Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 13: St Agnes College (Autonomous) celebrated ‘Navidad’, a charity Christmas programme on December 13 from 2.30 pm onwards in the Mother Mary Aloysia Centenary Auditorium.
The college has hosted this charity show for the past 25 years. All the staff and students make a conscious choice to help in the construction of a house for a deserving member of the Agnesian family. This collective effort on behalf of the institution culminated in a joyous Christmas celebration with a plethora of entertaining items on stage.
The programme began with a prayer song that was followed by a welcome dance. Dr Geetha Pinto, associate professor, Chemistry (PG) welcomed the gathering. The students of the college presented a beautiful tableau on the birth of Jesus that was followed by Christmas carol singing, an exciting medley of dances and a Christmas theme based English play 'Judgement Day' by the UG students.
Dr Sr Vinora AC, co-ordinator of St Agnes Center for Research and PG Studies, conducted the formal program. Sr Dr Lydia Fernandes, joint secretary of St Agnes Institutions was the guest of honour and delivered the Christmas message and elaborated on the significance of ‘Navidad’ as a program for spreading happiness through sharing and giving.
Vincent Cutinha, president, Rachana, Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was the chief guest and in his address, stressed on the importance of being compassionate and empathetic towards the poor and needy. One of the best practices of St Agnes College is to help a needy family during Christmas time by providing a shelter for the homeless. This year the beneficiary is Santosh, one of the support staff of the college. Dr Sr Vinora AC introduced the beneficiary to the gathering and Dr Sr Venissa AC, principal of the college, handed over the contribution to him along with his mother who was also present.
As is the practice every year, there was a lucky draw of the Navidad coupons, and the lucky winner was K Adarsh Shenoy, a student of I BCA. Prizes for selling the highest number of tickets were also announced and the winner among the staff was Sr Linet Dsouza AC of the Maths department and Roshal Tauro, a III year student of the college. Deeksha, I Bsc and Shalini, II Bcom compered the programme.
Shanti Nazareth, HoD of Secretarial Practice and the convener of the program proposed a vote of thanks. The programme ended on a positive note ringing in cheer and gaiety and spreading the message of giving, sharing and caring which the essence of Christmas is.