Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Oct 1: The Vijaya College Mulki Global Alumni Association, Mumbai, held its fifth annual general meeting at Beirut Hotel in Nesco, Goregaon East, on Monday, September 28, with advocate Shekhar Bhandari presiding.

Secretary CA Rohitaksha Devadiga presented the annual report, while treasurer Sarita Rao presented the annual accounts. Vice-president Bhaskar Shetty outlined the association's various objectives and plans for the future.

Addressing the gathering, advocate Shekhar Bhandari said the association has been contributing Rs 5 lac every year towards the education of economically disadvantaged students of the college. He said plans should be discussed with the college management and office-bearers of the alumni association in Mulki to increase student enrolment at the college in the coming years.

The meeting also decided to form a fundraising committee to provide greater assistance to economically disadvantaged students and encourage the teaching faculty. Honorary president Vasudev Salian was appointed chairman of the fundraising committee, while Shetty was appointed vice-chairman.

Honorary president Vasudev Salian expressed concern over the declining student strength at the college. He said the association has removed the minimum merit-mark criterion to enable more economically disadvantaged students to secure admission and is exploring ways to provide greater financial assistance to the college in the coming years.

Association founder-president Shirva Nityananda Hegde urged alumni not to forget the institution where they studied and called upon former students to contribute to the association according to their means and help uphold the name of the college.

Lawrence D'Souza said all committee members should attend the advisory committee meeting scheduled for next month and extend their support.

Former president CA Somanath Kunder, Anand Shetty, K N Suvarna, CA Kishore Suvarna, Gunesh Shetty and Petemane Prakash Shetty shared their views at the meeting.

Shirva Nityananda Hegde, Petemane Prakash Shetty and Sunil Shetty were elected to the managing committee.

Members including Jeethendra Shetty, Shankar Suvarna, Usha Shekhar and Swarna Jyothi were present. Vice-president Bhaskar Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.