Mangaluru: The NSS Special Camp of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, was held from January 19 to 25, 2019 in the premises of St Sebastian Higher Primary School, Hosabettu, Moodbidri.
The camp was inaugurated on January 19, 2019, by Rita Cutinha, Member of Taluk Panchayath and President of the Standing Committee, Mangaluru Taluk Panchayath, by lighting the lamp. Rev. Fr Santosh Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, Assistant Director of St Joseph Engineering College, Dr Sudheer M, Incharge Principal of St Joseph Engineering College, Precilla Pinto, Headmistress of St Sebastian Higher Primary School, Basil Colaco, Vice President of Holy Cross Church Committee, Manohar Cutinha, Secretary of Holy Cross Church Committee and Sr Laveena, Superior, BSDP Sisters Congregation were the other dignitaries who graced the inaugural.
Mr Rajesh K, NSS Programme Officer welcomed the gathering during the inaugural. Rev. Fr Santosh Rodrigues in his speech stressed about the importance of social service and congratulated the students for attending the camp. Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, motivated the students to actively participate in the camp. Dr Sudheer M briefed the students about the role of NSS in nation building and inspired the students to actively involve themselves in social service.
The camp was attended by a total of 52 participants along with staff members. ‘Shramadhan’ was conducted during the special camp where all the participants chipped in to contribute their bit. Volunteers cleaned the bushes on either side of the main road near the school entrance. They also cleaned the premises of the church. As part of the Shramadhan activity, the soil was dug for rain water harvesting and recharge pits were created in the church premises. During the special camp, yoga sessions and flag hoisting ceremonies were held, every morning. In addition to it, there were a series of lectures arranged for the students.
Snake Kiran shared his knowledge about snakes and enlightened the students about the importance of snakes. Ronald D’Souza, Aquatic Bio Systems, shared his experiences on fisheries. Students also had a visit to a few of the famous places in Karkala including St Lawrence Church, Attur, Koti Chennaya Theme Park and Gomateshwara Temple. Students also visited Hosabettu village and interacted with the villagers. Curtains were drawn on the camp with the Valedictory Programme held on January 24, 2019.
Dr Rio D’Souza, Principal of St Joseph Engineering College appreciated the students for being a part of the special camp and suggested to come up with similar programmes in future.
Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director of St Joseph Engineering College, lauded the students for making time for such activities despite the holiday season. Rev. Fr Santosh Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, Assistant Director of St Joseph Engineering College and Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, Chief of R&D of St Joseph Engineering College were the other dignitaries present.
