Mangaluru: Milagres College, in collaboration with IQAC, organized a unique program titled ‘Our Voice Our College: Students Governance in Action.’ On Thursday, December 14, the Milagres College Students’ Council assumed control of academics for the day. The students’ council took on all responsibilities, including academic duties and other roles typically performed by teachers.
The day commenced with an ID card inspection. During the inspection, the students noticed that Fr Michael Santhumayor, the principal of the institution, was not wearing his ID card. Consequently, he was fined for the oversight. A group of 58 students assumed the roles of the college administration, including the positions of principal, vice-principal, 7 HODs, and 49 faculty members. The students conducted classes according to the schedule, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and engaging in question-and-answer sessions.
Fr Michael Santhumayor, the principal of Milagres College, remarked, “Today, we wore different attire, and I was not the principal. My students served as today’s principal, vice principal, and teachers. This decision arose when the students proposed the idea, and we wanted to encourage them, so we granted them this day. The students managed all activities, with teachers monitoring and grading them accordingly.”
He further added, “This opportunity allows students to understand the challenges teachers face. When the student union takes the oath, they commit to engaging in college activities. It is our responsibility to ensure they have the chance to fulfil those duties. I have full confidence that the students will perform admirably.”
Denson D’Silva, the college pupil leader (CPL) and principal for the day stated, “The student council requested the principal to let us manage the college for a day, handling academics and discipline. The principal agreed to this opportunity. Today, the entire student council, comprising 58 students, is responsible for running the institute. We are grateful to the college management for this valuable opportunity.”
Trishool R Anchan, the vice principal for the day, commented, “Today, every task, including taking classes and managing discipline, falls on the shoulders of the student council. It is a unique experience that helps us understand how teachers respond to various situations. We hope the day goes well, and we thank the management for entrusting us with this responsibility.”
At 2 p.m., the program was followed by an evaluation session. Students, along with staff and the principal, discussed both positive and negative points regarding the session. Eleven students shared their experiences of being lecturers for a day, emphasizing it as a valuable opportunity and learning process.
The event coordinator, Denzil E Pinto, commended all the students and faculty for their exemplary roles, and positive remarks were given by the staff to all the students.
