Mangaluru : Bhasha Sangam-2020, aone-day Multilingual International Conference on “Multiculturalism in Language and Literature”was organized on February 10, 2020 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.

Ms 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 JayavanthaNayak,Coordinator, Konkani Adhyayan Peeta, Mangalore University Rev. Fr PratapanandaNaik S.J, Konkani writer, Goa, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Professor & Head Department of Philosophy St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Prof. Lourdusamy& Dr Mamatha N RConference 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 EfthikarAhamed, Dr Rajalakshmi, Dr Madhavi S Bhandary, Dr SeemaChandran, Dr B.P Sampath Kumar, Dr RathnakaraMallamoole Mr Valley Quadrosand Moderators within the state and outside deliberated on the topic of thetechnical sessions.

The second session in the afternoon was Paper presentation. The Academicians, Research Scholars and the Students of various Universities and degree Colleges of the stateand foreign delegates presented papers. There were totally202 participants out of which 142 papers were presented by the participating delegates. Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis S J, Principal St Aloysius College (Autonomous) was the Chief Guest of the Valedictory function. He congratulated the college for organizing BhashaSangam, anInternational Conference of such kind was not only an attempt made to bring languages together but try to understand the essence and influence of it in concrete terms. Use of Language and Literature should bring joy and happiness and transform them as patrons of the same.

Prof Lourdusamy welcomed the gathering, Mrs Anusha Jose faculty department of English, compered the programme. MrsSowmyaKotian, Kannada Faculty proposed the vote of thanks.