Mangaluru: The St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA) organised the Aloysian Youth Icon Awards – 2026 at L F Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), celebrating the achievements of distinguished young alumni.

Established in 1880, St Aloysius College has, for 146 years, remained a centre of academic excellence and value-based education in Mangaluru. The Alumni Association continues to serve as a vital pillar of support to the institution, fostering engagement between former students and the college community.

Following the successful institution of the “Eminent Aloysian Awards” to honour distinguished alumni, SACAA introduced the “Aloysian Youth Icon” Award in 2023 to recognise young achievers who have excelled in diverse fields and to inspire current students through their journeys.

Dignitaries and proceedings

The programme commenced at 3:00 pm and was convened by Capt. Patrick Pais, Convener of Youth Icon 2026. The dignitaries on the dais included Rev Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions; Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Anil Kumar, President of SACAA; Conrad Nazareth, Secretary of SACAA; and Fr Clifford, Principal of St Aloysius PU College.

The speakers highlighted the importance of recognising young achievers who embody professional excellence, institutional values and social responsibility.

Aloysian Youth Icon – 2026 awardees

The following young alumni were honoured with the Aloysian Youth Icon – 2026 Award:

  • Viani Antonio D’Cunha – International Chess Master
  • Shruthi Merin Lal – Scholar in Anthropology and Sociology
  • Ninaad Lasrado – Viral Immunologist
  • Swetha Arehole – Danseuse and Performing Arts Professional
  • Manvitha Kamath – Actor and Cultural Entrepreneur

The awards recognise alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their respective fields while upholding the core values instilled by the institution.

Inspiring the next generation

The ceremony served as a celebration of youthful excellence and a reminder to current students that true success extends beyond personal accomplishment to responsible leadership and service to society.

The event concluded with the reaffirmation of the alumni spirit: “Once an Aloysian… Always an Aloysian…”