St Aloysius PU College celebrates 143rd Annual College Day

Mangaluru: The 143rd Annual College Day Celebration of St Aloysius Pre-University College was celebrated on Dec 9, 2022 at the college grounds with the theme ‘Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity.’

Cdr Karthik Das, Commanding Officer, 6 Karnataka Naval Unit NCC, Udupi, was the Chief Guest.

Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto S J, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, presided over the function.

The formal programme began on a prayerful note followed by a marvellous welcome dance. Speaking on the occasion Cdr Karthik Das reminisced about his time as a student in this college, the teachers who taught him and the unflinching support and encouragement received at the college that motivated him to turn his ambitions into reality. Addressing the students, he pointed out that no job is menial, every task has its importance & relevance and one should not shy away from it, irrespective of one’s social stature or public perception. He further spoke about substance abuse and stated people take refuge in these substances when they are unable to experience the true joys of life. He explained that the best solution for this is to have a deep and meaningful friendship, like spending quality time with near and dear ones, having two-way communication between siblings and associates, and pursuing hobbies, physical activities and goals.

He advised the students, to be that true friend who finds their own purpose and takes all their friends along the right path, developing their mental tenacity which enables them to make the right choices in life. He also added that the manifestation of stress among youth is a frequent problem faced by a lot of educators today. He suggested psychological & psychiatric assistance, participating in sports, listening to music and surrounding themselves with positive people who appreciate their good qualities and help them overcome their not-so-good ones and eliminate their stress.

He motivated the students to “Always remember that life is tough, but you are tougher”, and “Giving up is never an option, so develop a never say die attitude to beat those moody blues and set small achievable targets to reach seemingly insurmountable goals.

Finance Officer Rev. Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, appreciated the college for the commendable work done in the academic year. He narrated the parable of a boy and a tree depicting the importance of selfless giving. He urged the students to reflect on from whom and what they have received from others in life, realize the pain and efforts that the giver has experienced and now it was their turn to offer.

Fr Pradeep told the students to stay true to the motto of the college: ‘Forming Men and Women for and with others.’ He stated that it is by giving that we receive. He urged the students to rise to the opportunity and give back to the college and the nation what they have received and to draw inspiration from the chief guest of the day, Cdr Karthik Das.

A prize distribution ceremony was organized to felicitate and honour the achievers in academics, extracurricular activities, and sports, who have brought laurels to this institution.

The Principal, Rev Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ presented the annual report screening a video report which highlighted the activities held in the college as well as the achievements, academic and extracurricular activities, and sports.

The Vice Principal of Science, Muralikrishna GM welcomed the gathering.

Harsh Ponnappa, the Student Council President, proposed the vote of thanks.

Vibhali Shetty and Mahith Alva compered the programme.

The formal ceremony was followed by a spectacular cultural show, comprising foot-tapping music, dance drama, and a medley of enchanting dance performances of different genres-western, Russian, folk, Bollywood, neon and more all bound by the theme of the day-Protect Earth, Dignify Humanity.

The Vice Principal of Commerce and Arts, Charlotte D’souza, the Deans Dr Pradeep M and Kiran Shetty, Convenor Preetham Shetty, Student Council Vice President Anvi Shetty, Secretary Sanjana Shetty, Joint Secretary Ashton D’Souza, Cultural Secretary Krish P Chowta and Sports Secretary Abhisha Shetty were present on the dais.

It was a splendid evening filled with formal and cultural extravaganza for all the students of SAPUC and their parents who went back with the memorable event firmly etched in their minds.