St. Philomena Autonomous College, Puttur, in a joint initiative with the Kannada Department, Kannada Sangha, and Yaksha Kala Kendra, celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1 with a special cultural and literary program held at the Spandana auditorium of the college.

The event commenced with an illuminating lamp ceremony. Assistant Professor of Kannada, Pratibha Shetty, delivered a special lecture emphasizing the significance of Kannada as more than a language but as the very essence of the identity and emotions of the Kannada people. She highlighted the indelible struggles of Kannada warriors such as Huilagola Narayan Rao and Alur Venkataraya, who fought bravely for the preservation of the Kannada language. She lamented the current threat posed by dominant foreign languages and urged the Kannada community to revive their spirit and work towards the survival and flourishing of Kannada. She stressed that love for the language must transcend this single day and be expressed with pride every day.

Dr Vijaykumar M., Vice Principal and Head of the Kannada Department, encouraged students to actively engage in Kannada writing and contribute to Kannada literature, helping preserve and enrich the linguistic heritage.

Principal Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, who chaired the program, called upon students to cultivate sincere love for Kannada, one that stems from the heart and not from compulsion. Remembering the sacrifice of Alur Venkataraya in the Kannada unification movement, he emphasized unity and pride in the language as essential for its future.

Following the speeches, students of Yaksha Kala Kendra presented a spirited Kannada poetry and song recital reflecting the richness and depth of Kannada culture.

The program was graced by the presence of faculty members Dr Norbert Mascarenhas, Dr Vinay Chandra, Dr Edwin D’Souza, Dr Radhakrishna Gowda, Suraksha S. Rai, and Dhanya P.T.

The participants included students Surabhi and Aparna, who led prayers. Second-year BCA student Avani welcomed the guests, and first-year B. Com student Saneeh offered the vote of thanks. The program was compered by Prashanthi Assistant Professor in Kannada.

INVITATION