Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 20: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, hosted Milan 2024, a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity on campus, with great fervour on November 20. The day was marked by inspiring speeches, colourful performances, and a wide range of events that brought students, staff, and faculty together to celebrate unity in diversity.
The event began with the campus adorned with vibrant artworks designed by the students. The grand inauguration at 9:15 am included the unveiling of the Milan 2024 logo and a welcome address by principal Dr Rio D'Souza. A flash mob and captivating cultural performances, including dances and fun games for the staff and students, set an energetic tone for the day.
Dr Rio D'Souza spoke about the essence of cultural diversity, emphasizing love and compassion as the threads that bind communities together. He highlighted how diversity becomes a strength when celebrated collectively, showcasing the significance of unity through creativity and unique talents.
The cultural extravaganza included performances such as the "Solo Man Band" by final-year student Keerthan, who captivated the audience with his talent. Students expressed their enthusiasm through music, dance, and colourful ethnic attire, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the SJEC campus.
Adding to the day’s inspiration was the presence of social worker Ravi Katapadi, who delivered a thought-provoking message during the event. Speaking as the guest of honor, he shared his life experiences, emphasizing the value of hard work and simplicity.
Ravi remarked, “Life is not as easy as we often think. My failure in the 9th standard was a gift from God, leading me to help needy children. While many seek luxury, I find satisfaction in earning my bread through hard work. True wealth lies in good health, enabling us to work anytime, anywhere.”
He further stressed the importance of respecting parents and teachers, urging the audience never to forget their sacrifices. “Parents are God’s true gifts. Sending them to ashrams is unacceptable; we must care for them. Similarly, our teachers shape our lives, and we owe them our respect,” he added.
Ravi also spoke about inheritance and self-reliance. “Living off family assets can make children complacent. Parents should encourage their children to build their own future. Hard work builds character and resilience,” he noted.
Friendship, he said, is crucial in life. “I owe my success to 120 friends who supported me like a ladder, enabling me to climb higher,” he shared.
The day-long celebration at SJEC included various events such as Prathibimba Peti, Virasat-e-raj, Vyanjan Vistaar, Pushpaavarna, Jyothi Kalanjali, and more. Traditional performances like the tiger dance, chende, and DJ sessions in the evening added to the festivity.
Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director, Fr Kenneth Ryner Crasta, assistant director, and Dr Ramananda H S, dean of student welfare, graced the occasion. The event was coordinated by associate professor Dr Rajesh K and assistant professor Jayalakshmi KP, with their team ensuring a smooth flow of activities. Sarvika and Carol Sweedal compered the program, engaging participants and setting a lively tone for the day.
Milan 2024 stood out as a testament to the spirit of togetherness, cultural richness, and the transformative power of education and shared values.