Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Dec 15: On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of author Charles Dickens, the English department of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) organized a national-level seminar on Charles Dickens and Victorian England at its premises on Friday December 14..

The inauguration ceremony was presided by Fr Swebert D’Silva, principal; Professor Dr Rajendra Chenni of Kuvempu University, Shimoga was the guest of honour while Ratan Mohunta, convener and Dr Alwyn D’Sa, organizing secretary shared the dais.

Fr Swebert in his presidential said that English language is predominant in this globalized world. Having hold on the language in very important while communicating with people and even in case of professional fields it is much preferred these days.

"Charles Dickens was known for his realistic portrayal of life and society. He was mainly known for his writings which contrast between the rich and the poor. His works were applicable and relevant to the society. Hence he was known as the greatest novelist of Victorian period and even today people like reading his works," said Fr Swebert.

"As we all know, plagiarism is a crime, so I suggest students to put in their own ideas while writing articles," he added.

Speaking on mugging up of notes, he said it is not our system of education and asked students to broaden their minds by reading. He also lauded the English department for organizing this seminar.

Dr Rajendra Chenni in his keynote address briefed about the writings of Charles Dickens. He said even after 200 years, Charles Dickens still remains one of the greatest novelists the world has ever seen, the creator of some of the world’s most memorable fictional characters. "He is an author of British culture and enjoyed extraordinary popularity and fame in his lifetime and by the twentieth century his literary genius was fully recognized by critics and scholars," he said.

"Even during his period, the response to his writings was negative as well as positive. He had a long career, during which he evaluated readers and society’s reaction, and often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback," he added.

Dr Alwyn D’Sa welcomed the gathering while Joachim D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks.

Nirmala Muliyil from the department of English, Judith Pinto, vice-principal, Ronald Pinto, vice-principal, Fr Walter Andrade, Melissa Goveas, Likith Shenoy among others were present.