Mysore/Mysuru: St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous),   Mysuru, had organised a vibrant Literary Awareness Programme and its signature cultural fest, ‘Desi Habba’, in the college premises recently.

The event, held in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), aimed to foster a love for literature and celebrate the richness of Indian regional traditions among the youth.

The programme, announcing the relaunching of the Literary Club, was inaugurated by Dr. Vijay Sheshadri, Senior Professor of English at Mysore University.

Dr. Sheshadri emphasised the vital role of literature in shaping critical thinking and empathy. He urged students to look beyond digital distractions and engage deeply with the written word.

Coinciding with the International Mother Language Day, the event highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity.

Shubha Sanjay Urs, Founder and Chairperson of Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust, who was the special guest, spoke about the power of storytelling in one’s mother tongue and the initiatives taken by Book Clubs to keep regional languages alive in the modern era.

Following the formal session, the campus transformed into a colourful hub of tradition for ‘Desi Habba’. Students represented various Indian States in their ethnic best, performed dances that showcased the rural heart of Karnataka and rendered songs promoting the “Vocal for Local” sentiment.

Rev. Dr. Lourdu Prasad Joseph, Rector; Rev. Fr. Gnana Pragasam, Campus Administrator; A. Thomas Gunaseelan, IQAC Coordinator; Dr. A.T. Sadebose, Dean of Languages, Dr. A.P. Poornima, Cultural Committee Coordinator; John Joseph, System Admin and Raviraj I Vadigeri, BVoc Department, were present on the occasion.

Roopa Selveria compered the event. P. Babu, Malayalam HoD, Dr. V. Deepa, IQAC Co-Coordinator, Deepthi, BSW HoD, Dr. Shobana, Hindi Department, Niveditha, Kannada Department, Dr. Yamuna B. Raj, Journalism Department and Harshitha of Computer Science Department successfully organised the event.