Media Release

Udupi, Feb 22: Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar of Manipal Academy of Higher Education launched the festivities on February 21 with the inauguration of the photo exhibition Kannada Shale by acclaimed lensman Astro Mohan. The exhibition has been specially curated for this occasion, and is open to the public until February 24. The monochrome images offer a glimpse into the joyous linguistic life of classrooms in and around Udupi.

In his address, Dr Giridhar Kini lauded the institutional emphasis on festive, multilingual pedagogy. 'Matribhasha Diwas evokes the joy of expression, of creation in the mother tongue. The government has already highlighted the role of the mother tongue/regional language as a medium of education, especially in primary schools. For regional languages to remain relevant, we must view them in intercultural and interdisciplinary contexts'.

Co-ordinator of the Centre for Kannada and Regional Languages, Dr Prithviraj Kavatar introduced the renowned photojournalist to the audience. Professor Rahul Putty, head of the department of Languages, professor Neeta Inamdar, head of Manipal Centre for European Studies, and professor Srinivasa Acharya, head of the department of Philosophy felicitated the guests. Faculty member Meghana Mangalvedhe was the compere for the ceremony, attended by staff and students.

Photojournalist Astro Mohan held an interactive session with students, and spoke to them about the eloquent language of photography. He congratulated the department on incorporating multimedial elements in its curriculum.

The event featured a unique installation created by students: a multilingual PoeTree- a tree of knowledge adorned with multilingual poetry.