Mangalore: National Seminar at SAC Explores Literature by Women Writers

Pics: Spoorty Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Feb 18: Commemorating the 25th year of women's presence in St Aloysius College, the department of English organized a national seminar on the topic 'Indian Women Writers in English’ at the Eric Mathias Hall on Saturday February 18.

During the inaugural ceremony, Dr Lourdusamy, head of the English PG department and also the convener of the programme, outlined the objectives of the seminar. "Primarily, we cherish and celebrate the presence of women students for the past 25 years in our campus and also honour women for their work in the literary fields," he said.

"In the past, it seemed as if the powerful voices were being suppressed, hence it is our desire to honour such women and this occasion is an apt tribute to the writers,” he added.

He said that participants and delegates from all over India like Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and many from Karnataka state were taking part in the seminar.

Fr Sweebert D’Silva, principal, St Aloysius College in his address requested the youngsters to love literature 'as it makes every person exact'.

After releasing the 'Book of Abstracts', Fr Joseph Rodrigues, rector, St Aloysius Institutions, lauded the department for picking such a topic as it is in connection to the upcoming 25th year of celebration of women in St Aloysius campus. "The sex ratio is imbalanced and social evils are on the rise even in this modern society. Hence, women must take up responsibilities more and more," he advised.

Ratan Mohunta, head of English UG department, welcomed and lecturer Alok Bejai thanked the gathering. A visual presentation was displayed during the inaugural explaining the specialties of the college and the English department.   

Giselle Mehta, eminent writer, and Dr Meena T Pillai, professor, University of Kerala, were the resource persons of the seminar. Giselle Mehta delivered the keynote address on the topic ‘Reversal of Gender Stereotypes in Contemporary Women’s Writing’.  The lead paper was presented by Dr Pillai on ‘Women and Autobiographies’.

As many as 40 participants presented papers on various issues related to the theme ‘Indian Women Writers in English’ during the course of the seminar.