The three day All India Seminar on the theme “Curricular Interventions and Classroom Implications – towards enhanced learner-proficiency in English” was held at the Institute in Jnanabharathi Campus from 10 – 12 February, 2009. Nearly 300 delegates participated in the Seminar which was inaugurated by Dr. U. R. Anantha Murthy, Jnanapitha Award Winner, Former Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala and Presently Chairman, Film and Television University of India, Pune witnessed paper presentations by nearly 30, scholars from all over the country besides plenary sessions on issues of importance. Dr. U. R. Anantha Murthy in his inaugural address observed that one should have education in general disciplines in addition to acquiring communication skills because such learning and knowledge are transferable to any field.

Dr. N. S. Prabhu, in his Key Note address stressed the importance of reflective practices by teachers for continuous professional development.

There were parallel sessions too. The programme included a cultural evening in which there was a Classical Contemporary Dance performed by SAMATVAM on the 2nd day. The seminar also had the august presence of Dr. Alison Barrett, Head, State Partnerships (Project English) British Council, Chennai addressed the audience in the Valedictory Session which was Presided by Mr. Victor Paul, Country Director, Education Development Centre, Bengaluru on the 12th February, 2009.

The abstracts of the various papers presented can be accessed. It is also planned to bring out the proceedings of the seminar in detail in the next issue of our half-yearly journal ‘The English Classroom’.