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The Department of English at Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, is a vibrant and dynamic academic space committed to nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a deep appreciation for literature and language. With a dedicated team of 11 experienced and passionate faculty members, the department offers the prestigious B.A. (Honours) English programme, designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, cultural contexts, and evolving theoretical paradigms.
The department also prides itself on its student-led literary society, Phoenix Pro, which serves as a creative and intellectual platform for students to explore, express, and engage. Phoenix Pro organises literary events, debates, film screenings, and workshops throughout the academic year, fostering a culture of dialogue and innovation. The society also publishes an annual newsletter, Phoenix-Pro Times, which showcases the literary and scholarly contributions of students and faculty alike.
The alums of the department have made their mark across multiple sectors, including academia, media, public policy, civil services, and defence. Their continued success is a testament to the strong academic foundation and holistic development fostered by the department.
With its commitment to academic excellence and all-around growth, the Department of English continues to be a space of inspiration, inquiry, and imagination for students who aspire to shape the world through the power of words.
The English department offers the prestigious B.A. (Honours) English programme, designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, cultural contexts, and evolving theoretical paradigms. In addition to the core curriculum, the department actively engages students through a diverse range of Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and Value Added Courses (VAC), aimed at honing communicative competence, creative writing, translation skills, media literacy, and interdisciplinary awareness. These courses are structured to meet the contemporary demands of academia and industry alike, ensuring that students are well-prepared for varied professional fields.
Besides this, the department offers two distinct categories of General Elective (GE) papers to cater to students from various academic backgrounds. The first category comprises the GE Language Papers: English Language Through Literature (ELTL)-1 and English Language Through Literature (ELTL)-2, which are explicitly designed for non-English Honours students. These papers aim to equip learners with foundational skills in language and literature, fostering both linguistic proficiency and literary appreciation.
The second category consists of GE papers offered under the GE Open-pool Categories. These are available to students from programme courses and to honours students from departments other than English. This structure ensures that a diverse range of students can benefit from the department’s expertise in language and literature, while keeping the English Honours curriculum focused and distinct.
Designation: Professor
Qualification: Ph.D (Jamia), M.Phil (Delhi), M.A.
E-mail: tshahnaaz_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Feminist and Cultural Studies, Translation, English Language Teaching
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.A. (Meerut)
E-mail: jyotika11@yahoo.com
Area(s) of Interest: British Romantic Literature, Popular Literature
Designation: Associate Professor
Qualification: Ph.D (Raj.), M.Phil (Kurukshetra), M.A.
E-mail: rjk.verma@gmail.com
Area(s) of Interest: British Fiction, Indian Literature, Modern European Drama
Designation: Professor
Qualification: Ph.D (Raj.), M.A.
E-mail: mmathur_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: British Romantic Literature, Indian Writing in English
Designation: Associate Professor
Qualification: M.A. (Jadavpur)
E-mail: mbiswas@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Indian Classical Literature, Victorian Literature, Research Methodology, Education Policies, Curriculum Design
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.A., M.Phil, NET
Department: English
E-mail: ssobti_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Modern European Drama, Modern Indian Writing in English Translation, Gender Studies
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: MA, MPhil, PhD (Pursuing)
Department: English
E-mail: pbhagat_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Postcolonial Literature, Trauma Studies, Partition Literature
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.Phil
Department: English
E-mail: vwadhawan_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Indian Writing in English, Postcolonial Literature, Women's Writing
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: Ph.D (AUD), M.Phil (University of Delhi)
Department: English
E-mail: hemchandra_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Folklore Studies, African Literature, Cinema Studies
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.A. English, NET, Ph.D. (pursuing)
Department: English
E-mail: sverma_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Indian Classical Literature, Translation Studies, Partition Literature, Literature and Disability, Indian Knowledge System (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.Phil, Ph.D.
