Pics: Thejaswi Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, May 9: Milagres College, Kallianpur celebrated its Annual Day with enthusiasm and pride at the Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall on May 9.
The celebration commenced with a grand escort of the dignitaries by the NCC cadets, followed by a soulful prayer song rendered by the college choir.
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media, speaking on the occasion and reflecting on his student life, said, “Attending college events brings back memories of my own student days. During my time at St Mary’s College, Shirva, I had many opportunities, though I never won any prizes. I even failed in accounts on my first attempt. But today, I stand here with my own identity.
“Everyone must follow their passion. When you apply for a job, no one will ask about your marks or certificates—they will look at your communication and interpersonal skills. A certificate is required for documentation; when you apply for a passport, a certificate is important. Therefore, do not fail in exams.
“Recalling a friend calling me lucky, I ask—is it luck that I had to face all those hardships, sacrifices and insults? Athletes practise for 15 years for 15 seconds of performance. Students, do not wait for luck or good times—hard work, commitment and discipline are essential. I am here today because I spent several sleepless nights. Do not believe in luck and influence; believe in yourselves. See yourself as the competition, and you will succeed.
“All successful people have three things in common: success, hard work and discipline. The second thing is to follow your passion. If you do what you studied, you will survive. If you do what you did not study, you will be a leader.”
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, correspondent of Milagres Institution, in his presidential address, said, “Annual Day is a celebration of hard work, creativity and talent. College Annual Day is not only a platform to showcase academic success, but also excellence in arts, sports, leadership and the community environment. Quoting the late Pope Francis, ‘Life is good if you are happy; life is best if others are happy because of you.’ That means live and let live—remember these words.
“Students must dream big. Let this celebration inspire you to aim higher, push boundaries and believe in yourselves. We must accept failure just as we accept success. We will have more failures than successes, as failure is the stepping stone to success. Failure is the greatest teacher.”
Sandeep Shetty, alumnus, said, “I would like to share a few things based on my experience. When we sit for recruitment, we often get candidates with well-polished and sophisticated personalities. But when they are asked questions beyond their expectations, they lose their confidence.
“One major observation in the corporate sector is that when out-of-the-box questions are asked, youngsters lack the confidence to respond. From my personal experience, I can say Milagres College shapes students for their future. If a student’s life is like a pencil, it depends on whose hand it is in. Milagres has brilliant camps and a bunch of brilliant students. This college teaches you how to catch a fish rather than feeding you one.”
Sandeep Shetty was felicitated on the occasion.
Students who brought laurels to the institution at various levels were also felicitated. Endowment prizes were distributed in recognition of academic and extracurricular achievements.
Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College, presented the annual report, highlighting the academic milestones and achievements of the institution over the past year.
Jayaram Shettigar, staff secretary, welcomed the gathering. The event was compered by students Shreya Kundar and Aron Gonsalves.
The event was attended by managing committee member Melvin Sequeira, principal of Milagres PU College Richard D Moras, IQAC coordinator Shylet Mathias, directors of SWC Dr Harinakshi M D and Sushma A Shetty, SWC president Namrutha, secretary Unar Farooq, vice presidents Dhanya Hebbar and Shreesha Kotian, sports secretaries Mark Antony and Angel, cultural secretary Rishal, joint secretary Shreya Kundar, members of the management committee, teaching and non-teaching staff, alumni, parents and students.