Media Release
Bengaluru, Aug 24: The Bengaluru Chapter of Roshni Alumni Association (RAA) of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, organized its annual alumni get-together 'MILANA 2026' on Sunday, 23rd August, 2026 at The Capitol Hotel, Rajbhavan Road, Bengaluru.
Around 350 alumni of School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, from BA, BSW and MSW specialisation have attended the event. The reunion also witnessed enthusiastic participation from alumni of other chapters; staff members from the Alma Mater, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, adding to the spirit of unity.Alumni from batch 1974 to 2026 have joined the event with equal enthusiasm.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Sr Mary Kutty- 2010 MSW, Sheetal-2011 BA, Mr Brain Fernandes-1985, Mr Sudheesh Kumar M 1981 the Roshni Alumni and beloved professors Dr Prakash Therian and Prof K A Selvaraj who passed away in this year. A moment of silence was observed in their loving memory, honouring their contribution to the Roshni family and the profession.
The programme began with a prayer song and a graceful welcome dance by Aadhya Shetty, daughter of a Roshnite couple. The formal programme commenced with lighting of the lamp by Dr. Cecilia Goveas, Controller of Examinations, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, along with office bearers and past presidents of alumni association.
Dharmaprasad Rai, president, RAA Bengaluru welcomed the gathering. Sadashiva Naik, treasurer, RAA Bengaluru presented mementos to the sponsors. Many alumni batches and individuals extended support. The Association expressed its heartfelt and sincere gratitude to all past presidents, founders, volunteers and every Roshnite whose relentless efforts, guidance and sponsorships made MILANA 2026 a grand success.
Dr U T Khader, Hon'ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Minority Welfare, Haj &Wakf, Government of Karnataka, was the chief guest of the program. The minister shared with the gathering that, his early education in the nursery / kindergarten was at Roshni Nilaya and expressed pride in being a senior Roshnite.
In his address he urged professionals to join politics to serve society and stressed that field work reports and research work done by Social work students across Karnataka should be submitted to gram panchayats, local bodies, MLAs and MPs to make them understand grassroots level issues and bring real change.
He emphasised on appointment of Social work professionals (Psychiatric Social work, Human resource Management and Community Development students) as PROs in Government and private Hospitals. He also mentioned that, he is trying to bring guidelines to private hospitals to recruit MSWs instead of MBA graduates. He said "Our health is in our hands" and urged people to utilize facilities in government hospitals and report shortcoming for improvement.
A memorandum seeking increased job opportunities for Medical Psychiatric Social Workers and MSc Counselling graduates in various departments including Education was submitted to him by RAA and college representatives.
Dr. Cecilia Goveas in her address thanked all alumni and appealed to support current students for better facilities, education and placement.
The RAA conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards to three of its members who have excelled in their profession and made exemplary contribution to the society and Alumni association. M G Balasubrhamanya, director, HAL was honoured for his outstanding contribution in the field of Human Resource Management. Dr Janet Parameshwara, retired Social Welfare Officer, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology was honoured for her contribution in Medical social work, POSH and hospital management field. Dr Konila Raghavendra Bhat, honoured for his contribution for the Community Development in the field of Child Rights and Protection. All the three achievers have been felicitated by honourable minister and dignitaries in the program. Hon. Minister Dr. U T Khader and Dr. Cecilia Goveas were also felicitated and honoured by the Roshni Alumni Association on the occasion.
Major highlight of the event was the release of 'DRISHTI 2026' - the souvenir of Roshni Alumni Association, compiled and edited by Tom Stanley.
The Batch of 2002 was specially honoured for recording highest participation.The newly outgoing Batch of 2026 was introduced to the alumni during the event.
Shanthi D Souza, secretary, RAA Bengaluru proposed vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Rickson Fernandes, EC member.
Post event, during lunch, the organisers of Milana presented nostalgic Country Band performance by members of RAA - Cletus Sequeira, Clement Sequeira, Dolfred D Souza and Warren D Souza.