In a thought-provoking lecture titled “Poornachandra Tejaswi and Student Readers”, St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, witnessed a compelling engagement with the life and philosophy of one of the most thoughtful literary minds of Kannada literatures, KP Poornachandra Tejaswi. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Kannada and Kannada Sangha of the college.

Delivering the guest lecture, Prof. Dr Narendra Rai Derla, a retired professor of Kannada, emphasized that in a post-COVID world marked by diminished patience and empathy, the values embodied by Tejaswi are more necessary than ever. “The world has changed after the pandemic. In these times when our capacity to listen and feel is waning, it is imperative that the spirit of Tejaswi be sown within our minds,” he said.

Dr Derla painted Tejaswi as a fearless thinker who “lived without masks”, unbound by any conventional model of existence. “He chose to live authentically, without aspiring for authority or accolades. In doing so, he challenged societal templates and proved that there is another way to live i.e., truthfully, and in harmony with nature,” he remarked.

He lamented the declining interest in reading among students but highlighted that Tejaswi remains one of the most read authors among youth even today. “If you aspire to become good writers, do not be lured by the dazzle of city life; instead, lend an ear to the voices of the villages,” Dr Derla advised the students, reiterating Tejaswi’s deep-rooted connection with the rural ethos and natural world.

Presiding over the event, the Principal, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, reflected on the shifting academic culture. “In the post-pandemic era, the attentive silence required to absorb ideas is increasingly rare. Students today are drawn more toward stimulating distractions rather than soul-stirring inspirations,” he noted. He urged students to make the most of opportunities that nurture critical and creative thought.

Also gracing the event was Dr Vijaykumar Moleyar, the Vice Principal and Head of the Kannada Department at the college.

Avani and team rendered prayer. Binoy Vinay D’Souza extended a warm welcome.Pratheeksha K delivered the vote of thanks. The event was anchored by Likhitha P.