Ayudha Pooja celebration held by St Aloysius ITI

Mangaluru: Ayudha Pooja celebration was held by St Aloysius ITI on 21 October 2023 at 11 a.m. The word “Ayudha” means tools, and “Pooja” means worship, so Ayudha Pooja involves the sense of gratitude for various tools and implements used in daily life such as tools, equipment, vehicles, computers, agricultural equipment, and other machinery.

People clean, decorate, and perform prayers and rituals on these items to invoke blessings for their proper functioning and success in their respective endeavours. It usually falls on the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, which is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. Ayudha Pooja is observed on the ninth day, or sometimes the tenth day, which is also known as Vijayadashami.

On this special day, all the workshops were decorated with plantain, glazing paper, flowers, mango leaves, and balloon decorations.

Rev Dr Melwyn Dcunha SJ – Dean, Research and Development Cell, Director Gents Hostel, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru was the Chief Guest for the programme. Rev Fr John D’souza SJ – Director, St Aloysius ITI presided over the programme. Roshan D’Souza – Principal, Alwyn Menezes – Vice Principal, Noel Lobo – Training Officer, Wilson N – Convener of the programme, N Shashank – President, Student Council were present for the programme.

Rev Dr Melwyn Dcunha SJ and Rev Fr John Dsouza SJ blessed all the workshops and vehicles.

The programme commenced with a prayer service which was led by Wilson N, Convener of the programme along with the students. Students read verses from the Holy Bible, Bhagavad Gita and Quran. Prayer intentions were offered. An oath to handle tools and machinery safely and for the benefit of mankind was taken by the students. The oath-taking ceremony was led by N Shashank, President of the Student Council.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries.

N Shashank, President of the Student Council escorted the dignitaries to the dais.

Melrick Jaison Dsouza, a student of MRAC 1st year extended a cordial welcome to the gathering.

Srujan a student of MRAC 1st year elaborated on the significance of Ayudha Pooja.

Chief Guest Rev Dr Melwyn Dcunha SJ addressed the gathering by saying, “In our life, there are some distractions happening due to some situations. Nowadays students get distracted by mobile. Everyone has their own dreams. You have an aim in your lifeif you have to reach that aim you should know the techniques and skills required to achieve it. The work that we do must be good. When we work we must follow safety and work hard. Our words, actions, character and thoughts must be good enough for the welfare of the people. The best thought is reading books when you have time.”

In his Presidential address, Rev Fr John Dsouza SJ said, “I visited all the workshops today and felt very happy by seeing the cleanliness and the decorations you have made in decorating your lab. You all have set the tools and equipment very well. You all have creative ideas in you, you must present them.”

Prem Roche, a student of MRAC 1st year proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme was compered by Jason Paul, a student of MRAC 1st year.