The School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, in collaboration with the Institute of Social Service, today marked the birth centenary of its founder principal, Late Dr. Olinda Pereira (1925–2020), with a commemorative programme at the College Auditorium. The Roshni Alumni Association and the Centre for Leadership and Social Development joined in the celebration, adding depth and meaning to the occasion.
Dr. Pereira, a trailblazer in professional social work education in Karnataka, was honoured for her lifelong dedication to upholding human dignity, empowering women, and championing the welfare of senior citizens—values that continue to inspire generations of social workers and community leaders.
Sri. Vinay Kumar Sorake, distinguished alumnus and former Urban Development Minister, served as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme. In his address, he extolled Dr. Pereira’s service to humanity, particularly in advancing women’s empowerment and social work education and practice. He credited his public service as a product of her influence on him and a tribute to her principle of putting others before self. He announced that a bus shelter in front of the institution had recently been named after Roshni Nilaya and shared his efforts to have the adjacent cross road named in honour of Dr. Pereira. He also pledged to work towards securing funds from the Christian Minority Development Corporation to help the institution expand its exemplary work in social work education and practice.
Rev. Fr. Cedric Prakash S.J., noted human rights activist and Dr. Pereira’s nephew, was the Guest of Honour. He spoke of the three dimensions of Dr. Pereira’s life: as a Woman who rendered yeoman service to uplift other women, the marginalised, and the aged; as a Citizen who nurtured citizenship in others through social work education and practice; and as a Marian, walking in the footsteps of Mother Mary, her lifelong ideal.
Other eminent speakers included Dr. Juliet Joseph C.J., Provincial, Daughters of the Heart of Mary (India Province South); Ms. Eveleen Benis, Secretary, Institute of Social Service and Vishwas Trust; Ms. Vida Sequeira, President, Institute of Social Service, Mangalore, who welcomed the gathering; and Mr. Bhima Rao, Trustee, Centre for Leadership and Social Development, representing Chairman Mr. S. N. Gopinath. Mr. Rao fondly recalled his student days under Dr Olinda Pereira, outlined CLSD initiatives, and reiterated how Dr. Pereira’s humanity continues to guide him daily.
The programme highlights included the release of a Special Centenary Edition of the Adelaide Journal of Social Work by Rev. Fr. Cedric Prakash; a presentation on the AMARA Miyawaki Plantation Project by Mr. Kishore Attavar, former President, Roshni Alumni Association and environmental conservationist; an appeal to support the institution’s Dream Project – The Dr. Olinda Pereira Centenary Building by Ms. Cecelia Goveas, Controller of Examinations; and the announcement of the Roshni Impact Awards by Mr. Anand D’Silva, President, Roshni Alumni Association.
The Roshni Impact Awards, instituted jointly by the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, and the Roshni Alumni Association, will honour professional social workers whose vision, courage, and commitment have transformed lives and communities across India. These awards will spotlight the often unsung heroes and inspire a movement towards a just, equitable, and sustainable India. The inaugural edition will be held on December 20, 2025, at the Roshni Nilaya campus in Mangaluru.
Cultural performances added an artistic dimension to the tributes, celebrating Dr. Pereira’s life and values.
The centenary celebration was a heartfelt homage to Dr. Olinda Pereira’s enduring influence on social work education and community leadership, reaffirming her vision of a just, inclusive, and compassionate society.