Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 30: Leadership is not about authority or position, but about a willingness to serve and inspire others. The Investiture ceremony at St Aloysius Pre-University College held was a celebration of this spirit. It marked the formal installation of the student council, class and club representatives and symbolised the beginning of a new chapter in student leadership rooted in commitment, responsibility and compassion.
The event took place in the Loyola Auditorium and began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, signifying the light of knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by a soulful invocation and a graceful welcome dance performed by the students.
Vilma Fernandes, vice principal of commerce and arts, introduced the chief guest and welcomed the gathering. She said that the investiture ceremony marked a fresh beginning in the journey of leadership. A leader, she noted, should have vision, empathy and the courage to step forward when needed and uplift others. She highlighted that St Aloysius Pre-University College is a place where future leaders are moulded and that the ceremony is a platform of responsibilities. She concluded by congratulating the newly appointed leaders and urging them to be visionary and committed in their roles.
The principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, administered the oath to the student council members. In his address, he said, “Leadership is a gift.” He described the student council as the nerve centre of the institution, active in ensuring that the various activities offered in the college are enjoyed by as many students as possible, where everyone feels welcome and every voice is heard.
He reminded the students that leadership is not about titles and that titles alone do not differentiate a person. A true leader is not recognised by looks or charisma but by empathy, humility, love, compassion and the ability to listen. Quoting former Jesuit Chris Lowney, he spoke about four timeless principles that should guide a leader. He explained that leadership is a continuous work in progress and must be undertaken with nobility.
He urged the newly elected leaders to adapt, bring in new ideas, and cultivate creativity and critical thinking. Referring to the Ignatian principle of Magis, which means more, he said that there is no such thing as the best, but only better than the best and this often requires personal sacrifice including comfort and free time. He encouraged students to embrace these sacrifices for the greater good and to find satisfaction in sincere service. He reminded them that Jesus Christ, though divine, chose to wash the feet of his disciples and that walking alongside others is more important than standing ahead of them. He concluded by invoking the college motto, ‘Lucet et Ardet’, and blessed the students, urging them to stand firm in what is right and let their service be their foundation.
Following the principal’s address, the student council members were presented with badges and formally took the oath to serve with dedication and integrity. Alongside them, class representatives and assistant class representatives, as well as club presidents and secretaries, pledged to uphold their duties with sincerity and honor.
Abhiram Muralidhar, the newly elected president of the student council, addressed the audience with humility and gratitude. He thanked his late father Muralidhar, his mother Dr Shrividya and his teachers for their constant support and guidance. Acknowledging the collective spirit of leadership, he affirmed that this honor belonged to all students. Leadership, he said, is not about leading from the front but walking together.
He shared his vision of building an inclusive and vibrant student community where every voice is heard and every talent appreciated. He promised to foster open communication, celebrate creativity and compassion and create meaningful opportunities for students to grow. He encouraged his fellow students to work together to make the academic year a memorable journey of unity, excellence, and friendship.
The chief guest Mithun D’Souza, partner, tax and regulatory services, Ernst and Young LLP, delivered an inspiring speech by reflecting on his own investiture experience twenty-five years ago. He recalled how being given responsibility as a young student gave him confidence and helped shape the person he is today. He noted that today’s generation is entering a world of rapid technological transformation and that while his own youth saw the emergence of computers and mobile phones, students today will witness even more incredible advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence.
He spoke of India’s growing dominance on the global stage and predicted that the country is on its way to becoming the third largest economy in the world. With that, he said, will come incredible opportunities but also intense competition. He emphasized that technology will continue to evolve, but human values must remain constant. Reflecting on his twenty years in the corporate sector, he said he has observed why some professionals thrive and others struggle. According to him, three qualities define successful individuals.
The first is the habit of investing in oneself. He quoted Warren Buffett, who said that the best investment one can make is in oneself. D’Souza encouraged students to engage in continuous learning, seek new experiences, read beyond their curriculum, and grow through conversations and exposure. The second quality is having an entrepreneurial mind set. He advised students to take ownership, find creative solutions, and ask, “What can I do to change things?” The third quality he stressed was teamwork. He urged the student leaders to work as one team, listen to one another, learn from each other, and keep egos aside.
He concluded his speech by encouraging the students to live by the Jesuit motto of becoming men and women for and with others. Quoting, ‘I pass through this world but once,’ he urged the audience to practice kindness, do good wherever possible and build a meaningful life through collective purpose and action. He reminded them that leadership is not a solo act and that true power lies in service.
The student council for the academic year comprises president Abhiram Muralidhar, vice president Rahul V Shetty, secretary Gordon Wilfred Sartho, joint secretary Vaishnavi Hegde, cultural secretaries: Dyaush A Shetty (science), Shreshta S Shetty (commerce) and Tanvi Raghuram (arts); sports secretaries: G Sagar and Anyu A Shetty; Adwaith C K for the centre for social concern; Prerana Ganiga for the centre for environmental concern and Punya R Hegde for the centre for inter-religious harmony.
The programme was compered by Deyan Crasta from the department of mathematics and the vote of thanks was proposed by Anitha Pinto, convenor of the students’ council.
The event was graced by vice principals Vilma Fernandes and Muralikrishna G M and deans Inas Dias and Kiran Shetty.
The investiture ceremony was a vibrant celebration of leadership, responsibility and vision. It reflected the college’s deep commitment to forming students who lead with character, serve with compassion and shine with purpose.