Mangaluru: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, created history by celebrating its First Graduation Day 2026, marking a significant milestone in its 146-year legacy of education. A total of 801 students were conferred degrees, including 56 rank holders and one special prize winner, during the solemn graduation ceremony.
The graduation ceremony was formally declared open by Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ, Chancellor and Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province. Graduates took the graduation oath led by Rev. Fr. Melwin D’Cunha SJ, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and marked the occasion by turning their tassels, followed by the University Anthem rendered by the university choir.
Education must shape character, says Prof. C. Raj Kumar
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, and Chief Guest, congratulated the graduating students as the pioneers of the university’s legacy.
Emphasising the broader purpose of education, he said, “Education is not about careers. It’s about character.” He encouraged graduates to uphold integrity, compassion, and social responsibility, noting that knowledge becomes meaningful only when guided by strong values.
Leadership rooted in humility and responsibility
Guest of Honour Prof. Miloš Lichner SJ, Vice Chancellor of Trnava University, Slovakia, reflected on the rich legacy of Jesuit institutions and urged graduates to lead with humility and responsibility.
He observed that true leadership is demonstrated through actions rather than words, reminding students that “life is the last argument—people follow example more readily than instructions.”
Jesuit values to guide future leaders
In his address, Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ highlighted the enduring principles of Jesuit education, including equity, discernment, empathy, and justice.
He expressed confidence that St Aloysius University would continue to grow into a globally recognised institution, producing leaders across diverse fields while encouraging graduates to carry “generosity and humility” throughout their lives.
Welcoming the gathering, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius University, emphasised the importance of purposeful action and meaningful contribution to society.
Dr. Ronald Nazareth, Registrar, presented the list of graduates and recognised the rank holders and outstanding achievers. Rev. Fr. Brian Pereira SJ, Pro-Chancellor and Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, honoured the recipient of the special prize.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Vaishali Rai, who acknowledged the contributions of the faculty, staff, students, and organising committee in making the university’s first graduation ceremony a memorable occasion.
The programme was compered by Dr. Vidya Vinutha Dsouza and Mr. Vishal Nayak.
