St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, organised a one day National Seminar on ‘Rethinking Mahatma Gandhi- Issues and Challenges’ on Monday, 23 September.

The seminar was held as a commemoration of 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Honourable Justice V Gopala Gowda, former judge, Supreme Court of India, Professor Valerian Rodrigues, former professor Political Science, JNU Delhi, Raghuveer, district coordinator Nehru Yuva Kendra, Sr Dr M Jeswina A C, Principal St. Agnes College, Mangaluru inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.
As a sign of remembering MK Gandhi on his 150 Birth Anniversary, Honourable Justice V Gopala Gowda rotated the 'Charaka’ thereby commencing the sessions. Sr Dr M Venissa A.C, vice Principal of St Agnes College introduced the guests.

During the inaugural address, Justice V Gopala Gowda spoke on Gandhian ideologies and stressed on issues like Economic justice, extremism, need for Hindu-Muslim friendship and India as a multi religion country. “Current political leaders and government must inculcate the ideologies of MK Gandhi for better governance,” he said.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity but from indomitable will," he quoted Gandhi.

Professor Valerian Rodrigues, former professor Political Science, JNU Delhi, delivered the keynote address.

The first session was by two speakers. Professor Rajaram Tholapady, retired professor Department of Political Science, Mangalore University on ‘Religion and Politics in Gandhi’. Dr Mohammed Musthafa, assistant professor, Political Science, GFGC, Sri Rangapattana spoke on 'Gandhian Idea of Swaraj and Pluralism'.

The second session was on ‘Politico Economic Thought an Ageless Wonder’ led by Dr M Rajesh, regional director, IGNOU, Vadakara. Dr Ramadas Prabhu, assistant professor, Department of History, Dr G Shankar Government Woman’s First Grade College and PG Centre, Ajjarakadu, Udupi took up the session on' Gandhi and Confronting Colonialism'.

A panel discussion on ‘Remembering Gandhi’ was held. Mr Mohan Chandra Nambiar, journalist, Manipal, P V Mohan, social activist, Mangaluru, M.G Hegde, director, MIFT College, Mangaluru were the panelists for the session. Dr Rosveera D’Souza, assistant professor, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru was the moderator. This seminar was organised by the departments of History, Economics and Political Science. Ms Tiffany, faculty at St Agnes College, compered the programme. Meera Devi B, faculty, Department of History proposed the vote of thanks.