Prof-In-Charge: Prof Renu Sachdev

Smt. Chandibai Himathmal Mansukhani College has been conducting lectures and examinations in Foundation Course ever since it was started by the University of Mumbai. The late Prof T P Sachdev was the founder in charge of the Foundation Course, followed by Prof Neelu Bhatia who retired in 2008. Their contribution to the growth of the department has been tremendous. At present Prof Renu Sachdev is the in charge of Foundation Course. Since FC focuses on many areas of humanities, social sciences and pure and applied sciences, the faculty of the College from various departments are assigned the teaching of topics in which they have the expertise.

Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to sensitize students to social, economic and political issues, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, problems and welfare measures for the elderly, emancipation of women, physically, mentally, and socially challenged people, globalisation, personality development, human rights, Indian National Movement, Public opinion, role of NGOs, science, scientific methods and technology, environmental issues, career planning, time management, vocational guidance, communication skills, current affairs, and also to make them aware about other disciplines which are not their specialization. Students are taught about basic human values. Role of NSS has also been highlighted to inculcate a sense of social service.

The other aims are to equip the student for his present and future academic pursuits, write assignments, to prepare the student to function effectively in his/her future profession as well in social situations. Classrooms debates are encouraged to have a deeper understanding of topical events. There is also emphasis on communication skills so that students have acquisition of specialized vocabulary, and pronunciation of words. They are also trained to observe appropriate conventions of speech in social and political situations. The course not only helps students but also teachers to expand their horizons, language skills and understanding of contemporary scenario.

Thrust Areas:
The paper on Foundation course as the term suggests is to provide a good foundation to a student which is extremely necessary and relevant at the impressionable age in which they are. As graduates they will be part of the intellectual elite of the country and will be able to make a difference to the lives of people when they join the service sector. Therefore they should have informed opinion about issues so that they are sensitive about certain aspects and will not repeat the mistakes of the past.

The paper with its broad themes of secularism and democracy aims to create a new young breed of open minded and rational individuals who will live in harmony and cohesion with their fellow beings. The country achieved democracy at great cost and sacrifice. The students are oriented about the election system in India. They are oriented about the rural life of the country, the joint family system, caste system, Panchayati Raj system, the decline of handicrafts.

The students are taught to value their freedom and not take it for granted. They should be moulded to have a humane approach in spite of commercial compulsions. Today the issue of neglect of senior citizens is a burning topic. Through this paper student are persuaded to have a loving, respectful and dutiful approach to their parents and senior citizens of the society.

The country today is sitting on a ticking AIDS bombs. Vulnerable students should have an informed approach to the issue of HIV/AIDS. Live examples along with theory are used to create awareness and understanding among the students about this dreadful disease of the day, where death is imminent. Substance abuse is today creating a group of youngsters who are morally, physically, mentally, socially and culturally hollow. Students are taught as far as possible to take preventive measures. However they are also made aware of the curative measures of alcoholism, drug addiction and smoking.

Everyday today we hear of crimes committed against women. This means that somewhere our education is lacking in sensitizing men about women. This paper teaches the young generation about the problems of gender discrimination till today and the change in the patriarchal mindset that is necessary if the country is to have a balanced and harmonious relationship between men and women. The legal provisions, role of NGO’s and welfare measures for her necessary upliftment are discussed.

The thrust areas are student centric issues. Students are taught about stress management, and frustration. Organizational commitment, and dealing with people are also taught to them. The role of United Nations Organization is made known to them. Current affairs including sports events, budgets, politics, Nobel prizes, inventions, explorations, UN bodies major development projects, power project in India, Music, dance, paintings, literature, drama, and awards are focused upon.

Activities
The department of History handles the Foundation Course papers. The departments of Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Chemistry, and Physics are involved in teaching the Foundation Course papers to Arts, Science and Commerce students.

The department conducts study excursions, field visits, historical visits, survey projects in association with the local self government i.e. the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. The department has been giving projects to students on current affairs of the society. The projects have been displayed on the Annual College Day. It also conducted various exhibitions as part of the Chandi Utsav College festivals. The Department conducted Zonal Workshop on Project and Syllabus Changes in Foundation Course on 28th June 2006.

In 2008-09 students displayed exhibitions on current topics like the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, female foeticide, global warming, problem of senior citizens, dowry deaths, child marriage, child labour, substance abuse and apathy of politicians. The students who made the terrorism model won a special award from Principal Dinesh Panjwani.

A major highlight and innovative aspect of the FC in our college is the practical and Community Oriented Project Work under the CHM-UMC Initiatives for the students of FY and SY classes in the Degree College and the XII standard project in the Junior College.

Future Plans
In future the F.C department hopes to maintain its association with the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation and continue various activities which would benefit the students and give them grater understanding of the society in which they live. Through these initiatives the department also aims to reach out to the society. The department strongly believes that educational institutions should not be ivory towers, but students should go out and reach out to the society which they live in and develop educational social responsibility.