The inauguration of the first edition of Aloysian Literature Festival (ALF) was held on 9 February 2019 in the Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block.  ALF is organized by the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in English, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru. This year’s festival is envisaged with a clear thematic concern that is conservation of ecology.

The inauguration began with an audio/ video representation showcasing the importance of preserving the habitats of indigenous Warli people.  Principal Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ inaugurated the programme. Rev Dr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, presided over.

Principal Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ in his speech congratulated the organizers for taking initiative to organize such an innovative programme. India is a country of biodiversity. The Warlie Tribe (Adivasi) are the indigenous people who needs the support. They lose their art and culture due to diversity. We must preserve the art and culture of such community through educating people by organizing such programmes. so that the younger generation can spread awareness to preserve the rich art and culture of our country. He wished well for the organizers as well as participants.

   
Rev Dr Dionysius Vaz in his presidential remark congratulated the department for organizing such a meaningful programme. He said that, due to the unplanned and the shortsighted economic growth, ecological diversity and the poor will suffer a lot. He quoted that when we are closer to nature, we are close to God. Hence, preserve the nature, culture and art which is real the wealth of our country.During the festival, the following programmes will be organized.
1) Two-day Workshop in Film Appreciation on 9 and 10 February offered by Sri. Abhaya Simha, Director, Screen Writer and the winner of National Award for two of his films.

2) Two-day National Seminar on “Ecology and Literature” on 11 and 12 February (Resource persons from Central Universities, IIT and IISC)

3. Three day Workshop in “Playing the World: Intution, Enquiry, Insight ( A Workshop in Cultural Studies and Critical Thinking through Theatre and Arts Appreciation) from 13 to 15 February offered by Shri Raghunandana.

4.  One day Workshop in Creating Editorial Cartoons offered by Satish Archarya on 16 February.

Registrar Dr A.M. Narahari, Convener of ALF, Girish N, HOD of PG Studies and Research in English Dr Melissa Goveas, Student Coordinator, Mishelle D’Souza, were present on the dais.

Girish N welcomed the gathering. Bhavya, II MA compeered the programme. Dr. Melissa Goveas proposed the vote of thanks.