Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 8: The Department of Arts and Humanities organised an interactive session on ‘Kanara Catholics: A legacy of faith and culture’ on January 8, in A4, Avila Block at St Agnes College. 

Dr Kranti Kiran Farias, the resource person is a renowned historian, social activist, and president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Mumbai.

Dr Kranti delivered an insightful session on historical and social perspectives with special reference to the people of Goa and South Canara. She critically examined the impact of caste system and emphasised how caste-based discrimination has caused social inequality, injustice, and division.

She highlighted the challenges faced by the people during the Portuguese inquisition in Goa leading to the suppression of indigenous traditions and destruction of local institutions and elaborated on the idea of Goa being the mother country of Konkani-speaking Mangalureans by tracing the historical, cultural, and emotional ties between Goa and the Mangalurean community.

She also spoke about unique festivals, customs and traditions that form an important part of the region’s cultural identity. The need to preserve and respect this heritage for future generations was emphasized. The session was concluded with a discussion on the cultural heritage of Christians, especially in South Canara (Dakshina Kannada) and Goa.

The event was graced by Dr R Nagesh, dean of arts and humanities. Dr Meera Devi, associate professor and HoD of history, coordinated the programme. It was smoothly compèred by Ms Sampoorna of II BA. Thanmayee K Bhat, student vice president of Arts, welcomed the gathering, and J V Jaffrin of II BA proposed the vote of thanks.