Mangaluru: St Aloysius PU College, recently organized a splendid valedictory ceremony for the outgoing batch of 2020-22. The programme was presided by the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto. Prof. Prameela Rao, HOD of Political Science Department, Government First Grade College, Mangaluru was the chief guest.
The programme commenced with a prayer song by the choir which was followed by an inter-religious prayer service. The I PU students provided a rousing reception to all with a captivating welcome dance. The event was formally inaugurated by the chief guest with the lighting of a lamp. The student council members symbolically lit candles to signify the knowledge and learning received in the institution and also indicate that they will pass on the flame of hope, service, compassion and peace in their lives ahead.
The Principal, Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ in the opening speech welcomed all and also introduced the chief guest. In his message to the students, he exhorted them to hold on to the hope that had guided them through adversity and to live a life of service to others, explore the depths of kindness, and promote international brotherhood.
Arundathi Vasanth, Lenin Continuo and Shallen Sequeira from Arts, Commerce and Science streams respectively recounted fond memories of their time spent in the college. They also expressed their gratitude to the management and staff for all the guidance and support.
Prof. Pramila Rao stated in her address that farewell is a milestone that requires mental preparation and plans for the life ahead. She advised the students to enjoy their studies which will help them ease the academic pressure. She also motivated them to face the challenges by periodic goal setting and by controlling their mind, body, and emotions. She appealed to the student community to give preference to leading a life that is of sacrifice and service to others.
The Rector, Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto in his presidential remarks expressed happiness that the students of this batch had overcome adversity on account of the pandemic and had adapted well to the changing times. He exuded confidence that all the students not only be successful in the upcoming board examination but also in the test of life. He told the students to be appreciative of the role of teachers in these two years as they were able to redesign the teaching strategies due to the constant disruptions in the academic year and meet the learning requirements of the students. He also applauded the contribution of the guest of honour in promoting women’s hygiene in rural areas and felt this was a message to the students to not just get involved in one’s job but also contribute to society He urged the outgoing students to keep the memories of their alma mater in their minds and the values learnt over here close to their hearts.
Students who excelled in academics, extracurriculars and sports with awards and prizes were felicitated. Pallavi Prabhakaran, Convener concluded the program with a vote of thanks. I PU students Safa and Winston compered the programme.
Campus Minister, Rev. Fr Sujay Daniel SJ, Vice Principals, Charlotte D’ Souza & Muralikrishna G M, the Deans Dr Pradeep M, and Kiran Shetty and the event conveners Arun D’Souza and Pallavi Prabhakaran, were also present on the dais.
I PU students provided the perfect entertainment for their seniors during the informal segment of the parting event with scintillating performances of dance and music. The audience tapped their feet to the exuberant dances and synchronized with the emotional farewell songs. The second-year students also set the stage on fire for one last time with a rocking band performance.
The highlight of the non-formal category of the send-off event was the screening of a short film. The presentation featured footage and photo collages of events and student activities over the last two years brilliantly crafted and edited by the team of I PU students led by Krish Chawta. The incredible and indelible memories of the time spent in college rewound on-screen provided nostalgic sentiments on the occasion. The valediction of the graduating batch was rounded off with students heading home after the event with mementoes in hand and mixed emotions in their hearts.
