Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 2: In loving and grateful memory of the contributions made by Dr Olinda Pereira, the founder principal of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, towards Professional Social Work, a trust, namely, ‘Centre for Leadership and Social Development' was inaugurated by Isaac Vas, president of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mangaluru joined by the founder trustees and the former students of Dr Olinda Pereira - S N Gopinath, Bhima Rao and Ravichandra Bekal and Dr Rita Noronha, professor Emeritus, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, Dheeraj Shetty, president of Roshni Alumni association, Mangaluru and the president of Roshni Alumni association, Bengaluru chapter, alumni and student representatives on Tuesday at 10.00 am at the college premises.
Isaac Vas in his inaugural address appreciated the institute for its active involvement in social development. Speaking about leadership he opined that there is a need for quality-oriented leadership in the region for ensuring overall development and governance. He further stated that the purpose of the School of Social Work and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry is complementary as the former caters to human resource training while the latter is involved in entrepreneurial development. Vas highlighted the need for collaboration between the two to create synergy.
The trustees S N Gopinath and Bhima Rao highlighted that the trust will foster the initiatives which bring forth and keep alive the ideals practiced and cherished by Dr Olinda Pereira - 'Love is made fruitful in service', to encourage and develop value-based leadership, to encourage and undertake action-oriented Social Research and Publications as well as Social Development programmes and activities that Dr Olinda Pereira believed in, such as Gender Diversity and Empowerment, helping the needy and deserving, being the voice of the voiceless, care of the elderly and other areas she had focused on.
Professor Rita Noronha appreciated the Roshni alumni association for initiating a Centre for leadership and Social development with a noble cause. She opined that there is a need for a transformative leader, the one who inspires and builds others to be a leader. An inclusive society can only be visualised only when there are transformative leaders like Dr Olinda Pereira she opined.
Philomena D'Sa in her presidential address called upon the social workers and students to practise commitment, determination and deep conviction as it practiced by Olinda Pereira and congratulated the alumni for being thoughtful in initiating a trust in memory of Dr Pereira.
Philomena D’Sa, Veeda Sequeira and Dr Juliet C J unveiled a photograph of Maria Paiva Couceiro and Gopinath, Bhima Rao and Ravichandra Bekal unveiled the photograph of Dr Olinda Periera during the occasion. Dr Jenis Mary briefed about the souvenir to be released in memory of Dr Olinda Periera. Isaac Vas released the souvenirs.
Professor Veeda Sequiera, president of the institute welcomed the gathering, Deeraj Shetty, president of Roshni Alumni Association, Mangaluru introduced the chief guest. Ravichandra Bekal delivered the vote of thanks. Professor Shalini Prabhu and Liyana Mary Joseph compered the event.