Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (MB)
Report from Prof Cyril Mathias

Kallianpur, Oct 3: “Man is born free, yet he is in chains everywhere. Discrimination is man-made. We blame the government for all ills, but we are responsible for all ills. People get the government they deserve. It is our duty to uplift the marginalized," said state Kannada Sahitya Parishat president ProfChandrashekar Patil ("Cham-Pa) here on Saturday, September 30.

He was inaugurating the state-level seminar on ‘Developmental Interventions And Marginalized Sections’ in Milagres College Kallianpur.

In his keynote address he said that leaders like Buddha, Ambedkar and Basavanna worked for social justice and strove towards the amalgamation of dalits into the mainstream. In India, dalits, women and the minorities are marginalized. India is a land of diverse cultures and mono-culture is unsuitable. Communal forces insult the cultural fabric of India. Life progresses if there is equality in religion and culture. “Be a light unto yourself” said Buddha, which is the need of the hour.

The workshop was organized by the SC/ST cell in association with the Debating club, AICUF, Women’s cell, NSS, Sexual Harassment Prevention cell and Centre of Women’s Studies in Milagres College.

Naadageete, the state anthem, was sung by the college choir which was appreciated by all. Prof Vishwanath, director, Centre for Ambedkar studies, Mangalore University, spoke on Backward classes and implications of LPG and Dr Dominic spoke on Minority rights and privileges-challenges.

The seminar was different because it was organized exclusively for the students. Vinutha of II BA Milagres College, presented a paper on Dalit Empowerment Through Education. Neeta Rebello of St Aloysius College spoke on Challenges To Minorities and Tejakshi of Sacred Heart College Madanthyar presented a paper on Women Participation in Politics. In all there were about a hundred student delegates from all over Karnataka.

College principal Fr  Fred Mascarhenas, in his presidential address said, "Just as we give more attention to the physically and mentally challenged children we have to give more attention to Dalits, Women and Minorities." He called upon the student delegates to dispel darkness and ignorance.

Prof Vincent Alva introduced the chief guest and welcomed the gathering. Leela Ashwini of II BCom compered the programme and Neetha of II BCom proposed the vote of thanks.