Department: English
E-mail: abiswas_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Graphic Narratives, Magic Realism, Children's Literature, Film Studies, Women and Gender Studies
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: Pursuing Ph.D
Department: English
E-mail: ppandey_eng@aurobindo.du.ac.in
Area(s) of Interest: Ecofeminism, Postcolonial Literature, Feminist Theory, Contemporary British Fiction
Phoenix Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, is a vibrant, creative, and intellectual platform for students to explore, express, and engage with diverse ideas. Committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, critical thinking, and innovation, the society organises a broad spectrum of activities throughout the academic year, including literary events, debates, film screenings, educational trips, and skill-enhancing workshops.
A flagship highlight of the society is Odyssey, the annual literary festival of Sri Aurobindo College, which brings together students, scholars, and creative minds in a celebration of literature, art, and culture. Phoenix Pro also conducts various competitions, offering students opportunities to showcase their talents and hone their skills in an engaging, participatory environment.
The society functions under the convenorship of the Teacher-in-Charge and elects its student office bearers each year through a democratic process that includes elections and a presidential debate, ensuring student leadership remains dynamic and representative.
One of Phoenix Pro’s proudest achievements is its annual newsletter, Phoenix-Pro Times, which highlights the literary and academic contributions of students and faculty alike. In 2025, the newsletter marked a significant milestone — ten successful years of uninterrupted publication — a testament to the creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the college community.
Through its dynamic initiatives and enduring commitment to literary excellence, Phoenix Pro continues to inspire, empower, and connect voices, making it a cornerstone of the college’s cultural and academic life.
Rohit Bisht (English Hons, 3rd year)
The English Department of Sri Aurobindo College hosted an inspiring alumni interaction with Mr. Dilip Kumar (Class of 2023), who shared his journey and strategies for cracking competitive exams like UPSC CDS and AFCAT, motivating students with his insights and being honoured for his achievements and mentorship.
Phoenix-Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, hosted a two-day online lecture series on Research Methodology, where experts Mr. Jyotirmoy Talukdar and Dr. Shruti Jain guided students through topic development, critical thinking, and research writing, leaving them more confident and inspired to pursue original, curiosity-driven academic work.
Phoenix-Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, participated in the Delhi University Literature Festival at SRCC, engaging in a collaborative book discussion on The Girl with the Seven Lives that explored themes of identity, resilience, and social justice while fostering critical literary analysis and diverse student perspectives.
Phoenix Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, hosted an interactive Image Styling workshop by alumna and fashion entrepreneur Nikkita Kalra, where students explored body-positive styling, learned to match outfits to body types and occasions, and engaged in a hands-on activity that blended creativity with personal expression.
Phoenix Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, hosted an engaging speaker session with HarperCollins editor Ankita Deshpande, who offered students an insightful look into the world of children’s publishing—covering current trends, digital formats, and the creative process—while encouraging aspiring writers to explore opportunities in the industry.
Phoenix Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, hosted “Prologue: The Unveiling,” a lively freshers’ event that welcomed first-year students with speeches, games, performances, and a ramp walk, fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere and celebrating the start of their academic journey.
Students enrolled in the paper Readings on Indian Diversities and Literary Movements undertook an academic visit to Dilli Haat, where they engaged with diverse regional art forms and artisan narratives, gaining critical insights into the intersections of cultural practices, historical traditions, and literary discourses in India.
Phoenix-Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, hosted the inaugural session of The Poetry Collective, a poetry reading initiative that provided a reflective and expressive space for budding poets to share original work, fostering a supportive creative community and marking the beginning of a promising platform for poetic expression within the college.
Phoenix Pro, the English Literary Society of Sri Aurobindo College, organized a film screening of Pinjar (2003), followed by a faculty-led discussion that deepened students’ understanding of the film’s themes of identity, trauma, and displacement during the Partition, highlighting the enduring relevance of Partition literature and its societal reflections.
The English Department conducted its annual orientation programme to formally induct the new batch of students, providing them with an overview of the BA English Honours course structure, assessment patterns, and departmental guidelines, while facilitating interaction with faculty and seniors to ease their transition into college life.
