Mangalore, September 6 'Bequest', a two-day national level inter-collegiate talents competition organized by Besant Women's College, Mangalore, commenced on Thursday.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Shylaja Rao, Chief Operating Officer of Robosoft Technologies, Udupi, said that today's generation did not relate to the older values of our culture.
“The present culture is very different to that which was followed by our forefathers. As there are a lot of values to learn from the culture that India had in the olden ages, it is very important that we make the present generation aware of those cultures. While all of it might not be applicable today, there are lots of things we can cultivate and impart to our younger generation,” she said.
It is a unique thing in India that in spite of having a variety of cultures, we believe in unity in diversity, as taught by our fore-fathers. The fest plays an important role where all of cultures are brought together and showcased to rest of the region and community, she said.
She also urged the students to give equal importance to extra-curricular activities along with the studies. “It would broaden your perspective and enhance your personality”, she said.
Describing India as a melting pot of culture, Dr Manjula K T, Principal of the college, said that the theme - The Cultural Crisol, was apt for the competition. “The heterogeneity that exists in our country should be preserved. Being a country with such diversity, we find that the youth of the country need to be enlightened. Only when they are enlightened and learn to appreciate the cultures, can we hope to live in a peaceful world,” she said.
She said that education should universalise the human spirit. “If we lift up our own culture at the cost of looking down on another, there would not be any growth, progress or peace in the world. We should teach our children to be tolerant towards all cultures, so that we can lead the entire world towards peace,” she said.
In his presidential remarks, Kudupi Jagadish Shenoy, President of Women's National Education Society, Mangalore, said that the cultural fest was a good opportunity for students to exhibit their talents so that they could learn to face challenges in life. These kinds of activities in colleges will enhance the students capabilities and develop their organising skills and communication, he said.
The trophies that will be awarded to the winners of the competition at the end of two days were brought to a stage on a palanquin amidst resounding beats of drums, and were unravelled by the chief guest Shylaja Rao and Jagadish Shenoy. A video documentary on Tulunad was screened after the inaugural ceremony.
As many as 16 colleges have been registered so far to take part in the competitions.
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