Empowering Leaders: St. Aloysius PUC holds Investiture Ceremony

Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College hosted an investiture ceremony on June 30, 2023, at the Loyola Auditorium. The event held immense significance as it marked the official induction of the recently elected student council members into their respective roles and responsibilities. During the ceremony, the students took a solemn oath to dedicate themselves to the service of the college and the student community.

The chief guest for the occasion was M Ganesh Kamath, President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mangaluru. Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, presided over the program. The Principal, Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, Finance officer, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, Campus Minister, Rev. Fr Derick Anthony, Vice Principals Vilma Fernandes and Muralikrishna GM, Deans Dr Pradeep M and Kiran Shetty, and Amitha Shetty, the convenor, were also present on stage.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a meaningful prayer song rendered by the students and a welcome dance. The Principal, Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, welcomed the gathering and congratulated the newly elected student council members. He emphasized that the elected members are ambassadors of the college’s ethos and urged them to be role models, serving, encouraging, and guiding others. He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, given the multicultural and multi-religious nature of the campus. He encouraged the student leaders to measure their impact through the little things they do, which can positively change people’s lives. He concluded by asking God to grant wisdom and vision to stand and serve others.

Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ administered the oath to the President, Nikhil K, Vice President Mohammed Rehaan Bawa, Secretary, Manya Dechamma M M, Joint Secretary, Harsh A Sharma, Joint Secretary Jewel Isabella Cutinha, Cultural Secretary of Science, Nischal Gangadhar Naiga, Cultural Secretary of Commerce and Arts, Sanketh B Chowta, Sports Secretary and all the Class Representatives and Association Secretaries. During the ceremony, the student leaders received their badges and pledged to serve their fellow students and the college community with integrity and excellence. The Presidents of the extension services in the college, Centre for Social Concern, Centre for Religious Concern, and Centre for Inter-Religious Harmony were also adorned with a sash and a badge.

In his speech, the President of the Students’ Council, Nikhil K, emphasized how he drew inspiration from his previous leader and expressed his honour at being elected as the President. He concluded by urging everyone to believe in and pursue their dreams, and he congratulated the other leaders and class representatives.

The Chief Guest, M Ganesh Kamath, an alumnus of the college, expressed his joy at returning to the campus and reminisced about his experience during the election process. He urged the leaders to be proactive, plan effectively, lend a helping hand, and manage their time in order to achieve success. He emphasized that leaders shape the direction of the theme and advised them to step out of their comfort zones and leave a lasting impact on the sands of time.

Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, in his Presidential address, congratulated the student council members and emphasized that leadership is about networking. He encouraged students to utilize technology to build strong connections. He highlighted that leaders serve as a bridge between the college and the student community, emphasizing their duty towards every student. Finally, he congratulated the leaders and wished them a fruitful year ahead.

The ceremony concluded with a meaningful dance drama that depicted how the role of the leaders extends beyond the four walls of the college into the protection of the environment.

NihaFahim from the Department of Chemistry compered the program, while Kiran Shetty, Director of the Students’ Council, proposed the vote of thanks.

Overall, the event served as a testament to the vibrant and supportive community at SAPUC and showcased the college’s commitment to providing its students with opportunities for growth and development.