Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 16: The SAHODAYA Association of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised ‘EYECONIC 2026 - Empowered beyond limits’ on February 14 in Fr L F Rasquinha Hall of the University.
Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), presided over the programme. Dr Charles V Furtado, founder president of SAHODAYA and director of Admin Block, Bhoomika A, staff coordinator and Namratha Shenoy, the student coordinator was present on the dais.
Other staff coordinators, Dr Roshan Fredrick D’Souza, Fr Roshan, Chaithra M A and students coordinators, Shravan Acharya, Shruthi K M, Anusha Pinto were also present for the programme.
EYECONIC is a platform where accomplished individuals with disabilities share their experiences and achievements with the student community. This year, two inspiring achievers, Asha Shivaraj, UDC in ESIC (Central Government) and Sabitha Monis, Student Welfare officer, Alva’s Education Foundation, showcased their remarkable journeys.
Asha hails from Udri village in Sorab taluk of Shivamogga district. Born with partial blindness due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, she turned challenges into opportunities through education, arts, and sports. An alumna of Shri Sharada Devi Andhara Vikas Kendra, she excelled in dance and athletics, winning silver and bronze medals at the National Level Blind Sports Meet (Delhi, 2004). She completed her PUC at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, graduated with First Class, and pursued higher studies in English Literature.
Currently serving as a UDC in ESIC (Central Government), she is also an accomplished singer and passionate cook, having participated in MasterChef India auditions and various culinary competitions. Asha's life is a powerful testimony to resilience, self-reliance, and the immense potential of the visually challenged community.
Sabitha Monis is a dedicated social work professional and Student Welfare officer with over 15 years of service at Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri. She holds an MSW, MA in Sociology, and a PG diploma in Human Resource Management, all with strong academic performance. Widely recognized for her commitment to social service, women empowerment, and student welfare, she has received numerous state and national-level awards, including honors from Lions Club International, Rotary Clubs, JCI, and Talent Research Foundations. Her work and achievements continue to inspire communities across Karnataka.
Dr Ronald Nazareth, in his presidential remarks, highlighted how a movement like SAHODAYA has touched the lives of people, especially the student community.
Dr Charles Furtado, the founder president of SAHODAYA, in his speech, spoke about the formation of SAHODAYA and its journey over the past 26 years. He said that we should make education not only mind oriented instead heart oriented. He referenced Helen Keller, who was born blind and deaf yet became a renowned writer and founded the American Foundation for the Blind. He urged the participants to appreciate what they have and not to take anything for granted. During the programme, Asha Shivaraj and Sabitha Monis were felicitated.
Samuel Peters, assistant professor of English, compered the programme. and Bhoomika welcomed the gathering, while Namratha proposed the vote of thanks.
Asha Shivaraj, born with partial blindness due to a rare eye problem called Retinitis Pigmentosa. She turned challenges into opportunities through education, arts and sports, became a ‘eyecon’ for several people having various disabilities.
Sabitha Monis was born without arms. Despite having to face all the adversities, she stood firm and decided to face life. She started writing from her legs and till VII standard, she stood first in class, secured 81% in SSLC and 70% in PU & Degree. She thanked her siblings, parents, teachers and classmates for becoming the strong pillars of support to her.
About the SAHODAYA association
SAHODAYA, an outreach programme of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was founded in the year 2000 to empower persons with disabilities with the theme ‘blossoming together’. This association began with 30 students has grown into a movement involving hundreds of youth and alumni which fosters empathy and inclusion among students.
SAHODAYA with its hundreds of youth and alumni supports marginalized individuals, helping them integrate into society. Through various initiatives, it promotes self-reliance and social responsibility. Over the years, it has made a lasting impact on both its volunteers and the people it serves.