Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Chapter of the Roshni Alumni Association (RAA) of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, organised its annual alumni reunion, Milana 2026, at The Capitol Hotel on Rajbhavan Road on Sunday, August 23.
The gathering brought together around 350 alumni from BA, BSW and MSW programmes, creating an opportunity for former students from different generations to reconnect and celebrate their association with the institution.
Alumni from batches spanning 1974 to 2026 participated in the event. Members of other RAA chapters and staff of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, also joined the celebrations.
Tribute paid to members of Roshni family
The programme began with a prayer song followed by a welcome dance performed by Aadhya Shetty, daughter of a Roshni alumnus couple.
A special tribute was paid to alumni and professors who passed away during the year. The gathering remembered Sr Mary Kutty, MSW 2010; Sheetal, BA 2011; Brain Fernandes, 1985; Sudheesh Kumar M, 1981; and beloved professors Dr Prakash Therian and Prof K A Selvaraj.
A moment of silence was observed in their memory, acknowledging their contributions to the Roshni family, social work profession and the alumni community.
The formal programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Dr Cecilia Goveas, Controller of Examinations, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, along with office-bearers and former presidents of the alumni association.
Dharmaprasad Rai, president of RAA Bengaluru, welcomed the gathering, while Sadashiva Naik, treasurer, presented mementoes to the sponsors.
U T Khader calls for greater role for social workers
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare, Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf Minister Dr U T Khader was the chief guest.
Recalling his association with Roshni Nilaya, Khader said his early education at the nursery and kindergarten level was at the institution and expressed his pride in being a senior Roshnite.
In his address, the minister encouraged social work professionals to consider entering politics so that they could contribute more effectively to society.
He also stressed the importance of field studies and research conducted by social work students. He suggested that reports based on grassroots-level studies should be submitted to gram panchayats, local bodies, MLAs and MPs so that policymakers and elected representatives can better understand issues affecting communities.
Khader also highlighted the need for greater employment opportunities for professionally trained social workers.
He emphasised the role of professionals specialising in psychiatric social work, human resource management and community development and suggested their appointment as public relations officers in government and private hospitals.
He further said efforts were being made to frame guidelines encouraging private hospitals to recruit MSW-qualified professionals instead of relying only on MBA graduates for certain roles.
The minister also encouraged citizens to make use of government healthcare facilities and report shortcomings so that services could be improved. Stressing the importance of individual responsibility, he said, “Our health is in our hands.”
Memorandum submitted seeking more job opportunities
During the programme, representatives of RAA and the college submitted a memorandum to Khader seeking increased employment opportunities for Medical Psychiatric Social Workers and MSc Counselling graduates.
The memorandum sought opportunities for qualified professionals across various government departments, including the education sector.
Dr Cecilia Goveas thanked the alumni for their continued association with the institution and appealed to former students to extend support to current students, particularly in improving facilities, education and placement opportunities.
The association also expressed gratitude to its former presidents, founders, volunteers, sponsors and alumni whose contributions helped make Milana 2026 a success.
Three alumni receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to three Roshni alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective professions and society.
M G Balasubrahmanya, director at HAL, was recognised for his contribution to the field of Human Resource Management.
Dr Janet Parameshwara, retired Social Welfare Officer at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, was honoured for her work in medical social work, Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) and hospital management.
Dr Konila Raghavendra Bhat received the award for his contribution to community development, particularly in the areas of child rights and protection.
The three awardees were felicitated by Minister U T Khader and other dignitaries.
Khader and Dr Cecilia Goveas were also felicitated and honoured by the Roshni Alumni Association during the programme.
‘Drishti 2026’ souvenir released
Another significant moment was the release of Drishti 2026, the annual souvenir of the Roshni Alumni Association. The publication was compiled and edited by Tom Stanley.
The souvenir brought together contributions reflecting the association’s activities, alumni experiences and connection with the institution.
The batch of 2002 received special recognition for recording the highest participation in the reunion.
The newly outgoing batch of 2026 was also introduced to the wider alumni community, providing an opportunity for the latest graduates to connect with senior members of the Roshni family.
Alumni come together through music and memories
The reunion continued beyond the formal programme, with alumni members enjoying a nostalgic country band performance during lunch.
The performance featured RAA members Cletus Sequeira, Clement Sequeira, Dolfred D’Souza and Warren D’Souza.
The musical presentation added a celebratory touch to the gathering and helped alumni reconnect through shared memories and camaraderie.
Shanthi D’Souza, secretary of RAA Bengaluru, proposed the vote of thanks, while EC member Rickson Fernandes compered the programme.
With participation from alumni representing more than five decades of graduating batches, Milana 2026 served as a platform for generations of Roshni graduates to reconnect, honour their mentors and celebrate their continuing contribution to society.