Odisha foundation launches free spoken English classes for women in Sambalpur government college

The Government Women’s College in Sambalpur was abuzz with activity as Sriballav and Sunanda Panigrahi Foundation started their first programme at the institution in association with Mo College initiative. Called Sunanda Panigrahi Memorial Spoken English classes, it will be free and available for both undergraduate and post-graduate students of the GWC.

As per the Press release issued by the Foundation, each batch will consist of about 40 students who will be trained in improving their communicative English skills. These classes aim at equipping students with English speaking skills, enabling them to get better opportunities when they pass out from the college.

Priyadarshee Panigrahi, son of noted leader of Odisha late Sriballav Panigrahi and Sunanda Panigrahi, a well-known educationist, talking to India Narrative said: “As my mother taught in English literature in this college for 25 years, we decided to launch our first programme here.”

He stressed on the importance given to education by both his parents and how the foundation aims to contribute to bringing about change in the society.

“Learning of English is aspirational among a majority of the youth and this initiative will help them to fulfil this. It will also instil self-confidence among the students, especially girls and those coming from underprivileged backgrounds, to face the challenges of life and employment.”

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Sambalpur, in the presence of Prof. Rajashree Baral, Principal, GWC on Thursday at the GWC premises. Dr Kamdeba Sahoo, a pioneer of communicative English and Director of the programme, highlighted the details of the speaking course.

Sharing details, Priyadarshee told India Narrative: “Before the commencement of the course we will assess the students and after 36 hours of teaching, we will again assess them. This is to understand how the initiative has been beneficial and if it needs to be upgraded and tweaked.”

The SSP Foundation founded in 2021, aims to promote probity in public life, good governance while working to empower the marginalized and deprived sections of the society, particularly through education. Its flagship programme, the annual Sriballav Panigrahi Memorial Lecture will be held in December this year.