International English Language Day Celebrated at St Philomena College (Autonomous)
Puttur, 25 April 2025: St Philomena College celebrated International English Language Day with great enthusiasm at the Silver Jubilee Memorial Hall. The event emphasized the global significance of the English language, its rich literary heritage, and its vital role in contemporary communication, education, and professional development.
The chief guest for the occasion was Prof. Leo Noronha, former Principal of the College. In his keynote address, he reflected on the timeless contributions of William Shakespeare, noting that International English Language Day is traditionally observed on April 23, commemorating both the birth and death anniversaries of the legendary playwright and poet. Prof. Noronha remarked, “Shakespeare’s plays are not just stories; they are timeless mirrors reflecting the human condition. Through his characters, he teaches us about ambition, love, betrayal, justice, and forgiveness. The wisdom embedded in his words continues to guide us in navigating the complexities of life with grace and understanding. His contribution to English literature is immeasurable.”
Presiding over the function, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of the College, emphasized the growing importance of effective communication in English in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. “Curiosity often surpasses knowledge. We must realize how deeply embedded English is in our personal, academic, and professional lives. It acts as a bridge across cultures, a path to learning, and a key to countless global opportunities. We must read and appreciate the rich literary works available in this language,” he said.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour Prof. Leo Noronha for his lasting contributions to the institution. The felicitation address was delivered by Ms Bharathi S Rai, Head of the Department of English.
The event began with a prayer led by students from the College’s cultural ensemble. A series of competitions were conducted as part of the celebration, including Unleash Your Voice, Mystic Mask, Henna on Sleek, Visual Voices, Beat Blaze, Crescendo Clash, The World Odyssey, Knowledge Arena, and Mime Mania.
Ms Novelin D’Souza, Assistant Professor of the Department, welcomed the gathering. Mr Vinil Rohan D’Souza announced the list of winners, and Ms Sushma Crasta proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Ms Anusha Bhargavi and Ms Tincy Thomas.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar (Vice Principal), Dr Norbert Mascarenhas (Registrar – Academics), Dr Vinaya Chandra (Registrar – Evaluation), Dr Chandrashekar K, Dr Radha Krishna Gowda, Ms Prashanthi, and Dr Dimple Jennifer Fernandes.
The celebration concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and vibrant cultural performances, making the event both intellectually stimulating and artistically enriching.
