workload increased, making it difficult to maintain a steady pace without overwhelming participants.
Another challenge was securing diverse content. While the initiative aimed to feature a wide range of creative expressions, there were times when it was challenging to encourage participants from all departments and backgrounds to submit work regularly. This led to occasional gaps in the themes and style of the content.
In terms of resources, the practice required materials for printing, design tools, and technological support for maintaining the digital records. Additionally, human resources in the form of dedicated coordinators were necessary to keep the publication running smoothly.
BEST PRACTICE 3: KAVYA GODHADI
Title: “Kavya Godhadi: A Handstitched Harmony of Words”
Objectives:
- To provide a creative platform for students and staff to express their literary talent through self-written poems.
- To cultivate a sense of aesthetic appreciation and emotional expression among participants.
- To preserve and promote the regional language, thoughts, and cultural consciousness.
- To foster inclusivity by inviting contributions on diverse themes and from all academic backgrounds.
- To introduce an innovative, visually engaging form of literary presentation.
- To encourage collaboration, creativity, and pride in literary art within the academic environment.
The Context:
The Department of Marathi, K.P.G. Arts, Commerce and Science College, Igatpuri, under the visionary leadership of Principal Dr. Kiran Rakibe, initiated a unique literary-cultural endeavor titled “Kavya Godhadi.” Rooted in the rich tradition of Maharashtra’s handcrafted quilts (Godhadi), this project sought to metaphorically weave together diverse voices and emotions through poetry. The idea emerged from the belief that literature should not only be read but experienced—visually, emotionally, and communally. In an age dominated by digital expression, this tangible compilation of self-written poems on colorful papers stitched together, and displayed as a poster at the college entrance, brought back the joy of physical, heartfelt expression. The practice provided a refreshing aesthetic medium to both students and faculty to express themselves, celebrate language, and feel connected with each other’s inner worlds through a shared cultural and poetic fabric.
The Practice:
“Kavya Godhadi” is a creative and culturally rooted initiative introduced by the Department of Marathi, K.P.G. Arts, Commerce and Science College, Igatpuri, under the insightful leadership of Hon. Principal Dr. Kiran Rakibe. The concept of this best practice draws inspiration from the traditional “Godhadi” – a quilt made by stitching together diverse pieces of cloth, often symbolic of care, community, and creativity. Translating this idea into the realm of literature and aesthetics, the department envisioned a poetic ‘Godhadi’—a collective compilation of self-written poems by students and staff members.
To give this vision a meaningful structure, the department invited students and faculty to submit their handwritten or decorated poems on papers of various colors, textures, and sizes. These pages, representing individual creativity and emotions, were then artistically stitched together, just like a traditional Godhadi. The final product—an aesthetically vibrant poster—was mounted and displayed prominently at the main entrance of the college, turning a regular college wall into a living canvas of expression and thought.
The publication event, held on 15th February 2025, was graced by renowned mimicry artist Mr. Rameshwar Mahajan Bhalerao (Jr. Johnny Liver), Adv. Sandip Gopalrao Gulave (Director, MVP Samaj), Hon. Principal Dr. Kiran Rakibe, and other dignitaries. The event was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Dr. V. B. Rathod (Head, Department of Marathi) who also served as the Program Coordinator. Department faculty members Mr. Yogesh Ugale and Miss Hemalata Chaudhari extended their enthusiastic support and coordination throughout the project.
This initiative not only encouraged poetic creativity but also fostered a sense of belonging and participation. It gave students a platform to present their voices in a non-traditional yet visually engaging format. Many poems reflected themes of nature, society, personal experience, spirituality, and linguistic pride—thereby adding layers of depth to the Godhadi.
The practice of “Kavya Godhadi” is not just an artistic celebration but a medium to build an emotional and cultural bridge between literature, life, and local identity. It has become a signature activity of the Marathi department, appreciated for its inclusivity, innovation, and rootedness in cultural ethos.
Evidence of Success:
The “Kavya Godhadi” initiative proved to be a resounding success, achieving both creative engagement and emotional resonance among students and staff. A key benchmark was the enthusiastic participation: 31 handwritten poems were submitted, reflecting diverse themes such as nature, social harmony, inner reflection, and cultural identity. The visual uniqueness of each submission enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the final Godhadi, making it not just a literary compilation, but a public art installation.
Feedback from students, faculty, and visiting guests was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the idea of using literature to create a visual and communal art form, calling it “a rare blend of tradition and expression.” Several students expressed that this was their first opportunity to publicly showcase their poetic work, which helped boost their confidence and connection with literature.
The display of the Kavya Godhadi at the college entrance generated curiosity and admiration even among visitors, becoming a conversation starter and a symbol of the Marathi Department’s vibrant cultural involvement. The initiative set a benchmark in creative presentation, earning mention in departmental documentation and newsletters.
The continued interest in repeating the initiative annually is a testament to its long-lasting success and meaningful impact on literary and cultural expression.
Problems Encountered & Resources Required:
While implementing the Kavya Godhadi initiative, the Department of Marathi encountered a few challenges that required creative and collaborative solutions. One of the key difficulties was encouraging students—especially those from rural backgrounds or non-literary streams—to express their thoughts in poetic form. Many were hesitant or lacked confidence in their writing skills. Faculty members had to conduct informal mentoring sessions to guide and motivate them.
Additionally, maintaining the visual harmony of the Godhadi while stitching together diverse materials like papers of various textures and sizes required artistic planning and hands-on effort. Another challenge was ensuring timely submissions and preserving the originality of content.
As for resources, basic stationery, colored papers, stitching material, and mounting boards were required. The college management and the Principal, Dr. Kiran Rakibe, provided full support in arranging materials and space. Voluntary contributions from faculty and students added to the success of this creative initiative.