Mangaluru: Once classmates and carefree close buddies, now they are almost always busy with their routine work. Though they share their feelings or opinions on social media platforms frequently in their spare time, meeting physically was a distant dream for them. However, taking a break from their stressful lives, the alumni of Mangalagangothri came together at the campus on Sunday, February 17.
The grand reunion was held under the title ‘MAA Utsav’ organised by the Mangala Alumni Association (MAA) of Mangalagangontri, Konaje. Over 550 alumni of Mangaluru University joined together and recalled their sweet memories. They screamed with immense joy and called each other with their nick-names. Besides that, they played cricket and lagori and participated in the cultural programmes too.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. B A Vivek Rai, former vice chancellor of Kannada University Hampi . After inaugurating the programme, Vivek Rai opined that the relationship of old students should not be limited to the chatting on social media. “It is better to meet each other in order to refresh the relationship and strengthen the bond”, he said.
Vivek Rai also revealed that he was a student of the first batch of Mangalagangotri. “I have been connected to Mangaluru University from the past 36 years as a professor. I had an opportunity to become the vice chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi only because of the kind of education I received here”, he informed.
MAAM Honorary President Ananthkrishna recalled the contribution of Narayan Adiga and N V P in the construction of Mangaluru University. “I am lucky to be the first batch student of Mangaluru University. I am very proud to say that I am the old student of this University”, he said.
Mangaluru University In-charge Vice Chancellor Prof. Ishwar P, Registrar Prof. A M Khan, former minister B B Neelaiah. MAAM Honorary President Venu Sharma, coordinators Prof. Prasanna Rai, Dr. Shripati Kalluraya, Madhusudhan Bhat, Radhakrishna Rao, Dr. Ummappa Poojary among others were present. Convener of MAAM Prof. P L Dharma delivered the introductory speech. President welcomed the gathering and Secretary Ganesh Sanjiv proposed a vote of thanks
In the cricket match held for the students of different departments, the Department of Economics emerged as the winner and Industrial Chemistry department bagged the runners-up trophy. In Lagori competition, the Department of Statistics emerged as the winning team and the Bioscience team the runners-up.
