A Tribute to a Rich, Cultural Heritage: Celebrating the State Festival at St Aloysius PU College
Mangaluru: Commemorating the unification of the Kannada-speaking people and the formation of the State of Karnataka, the 69th Kannada Rajyotsava was celebrated with great patriotic ardour and love for the State and the language.
Festooned in the hues of vermilion and turmeric, SAPUC reverberated the sounds of traditional percussion instruments like cymbals and dollu. The passionate rendition of the State anthem ‘Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Thanujathe’ by the choir heralded the vibrant display of the rich culture of Karnataka that would soon follow.
The red and yellow State Flag, which denotes well-being and auspiciousness, was hoisted by the honourable Chief Guest Shri Nikesh Mohandas Shetty and the other dignitaries.
In his address, the Chief Guest Shri Nikesh Mohandas Shetty, recipient of the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, paid homage to the renowned poets of Kannada, acknowledging their contribution to the enrichment of the language. He urged the audience to promote not just the Kannada language but all the languages of this multilingual land. He also congratulated St Aloysius Institutions for providing platforms that have given rise to great men of literature.
The prize distribution that followed acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the staff and students in various competitions conducted to observe the occasion.
In a fervent display of love for the land, the students performed a musical jugalbandi and sang songs of allegiance to the State. The mime, Kannada rap, traditional dollu kunitha, kamsale, and Veeragase proudly showcased the vibrancy of our cultural heritage.
Present on the occasion were the Principal, Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ; Finance Officer, Rev. Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ; Campus Minister, Rev. Fr Anthony Derrick SJ; Vice-Principal of Science, Mr Muralikrishna GM; Dean of Science, Ms Kiran Shetty and Ms Janet Pinto, HOD, Department of Kannada and Languages.
While Ms Janet Pinto, Head of the Department of Languages, welcomed the gathering, Ms Akshatha K enumerated the prize winners’ list. Neil DSouza, Secretary of the Kannada Sangha, proposed the vote of thanks. Sakshi Shetty, Mohammad Ameer, and Nireeksha L. Kille compered the programme.
The Kannada Rajyotsava celebration at SAPUC was a resounding tribute to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and the unity of its people. The event not only fostered a deeper sense of pride and love for the Kannada language but also highlighted the college’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the land.
