Mangaluru: The Department of Political Science, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru honoured Margaret Alva, former governor of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Gujarat here on Wednesday, September 11.
Addressing the gathering during the programme titled “An Interface on the Reminiscences of a Political Journey”, Alva said, “Students passing out from their academic phase should show courage and commitment. They should be bold but not foolhardy, and learn to tread carefully.”
“Don’t destroy the country by being afraid to speak. If the educated few don’t take the lead, then who will?” she asked.
Calling on all the young minds, she threw light on the political career and said, “Come out of your homes and create an opportunity to serve the people if you want to enter into politics, because in politics, no one can help you if your contribution is not seen. To start with, join any political party and get involved in their work. In politics, you have to learn to smile when things go wrong.”
Speaking on the role of gender in politics, the former governor said, “The situation until 2003 was almost nil when it comes to women’s participation in active politics. Today, there are 16 lakh women in local bodies. This is because I fought for women participation in politics in all the states and departments.”
Adding to it she said, “Gender is not a factor if you want to step into politics. Women in politics are very good, but that does not mean that men cannot enter. There should also be active participation from the men.”
She also called on those gathered to learn to raise their voice to protect anyone who suffers injustice.
Later, speaking to newskarnataka.com, Margaret Alva said, “It’s good to be back in Mangaluru, my hometown, where I have my roots. Mangaluru is growing very fast, but I don’t want our young people to lose touch with Mangaluru and its culture.”
Stressing on the importance of Konkani language she said, “Konkani should be spoken irrespective of religion and I think that we must fight for Konkani to be offered as a second language in all our schools and institutions. May Mangaluru live long and grow.”
Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev Fr Dionysius Vas SJ presided over the programme.
Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, Convener of the programme, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Controller of Exams and others were present.
