Comments on Keynote address "Sounds of Silence" at Mount Carmel College Psychology Festival (December 2011)

I’ve watched the film Guide countless times before and each time, while the experience may vary slightly, the overall feel that I get is the same. I’m engrossed from the beginning right through the end. I laugh, I sing along with the actors and I cry when they cry. But now, I believe that the next time I watch the movie this experience is going to change drastically thanks to Dr. Shekar, the key note speaker at our Psychology Fest.

By talking to us about the pauses and silence inherent in sound and music as well as telling us about their significance he has enabled us to use our imagination to see more than just the visual or aural stimulus that is presented to us. Even the concept of shadows inherent in sound blew my mind as it was one I had never heard of or encountered earlier, but now I find myself actively trying to discern these various qualities inherent in music that we never really think about.

His speech was an eye opener for me. It has enabled me and I’m sure each and every student and teacher present that day to imagine as well as look at the world differently and for that we are all grateful.

Rith- Psychology student at MCC

Your keynote address at our Psychology Fest on 1^st December was a new experience. When we say new, we not only mean different but something which was engaging and enriching.
The beautiful video by Yahana as she metamorphosed the sand into beautiful designs, the paintings by JMW Turner with progressing amount of decreased lighting, which came so naturally to you enraptured us all.

What was probably the best received were the audio and video clips from Guide, as the students hummed the tunes and were familiar with the film.

The multiplicity of ideas, the diverse way of looking at one singular piece of art or literature or the world in general was awesome and tremendously fascinating.  For people like me and Jayshree, respect for Sir increased even more after interacting with him, who is one of the most down to earth people we have met.

Your presentation was spot on Sir. Thank you.
Collection of comments by 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year Psychology students