The NAAC Peer Team visited Sri Aurobindo College to assess its academic, administrative, and infrastructural standards, including a detailed evaluation of the English Department, where the five-year progress report highlighted curriculum design, faculty research, and student achievements; the team commended the department’s innovative teaching and student engagement through Phoenix Pro activities while recommending enhanced research collaborations, increased seminars, and faculty publications to further strengthen academic excellence.
The Department of English is committed to enhancing academic quality, promoting research excellence, and ensuring the employability of graduates. We have a strategic approach to developing faculty expertise, improving digital infrastructure, modernizing curricula, and fostering meaningful partnerships within academia and beyond. Our key areas of emphasis are:
Our faculty members engage in various FDPs, both as Resource persons and participants, to enhance their qualifications, teaching effectiveness, and research output.
A ten-day educational camp (Pratibha Vikas Shivir) for students and a Continuous Professional Development Programme (CPD) for teachers was organised by Dr. Rajkumar Verma from the Department of English, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, along with his team. The event was hosted at Maharaja Surajmal Public School, Shamli, located in the rural region of Western Uttar Pradesh.
Intending to equip students with academic, communication, and professional skills, the department conducts Workshops & Training Programs on essential topics like Resume Writing, Public Speaking, Interview Skills, Academic Writing, and Creative Writing.
The department aims to build a strong research culture by encouraging Faculty-Student Collaborative Research. In the previous academic year, seven students published their research papers in reputed journals under the able guidance of Dr. Hemchandra Nameirakpam.
The department aims to enhance both its physical and digital infrastructure to support teaching and research. It plans to have some smart classrooms equipped with projectors, internet access, and multimedia facilities that can be used for movie screenings, student presentations, and meetings of the Reading Club.
It is further expanding its digital resources by procuring e-books, journals, subscriptions to databases like NList, Shodhganga, JSTOR, digital archives, and writing tools.
The department has a strong alumni association for mentorship, guest lectures, and industry engagement.
Recently, the department hosted an inspiring alumni interaction with Mr. Dilip Kumar (Class of 2023), who shared his journey and strategies for cracking competitive exams like UPSC CDS and AFCAT, motivating students with his insights and being honoured for his achievements and mentorship.
An acclaimed Indian-film director, producer, and screenwriter, who works in Hindi cinema, is an English graduate. He is an illustrious alumnus of the department.
Founder and CEO, Hindustan Wellness. He launched his preventive healthcare system that aims to provide total wellness solutions with his team of reputed general physicians.
An English graduate from Sri Aurobindo College, is a fashion stylist and owner of Nikki. K, a Premium Clothing Brand.
A former student of Sri Aurobindo College, is currently working at BHU as an assistant professor. Before that, he had also worked at Ambedkar University Delhi.
Co-founder of Lifafa Films. He has been involved in over 700 street play performances.
An English Graduate of Sri Aurobindo College, is a former face of Premium Cosmetics and Fragrance Company Estée Lauder. Apart from this, she has also partnered with brands like Nykaa, MAC, Kay Beauty, Gillette, among others.
A former English graduate from Sri Aurobindo College, is part of a legal news website, Bar & Bench, as a Court Reporter. Before this, he worked as a Correspondent and Senior Correspondent with The Times of India.
The department actively promotes a holistic academic environment through a range of enriching initiatives and student-centric practices:
A flagship literary fest with expert talks, lecture series, and inter-college competitions fostering intellectual exchange, creativity, and leadership.
Organised regularly to provide experiential learning, enhancing academic and cultural perspectives while connecting theory to real-world applications.
Encourages reading habits and offers exposure to a wide range of literature, fostering connections between students, faculty, and publishers.
A structured initiative pairing students with faculty mentors for academic guidance, career advice, and personal development support.
Guided research projects that develop independent thinking, analytical skills, and academic writing proficiency for future studies or careers.
A space to explore literature, engage in thoughtful discussions, and develop critical thinking through diverse perspectives.
Screenings and discussions that encourage cinematic analysis and dialogue on social, political, and cultural issues.