Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (AM)

Mangaluru, Feb 24: A glittering ceremony marked the annual day celebrations of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor here on Friday, February 24.

Speaking on the occasion, Jeevan Saldanha, president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO of Spectrum Industries, said the college had excelled in all areas according to the annual report. He said, “There is saying, ‘we engineers, move the world’. To move the world we have to be prepared. In today’s competitive world, knowledge is power. Young people of today and tomorrow will face wide range of possibilities that our generation could only dream about. Entrepreneurial capital is an important pillar for the development of a nation. Entrepreneurs venture into risky areas and achieve success. Good entrepreneurs disrupt system using technology and leapfrog the challenges of current business models. Today’s kids are taking risk and venturing into new and unexplored areas. We have a great talent pool here. It may sound great, but entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. It requires hardwork and a never-say-die attitude”.

Saldanha narrated his own experience about how he ventured into optical sorting system business and concluded saying that all of us have to give a try and should have the will to succeed.

N Vinaya Hegde, chancellor, Nitte University and president of Nitte Education Trust said, “To be successful in life, you need hardwork, honesty and integrity. You will face many hurdles on your way to success. But hardwork and sincerity will pay off. I give credit of my successful career largely to the institutions where I did my education. I started on a less salary, but today, I am an industrialist and an educationist. Whether you enjoy your work or not, give your full effort to the work you do”.

“Many of get frustrated due to various reasons and quit jobs in 2 to 3 years. This is not the way. I worked for less salary for the first 15 years of my career, but gained enough knowledge which helped me to be what I am today. Join some company of your domain. It can be any engineering stream. Patience and sacrifice is very important. Do not accept any job which does not belong to your domain. Wait for your turn and grab the opportunity you get,” he added.

“Do not forget your parents and the institutions where you got educated. Never let them down and always be grateful to them,” he concluded.

Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, president of SJEC who presided over the function wished everyone a happy college day and said that the youth should take Jeevan Saldanha and Vinaya Hegde as their role models. He thanked them for the words of wisdom and encouragement. “College Day is a day for all to come together as a team. We are proud of your accomplishments. We all should lead the college to higher success with plans and vision. I am happy to announce the re-accreditation of our college programmes by National College of Accreditation. Congratulation to all of you. I am grateful to all those who worked with one heart and one mind for the success of this college. Let us all work hard and achieve greater success and excellence,” he said.

Students who achieved laurels in various spheres like sports, cultural activities and academics were honoured on the occasion by the dignitaries. Jeevan Saldanha and Vinaya Hegde were also felicitated.

Earlier, Fr Joseph J Lobo, director, SJEC welcomed the gathering. Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal, SJEC presented the annual report of the institution.

Sathyendra Bhat and Sadhika Shetty compered the event. Rachana Crasta, convenor delivered the vote of thanks.

Fr Rohith D’Costa, assistant director, SJEC; Dr Rio D’Souza, vice-principal, SJEC; Fr Joseph Cadoza, campus counsellor and Keith Fernandes, convenor were also present.