The Department of English for the second time organized its speaking competition named “English in Action: Public Speaking Contest” through its English Speaking Club at the country’s premier institution for females Viqarunnissa Noon School & College on 11 December 2011. Viqarunnissa’s English Language Club and Debate Clubs worked as co-organizers of the event. The entire college put on jovial, festive attire on this occasion.
Moderator of the Viqarunnisa English Club Ms. Jannatul Ferdous, Secretary Ms. Wahida Jaffer and Moderator of Viqarunnisa Debate Club Ms. Shabnam Silvia gave a floral reception to the AIUB English Department team. The team comprised Dr. Faheem Shahed (Department Head), Ms. Shaila Ahmed, Mr. Hamidul Haque, Mr. Asif Kamal and Mr. Debasish Biswas (faculty members of AIUB’s English Department) as well as 16 students of BA English program. The Principal Ms. Manju Ara Begum welcomed all in her office appreciating this noble venture on AIUB’s part. She mentioned that she already knew about the existence of a large number of Viqarunnissa graduates in AIUB—including faculty members, officers and students. She expressed strong optimism that all sorts of English-related collaborative activities will start in full swing between AIUB’s English Department and Viqarunnissa College. Dr. Faheem handed over some gifts items to the Viqarunnissa management on behalf of AIUB’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Carmen Z Lamagna. AIUB teachers were also shown the beautifully maintained lush green college campus.
The main event, i.e. the ‘English in Action: Public Speaking Contest’, was a professionally organized event. A house-full audience in their massive auditorium witnessed the contest. Prior to the contest, a formal ceremony took place on the stage where Dr. Faheem highlighted the need for upbringing and nourishing the youngsters of the colleges as professional public speakers, as well as AIUB’s commitment towards this noble goal. The Principal Ms. Manju Ara Begum declared that this was the right kind of beginning of a long-term relationship between the two organizations and the noble gesture of AIUB’s English Department would surely attract the admiration of Viqarunnissa’s teachers and students. The club moderators also spoke on the occasion appreciating this wonderful venture and urged for diversified events in the coming years as well. This event was a sweet experience for AIUB’s faculty Ms. Shaila Ahmed, former Principal of Viqarunnissa College, who happily took the responsibility of organizing all future events with the College. English Department’s Indonesian student Noor Wahida also spoke on the occasion expressing her great experience in AIUB.
10 top public speakers of the College displayed their outstanding skills in different topics. The judges had a tough time to decide the winners. However, apart from the four awards and certificates presented to Champion and three Runners Up, useful prizes and certificates were given to the rest six contestants as a mark of appreciation from AIUB’s English Department. The program was conducted by Fariah Amin, a senior student of BA English program and a Viqarunnissa graduate.
A lively musical event took place after that where Viqarunnissa students presented songs—not to mention of our Debasish sir’s awesome rendering of two classic folk numbers. The Principal and her team later entertained all with refreshments.
Partnerships
