Mangaluru: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised EYECONIC 2025 – Empowered Beyond Limits as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the SAHODAYA Association on March 12, 2025, at Fr L.F. Rasquinha Hall. The event served as an inspirational platform, celebrating individuals who have overcome disabilities to achieve remarkable success.

Dignitaries and guests

The event was graced by Rev. Fr Prashant Madtha, former principal of St. Aloysius College, as the chief guest, and Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), as the presiding officer. Also present were Dr Alwyn D’Sa (Registrar, St Aloysius College – Autonomous), Dr Ronald Nazareth (Registrar, St Aloysius – Deemed to be University), Dr Charles V. Furtado (Founder President of SAHODAYA & Director of Admin Block), Dr Roshan Fredrick Dsouza (President of SAHODAYA), and Neel Shetty (student secretary).

Inspirational stories of achievers

EYECONIC 2025 featured two extraordinary achievers, Ms Kanmony S. and Ms Meghana K.T., IAS, who shared their inspiring journeys.

  • Ms Kanmony S. from Trivandrum, Kerala, was born without arms but has mastered life using her feet. A talented musician, she holds a postgraduate degree in vocal music and has performed over 500 concerts, including one at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She has also excelled in painting, with over 250 displayed artworks. She believes that perception shapes beauty and that “everyone is able; what matters is how we use our abilities.”

  • Ms Meghana K.T., IAS, is the Assistant Director at DD Chandana, Bengaluru. Despite losing 70% of her vision, she cleared KPSC and UPSC twice, securing AIR 465 (2019) and AIR 425 (2021). She overcame challenges with resilience and determination, believing that “life is 10% what happens and 90% how we react to it.” Her passion for singing, dancing, and public speaking has helped her inspire many.

    • Alumni reflections and institutional contributions

    Former SAHODAYA members Shiny Shetty (writer & director), Vijetha (2004 batch student), and Abhaya Simha (film director) shared how the association helped shape their careers.

    • Rev. Fr Prashant Madtha reflected on SAHODAYA’s 25-year journey, emphasizing its mission to support people with disabilities.
    • Rev. Dr Praveen Martis praised the initiative for touching lives, especially within the student community. He also announced the launch of the Accessibility Center at the university to provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
    • Dr Charles Furtado, SAHODAYA’s founder, highlighted the need for education to focus on both the mind and heart, drawing inspiration from Helen Keller.

    Felicitation and inauguration

    Kanmony S. and Meghana K.T., IAS, were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. The event also marked the inauguration of the Accessibility Center, reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

    About SAHODAYA Association

    Founded in 2000, SAHODAYA is an outreach programme of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities. From an initial 30 students, it has grown into a movement involving hundreds of students and alumni. SAHODAYA fosters empathy, inclusion, and self-reliance through various initiatives, making a lasting impact on volunteers and beneficiaries alike.