Mangalore: Ex-Aloysians Rush to Support SAC Swimming Pool Project
By John B Monteiro
Mangalore, Jan 14: The long-standing dream of having an Olympic-class swimming pool on St Aloysius College (SAC) campus got a boost with the alumni of the college rushing to buy silver coins, specially minted for the project, at their reunion function held on the forecourt of the heritage building on January 12, 2012.
The prospective supporters of the swimming pool project are allowed to draw the coins stamped with numbers from 600 to 6000 - with the donor paying the selected number in rupees. A token number of the people were called to the stage to draw their numbers; but many more queued up to participate. After a while, the enthusiastic ex-Aloysians had to be politely restrained as rest of the formal agenda of the annual Reunion had to be resumed.
The swimming pool project, as noted at the function of St Aloysius College Alumni/ae Association (SACAA) and detailed in a brochure distributed at the venue, envisages the constructionod an ozonised swimming pool of Olympic standard with eight lanes and 50 metres capacity and a pool for small children at an estimated to cost Rs 2.3 crores. The University Grants Commission has already sanctioned Rs one crore for the project, which is subject to time-bound execution. All permissions from concerned authorities have been obtained and SACAA has offered to raise the balance fund of Rs 1.5 crores needed to start the project.
Apart from the silver coin scheme, SACAA has opened a special bank account (SB No 3154202909 at the St Aloysius College campus branch of Central Bank with IFSC Code CBIN0283976) which should help non-resident ex-Aloysians to support this deserving venture. There is also scope for sponsoring 10 bricks ( one laterite stone), Rs 100; a bag of cement, Rs 400; a load of laterite stone, Rs 4000 and a load of sand Rs 8000. Those donating Rs one lakh and more will be suitably recognized by inscribing their names on marble tablets under patron, vice-patron, founder, benefactor and well-wisher. Thus, SACAA invites, and affords an opportunity to, ex-Aloysians to get involved in the project which will put Mangalore on the high-end competitive swimming pool map of India.
Speaking on the occasion Fr Joseph Rodrigues, rector of the College and patron of SACAA, said: “It is a delightful occasion for all of us to meet old friends, acquaintances, teachers, etc., and make new friends. It is also a chance to take a fascinating look at how the Aloysian institutions have developed over the years To have the feel of the institutions you need to take a sentimental journey through the old classrooms, corridors and staircases, see them transformed with new buildings, yet retain their essential character and old-world charm. I want to congratulate the former students, alumni/ae and well wishers for helping us to maintain the infrastructure and the quality of education on the campus. It is a day of gratitude for us as well for what you have been to the Aloysian institutions.”
Continuing, the rector said: “I would like to thank the organizers for the hard work and coordination involved in reuniting former Aloysians. The reunion day is an occasion where the alumni/ae gather to reminisce, to network, to reconnect with old friends and faculty. Aloysian alumni span over last 132 yeaRs From launching rockets to the space, to spearheading top business houses and formulating government policy, to starting notable entreprises, and even contesting elections and becoming leaders of tomorrow. Our alumni/ae has made us proud. There are Aloysians in every activity today in and outside the county. They have made great contribution to enhance the quality of human life.”
The rector exhorted the ex-Aloysians to come together to contribute to the quality of life in the city. “Let people who come after us realize that this institution has not only moulded people but it has been part of the city of Mangalore. All of us have a responsibility to build a humane society where there is oneness, peace and tolerance.”
The rector announced that the CBSE stream of education will be offered by the college starting from the coming academic year, from class 1 to 5 - with a limited intake of 25 students per class - which will be enhanced once the exclusive building for this stream is constructed.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Francis Serrao, Provincial, Karnatakas Jesuits and ex-rector of the College, said that 328 Jesuits labour in Karnataka involved in running 8 degree colleges, 2 Business Management colleges, 13 PUC colleges, 10 high schools, 9 primary schools, 4 ITIs, 48 hostels, 2 research centres, one orphanage, one HIV centre with 40 beds and one HIV affected children’s home with 35 children, 5 social work centeres and one each rural health centre Devadasis and sex workers rehabilitation centre. He appealed to the ex-Aloysians to support these activities and also get involved as volunteers in various capacities.
Arthur D’Sousa, president SACAA welcomed the gathering, Naveen Mascarenhas, secretary, presented the Annual Report, Michael D’Souza, vice-president, proposed the vote of thanks while Dr Richard Gonsalves, Joint Secretary compered the function. Prof Edmund Frank, ex-president and convener of the 2012 Reunion, along with Winston D’Souza, ex-president and Felix D’Souza, treasurer, conducted the entertainment and audience-participation fun-events, including chapati-making competition for the group of priests present.