Mangalore: Bhasha Sangam-2020, aone-day Multilingual International Conference on “Multiculturalism in Language and Literature”was organized by the Department of Languages of Milagres College.
Dr A.M Khan, Registrar, Mangalore University, the chief guest inaugurated the Conference symbolically. In his inaugural address he said that India is a land of many cultures and languages but unfortunately it is forgotten. Languages binds people, regions, community and culture, Literatures unites them. One language is influenced and connected to other languages and it cannot exist on its own. Mono-culturalism leads to extremism which leads to depression among people. Open mindedness is a portal to multiculturalism. People need to be multicultural in language and thought. He encouraged students to read and write literature.
Maggie Harris, poet and short fiction story writer from England, delivered the keynote address. Addressing the gathering she said every individual has their own cultural identity irrespective of the land they belong to. Migration of people has had a great impact in shaping their identities.
Rev. Fr Joseph Lobo, Correspondent, Rev. Fr Michael L. Santhumayor, Principal, Dr Jayavantha Nayak, Coordinator, Konkani Adhyayan Peeta, Mangalore University Rev. Fr Pratapananda Naik S.J, Konkani writer, Goa, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Professor & Head Department of Philosophy St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Prof. Lourdusamy& Dr Mamatha N R Conference Convenors were present on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr Joseph Lobo, Correspondent and president of the Conference congratulated the language departments for organising the International Conference. Rev. Fr Michael L Santhumayor, Principal, welcomed the gathering. Dr Mamatha N R, the Conference Convenor proposed the Vote of thanks.
Inaugural ceremony was followed by two technical sessions in the respective languages namely English, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani. Eminent Resource Persons Dr Efthika rAhamed, Dr Rajalakshmi, Dr Madhavi S Bhandary, Dr SeemaChandran, Dr B.P Sampath Kumar, Dr Rathnakara Mallamoole Valley Quadros and Moderators within the state and outside deliberated on the topic of the technical sessions.
