Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 7: The department of English of St Agnes College organised an intercollegiate literature fest ‘Gitanjali’ on September 6 to commemorate the 157th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.
The fest began with the inaugural programme. Dr Ammalu Kutty, retd professor University College, here was chief guest and Dr Sr M Jeswina AC presided over the programme.
The programme began by invoking the blessings of the Almighty by rendering a prayer song written by Tagore.
Dr Ammalu in her address said that although these kinds of programmes have become an academic necessity, it is still nice to organise such programmes. "All colleges should take the initiative to conduct such programmes in order to familiarise the present generation with the rich culture of Indian literature." She elaborated on the life of Tagore and how his writings are relevant in the contemporary world. She also spoke about Tagore’s ideas about freedom and confinement appreciating his clarity of thinking where he said 'Construction is better than destruction'. Dr Ammalu congratulated the department of English for organising such an event.
The principal in her presidential address spoke about the importance of Tagore’s works with special reference to ‘Gitanjali,’ Tagore’s collection of poems. She motivated the participants to give their best.
Rabindranath Tagore’s popular short story ‘Kabuliwala’ was dramatised by the students of the Western Dramatics club of the college as part of the inaugural.
The competitions were based on the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore. The following competitions were conducted: Pencil sketch, Paper Presentation, Poetry Recitation, Quiz and Group Singing. There was good participation and competitive spirit from the participants of various colleges of Mangaluru.
The fest ended with the valedictory programme where Sr Dr M Venissa AC, vice principal of the college was the chief guest. St Aloysius College won the runners up trophy and SDM College, Mangaluru, emerged as winners of the overall trophy.