SAC holds Nat’l Seminar: Folk Culture – Traditions and Challenges

Mangaluru: The Department of English of our College in association with UGC STRIDE Scheme, hosted a National Seminar on “Folk Culture: Local Traditions and Global Challenges” on 26th of November 2022 in Robert Sequeira Hall of LCRI Block.

Dr Vincent Alva, Associate Professor and Principal, Milagres College, Kallianpur was the Chief Guest for the above programme. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & Controller of Examinations, SAC, Ms Severine Pinto, Organising Secretary, Dr Charles V Furtado, Associate Professor and Director, Admin Block were present on the dais.

Dr Vincent Alva in his Keynote Address spoke on the Folk Culture of Dakshina Kannada and its present relevance. He said that folklore or folk art is attached to the people who have no food, no house or do not have any kinds of amenities. They started singing folk songs or paddanas by working in the fields or doing things using materials from the forest. He narrated his childhood experience of his familiarity with a folk performer, a blind by birth who inspired him. He declaimed some folk pieces of oral literature.

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis in his presidential remarks said that study of folk cultures is very crucial in the present times. Folk literature keeps us rooted in our culture.

Dr Alwyn D’Sa briefed about the concept of the national seminar and read out the concept note. He also briefed me about the UGC STRIDE scheme.

During the programme, there were 3 sessions on Konkani, Tulu and Beary Folklore. Rev. Dr Melwyn S. Pinto, SJ, Director of AIMIT, Radio Sarang and Institute of Konkani, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), enlightened on Konkani Folklore with special reference to Kudmis and GSBs. Dr Thukaram Poojary, President, Rani Abbakka Tulu Adhyayana Kendra, Bantwal and Dr Ashalatha Suvarna, Associate Professor and HOD of Commerce, Sri Gokarnanatheshwara College, Mangalore were the resource persons for the Tulu Folklore and gave the insights on it. Dr Abubakkar Siddiq, Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, University College, Mangalore Coordinator for Beary Adhyayana Peeta, Mangalore University was the resource person for Beary Folk Culture.

Dr Charles V Furtado welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. Clive compered the programme. Ms Severine Pinto proposed the vote of thanks.