Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 17: St Aloysius Pre-University College (SAPUC) formally installed its newly elected student council, class representatives, and association presidents for the academic year 2026–27 during a grand investiture ceremony held at the Loyola Auditorium.
The ceremony commenced with a prayer service and the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. A graceful welcome dance added colour and solemnity to the occasion, setting an inspiring tone for the event.
Welcoming the gathering, the principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, reflected on the true meaning of leadership. He emphasised that leadership is not about titles, recognition, or being in the limelight, but about empowering others and leading through love, service, and responsibility. Congratulating the newly elected leaders, he encouraged them to use their positions as opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the institution and its student community.
The highlight of the programme was the oath-taking ceremony, during which the student council members, class representatives, and association presidents solemnly pledged to serve their peers with dedication, integrity, and commitment. The office-bearers were formally invested with sashes and badges by the chief guest, Dr Raghavendra Padiyar, state chief manager, Sakala Mission (DPAR e-Governance), and Government of Karnataka, along with the rector, Fr Brian Pereira SJ, and other dignitaries.
The newly elected student council comprises:
* President – Ashit Sudesh
* Vice President – Skanda S. Navada
* Secretary – Siona Sajeev
* Joint Secretary – Clipson Moras
* Sports Secretaries – Aayush Avinash Chowta and Tanvi
*Cultural Secretaries – Adleen Sequeira (Science), Vival Jasnia Serrao (Commerce), and Esther Grace Fernandes (Arts)
* Centre Presidents – Reeva Mahima Pinto (Social Concern), Gehena Mangala Devi (Environmental Concern), and Manusmitha (Inter-Religious Harmony)
Student council president Ashit Sudesh shared his unique journey of leadership, having previously served as student president at both the primary and high school levels within the St Aloysius educational institutions.
Expressing gratitude for the trust reposed in him, he stated that representing nearly 5,000 students was both a privilege and a responsibility. He pledged to work towards creating a campus environment where every student feels respected, valued, and included.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr Raghavendra Padiyar, a distinguished alumnus of the institution, fondly recalled his student days at St. Aloysius. He credited his teachers and the leadership opportunities he received during his college years for shaping his confidence and professional journey. Encouraging students to explore careers in public service and government sectors, he urged them to uphold ethics, humility, and integrity in all their endeavours.
In his presidential address, Fr Brian Pereira SJ, rector of SAPUC, drew inspiration from the leadership principles of John Maxwell. He noted that genuine leadership lies in nurturing and empowering future leaders. Stressing the importance of lifelong learning, he advised students to remain humble and open-minded. “The moment we believe we know everything, we stop learning. True leaders continue to learn from every person and every experience,” he remarked.
The programme was graced by Fr Antony Derrick SJ, campus minister; Muralikrishna G M, vice principal; deans Kiran Shetty and Inas Dias; and student council directors Anita Pinto and Srilatha Shenoy.
The students’ council director, Anita Pinto proposed vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, staff, students, for their contributions to the success of the event. The programme was compered by Sarah Crasta and concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.