Harmony Week: Embracing Diversity at St Aloysius PU College
Mangaluru: In the vibrant tapestry of St. Aloysius PU College, Kodialbail, Mangaluru the commitment to harmony extends beyond academic pursuits to embrace a rich mosaic of religions, cultures, and faiths. Recognizing the profound impact of diversity on holistic education, the institution places paramount importance on fostering unity amidst this multifaceted tapestry. The college consistently strives to intertwine the pursuit of knowledge with a celebration of diverse religious and cultural identities, creating an environment where students thrive academically while embracing the richness of pluralism. In this regard, Harmony Week conducted by the college stands as a testament to this enduring commitment.
During Harmony Week, the college, led by its Centre for Inter-Religious Harmony (CIRH), orchestrated a series of events that coincided with Constitution Day, adding a national dimension to the festivities. This week-long celebration encompassed a diverse array of activities, including talks, engaging competitions, and a collective celebration of diversity. Harmony Week was initiated with a compelling talk on ‘Constitutional Awareness with Present Context’ by Mr Alwin D’Souza, from the Department of Political Science, St Aloysius College (Autonomous). His insights into existing constitutional rights aimed to motivate students and instil a sense of pride in contributing to India.
The subsequent day witnessed ‘Expressions,’ a vibrant face-painting competition held at the Gonzaga Block Library. Providing a creative platform, this event allowed students to explore the theme of “Harmony in Life”, fostering an understanding of diversity in both the college and society. The Harmony Quest Quiz, a notable intellectual exploration focusing on the major religions of India, unfolded in two stages. This competition not only tested contestants’ knowledge but also served as a testament to the Centre’s commitment to fostering mutual appreciation and understanding.
Dr. Joyce Sabina Lobo, Department of Political Science, SAC, delivered a comprehensive talk at Loyola Hall, providing valuable insights into the legal framework and its role in shaping India’s identity. The intellectually enriching session garnered active student participation. A logo-making competition celebrated differences and embraced unity, centring on the theme ‘Love thy Animalia.’ This event, aligned with Harmony Week’s values, emphasized promoting awareness of animal welfare and conservation.
A Cultural Walk-Through Competition showcased the rich diversity of states, with teams representing various cultures. Hosted by Shreya Das and Vidish Shetty, this lively event became an expressive celebration of culture and heritage. Rev. Dr. Maxim Dias, Assistant Professor, International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph’s University Bengaluru, delivered an enlightening talk on “Inter-Religious Harmony and Social Concern,” emphasizing the pivotal role of voting in fostering harmony and addressing social issues.
The ‘Pull Over’ T-shirt painting competition aimed to promote creativity, collaboration, and a sense of togetherness among participants. The theme, ‘Family Time is Fun Time,’ encouraged participants to express their artistic talents while reflecting on the significance of family bonds. Several activities and events were also conducted to commemorate the Constitution Day. Shlok from II PU recited the preamble to all the students.
The week concluded with a thought-provoking talk by Dr. Rose Veera D’Souza, Head of the Department of Political Science and Dean of Arts of SAC. The session emphasized constitutional aspects and promoted inter-religious harmony, fostering unity among the diverse communities.
In culmination, St. Aloysius PU College’s Harmony Week not only ignited a collective consciousness around diversity but also sowed the seeds for a lasting commitment among students to foster a harmonious society. This transformative celebration serves as a beacon, inspiring individuals to carry forward the torch of inter-religious understanding and constitutional ethos into their future endeavours.