Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 27: The department of Kannada, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, in collaboration with the Institute of language and culture studies organized a day-long national seminar on 'Democracy: World, Country and Region' on August 26 in the Sanidhya Hall. The seminar was inaugurated by Rajendra Kalbavi, executive director of Nirmidhi Kendra, Surathkal.

The vice chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Praveen Martis, SJ presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of the college and Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of the University were present on the dais.

Inaugurating the seminar, Rajendra Kalbavi explained about democracy and said that there is a need to inform the public about democracy. He said that the Constitution is the responsibility of all of us and it is the right of the citizens to use it properly. He also said that if citizens behave irresponsibly, there is a possibility of democracy collapsing.

Professor of Hyderabad University Prof Shivaram Padikkal gave a keynote address.

Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential address told the story of a democratic India and the how the college celebrated the first Independence Day in the campus.

During the programme, there were 3 sessions on various topics. Ivan Francis Lobo, professor of Government First Class Women's College, Puttur spoke on the topic 'What is role of Citizens in Democracy?', Prof Rajarama Tholpadi, Former professor of political science, Mangalore University spoke on the topic 'Prajatantra: The Story of India', and Prof Nithyananda B Shetty, chairman, Center for Kannada studies and research, Tumkur University, spoke on 'Democratic Values: Modern Kannada Literature'.

The movie 'Photo' directed by Utsava Gonewara was screened after the programme.

Dr Dinesh Nayak compered the programme. Dr Vishwanath Badikana welcomed the gathering and Dr Mahalinga Bhat, head of Kannada department, delivered the vote of thanks.