Udupi: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, organised a Handing Over Ceremony at Glarida Estate, Kowdoor, marking the formal transfer of the estate to the Mangalore Jesuit Education Society (MJES). The event signified an important expansion of the Jesuit presence and educational mission in the Udupi district, reinforcing the institution’s long-term commitment to quality education and inclusive development.
The estate was handed over by Lawrence Saldanha and Reeda Saldanha, proprietors of Glarida Estate. Speaking on the occasion, they shared their long-cherished dream and close association with the Jesuits, expressing the hope that their native village would grow into a centre for providing quality education to future generations.
Strengthening the Jesuit mission in Udupi
Welcoming the gathering, Melwin J Pinto, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions and Pro-Chancellor of St Aloysius University, conveyed deep appreciation for the generous gesture of the donors. He emphasised that the transfer of the Glarida Estate would significantly strengthen the institution’s mission, outreach activities, and long-term educational vision in the region.
He noted that Jesuit education has always focused on holistic formation, combining academic excellence with social responsibility, and that the new estate offers meaningful opportunities to extend these values to the Udupi district.
Commitment to quality education and inclusive development
Presiding over the programme, Dionysius Vaz, Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province and Chancellor of St Aloysius University, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Lawrence and Mrs Reeda Saldanha for their trust and generosity. In his presidential address, he highlighted the Jesuit commitment to quality education, inclusive growth, and service to society, stating that the Glarida Estate would be developed in alignment with these core principles.
He added that Jesuit institutions have a long tradition of responding to the educational needs of society and empowering communities through learning, and that this expansion would further strengthen that legacy in coastal Karnataka.
A gift with lasting academic and social value
Proposing the vote of thanks, Praveen Martis, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius University, expressed sincere gratitude to the donors, dignitaries, clergy, and all those who contributed to the smooth conduct of the ceremony. He underlined the lasting academic value and societal relevance of the Glarida Estate, describing it as a foundation for the University’s future growth and service-oriented initiatives.
He said the estate would serve as a catalyst for new academic programmes, research, and community engagement, ensuring that the vision of the donors and the mission of the Jesuits converge for the greater good of society.
Presence of university and parish community
The ceremony was attended by the Registrar, Directors, Deans, faculty members, and students of St Aloysius University, along with members of the Kanajar Parish, reflecting strong community participation and support. The gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit between the University, the Jesuit community, the donors, and local stakeholders.
The Handing Over Ceremony concluded on a note of gratitude and optimism, marking a new chapter in the expansion of Jesuit education in the Udupi district and reaffirming St Aloysius University’s mission of forming men and women for and with others.