Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 14: St Aloysius College (Autonomous) in association with UGC STRIDE (Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy) project of the college organised a national level Webinar on 'Mangalore Darshan' on Saturday November 13 in L F Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block.

N Shashi Kumar, IPS, police commissioner of Mangaluru was the chief guest. Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, former vice-chancellor, Karnataka Janapada University, Haveri was the guest of honour. Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto, SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions and Dr Suman T Rodanwar, co-ordinator, Postgraduate Studies and Research in Hindi, Mangalore University were emininet dignitaries of the programme.

Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, principal of the College, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar & director of UGC STRIDE Project, Dr Mukund Prabhu, HOD of Hindi, Sandhya U Sirsikar, Roicy Rekha Braggs, conveners of the programme were present on the dais.

N Shashi Kumar, IPS, in his speech quoted Kuvempu’s Jai Bharatha Jananiya Tanujathe’ and Chennaveera Kanavi’s ‘Arive Guru’, ‘Dayeye Dharmada Moolavayya’ etc. and said people of India believe that unity in diversity. He said that India is a cradle for several cultures. People belonging to different religions, come together celebrate the festivals with unity. We can observe the multicultural dimensions in terms of our food, dressing style, way of living and the traditions of varied customs in India. He also said that Karnataka is one of the most diverse symbolizing different traditions and cultures. Mangaluru represents most of the Indian cultures and traditions. It is also one of the most advanced region for education, medicine and technology with people of different creeds living in harmony.

He congratulated the college for organizing such a wonderful programme and for encouraging the students by organizing variety of value-added programmes for the present generation to inculcate the knowledge of contemporary and past traditions as well as the history of people of the region along with formal education.

Dr Chinnappa Gowda, in his speech, briefed on the culture and heritage of Karnataka as well as Mangaluru. He elaborated the rituals celebrated during birth, marriage and death traditionally by different communities. He also briefed about how the relationship among people will transform when birth takes place and how the relationships are disturbed during a person’s death. However, in all celebrations and practices in communities, the basic concepts remain the same.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Suman T Rodanwar briefed about the importance Hindi language and its use in the society is most important in terms of taking the flavour of local and regional cultures to the national level. She enumerated some of the significant aspects of the regional traditions that have taken Mangaluru and the coastal region to the national and international levels. She highlighted some of the major events and sites of cultural diversity in Mangaluru where religious and social harmony have been demonstrated and considered supreme examples of peaceful coexistence and peaceful living.

Rector of Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto, SJ highlighted the dire need of inculcating an open mind towards all sections of society irrespective of their caste, creed and language and build bonds of respect and love by celebrating the differences and learning one another’s language to embrace the true spirit of the Indian Constitution.

Principal, Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, congratulated the Department of Hindi and UGC-STRIDE Scheme for organizing the unique event. He expressed his joy at seeing so many students coming out of their homes and coming to the campus and attending events like this. He reiterated the goal of the STRIDE project to make use of the idea of celebrating the differences and invited all participants to imbibe this value of love and respect to all and showcase unity in diversity of India.

Concepta Fernandes, programme officer, All India Radio, Bengaluru, Dr Sukanya Mary J, principal, Poornaprajna Evening College, Udupi and Prasad Salian, Cosmetologist, Daivi Pathri, Mumbai were the resource persons. They spoke on the themes, ‘Culture Heritage of South Canara Catholic’, ‘Modern Concept of Roman Catholic Wedding Traditions’ and ‘Divine Culture of Tulunadu’ respectively.

Dr Alwyn D’Sa introduced the guests. Joan Rita O’Brien compered the programme meticulously. Dr Joyce Sabina Lobo rendered the vote of thanks. Dr Mukund Prabhu delivered the valedictory address.