Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Jan 30: A seminar on the history of Christians in Karnataka and their contribution to Kannada literature was held at CODP, Nanthoor on Tuesday January 29.

Fr Onil D’Souza, secretary of CODP, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Dakshina Kannada, Dr Gerald Pinto, professor at Milagres College, Kallianpur, Judith Mascarenhas, former deputy mayor, Vijaylaxmi Shetty, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mangalore taluk shared the dias.

Resource person Dr Gerald Pinto in his address said Christians are ahead in various fields and even in contribution to Kannada literature. Having basically migrated from Goa, Christians mixed with the local culture here and have contributed in various fields.

He said the contribution of Christians to the district is immense. "They were the ones who started primary education in our district and now the place is known as an education hub. Their contribution even extends to agriculture, hospitals, health centres in rural areas, hotels, catering business, newspapers and other fields," he said.

"A few Catholics even started Kannada newspapers," he added.

"Catholics are also known for their social service. They are running old age homes, rendering their help to backward classes, mentally ill people and others," he said, adding that the he wished to see regional languages attain more growth.