Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 30: The SJEC Alumni Association, in collaboration with the SJEC Foundation, hosted JnanaSethu 2026, a one-day science fest for high school and PU students under the theme “Science for Peace”. The fest aimed to help young learners see science as a bridge that connects knowledge with the needs of society.
The inaugural ceremony was held on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Kalam Auditorium, St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Vamanjoor. Dr T N Suresh Kumar, retired senior scientist, ISRO, was the chief guest. Leeza, alumni secretary, introduced chief guest to the gathering, and the principal Dr Rio D’Souza welcomed him with a bouquet of flowers. Dr Suresh Kumar, and other dignitaries inaugurated the fest by lighting the lamp.
The distinguished guest is an accomplished space scientist, explorer and educator with extensive experience in satellite mission operations, having contributed to more than 30 satellite launches, including GSAT, INSAT and IRNSS missions. He has undertaken several remarkable expeditions, including zero-gravity flights from Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, journeys to the edge of space, exploration of the Sahara Desert and the summit of the active Nyiragongo Volcano. His global explorations span over 187 countries and all 7 continents, including visits to Easter Island and Chernobyl. As an enthusiastic educator and science communicator, he has inspired students through lectures at premier institutions such as IITs and NITs, and has participated in television science discussions, sharing his knowledge and experiences in space and Earth sciences.
In his inaugural address, Dr Suresh Kumar said science makes life happier because it offers solutions to many problems, and he recalled how it helped the world through the COVID-19 pandemic. He administered an oath asking students to ensure that all their work serves the greater good. He advised them to stay focused on their goals, build communication skills, think critically and develop real skills rather than only chase marks. He added that AI will create more jobs, just as computers did, and described teachers as nation-builders.
The principal, Dr Rio D’Souza, described JnanaSethu as a bridge of knowledge that began as an alumni initiative. He asked young people to work with society to envision sustainable technology that is not driven by greed. In his presidential address, in-charge director, Fr Kenneth R Crasta said the models on display were not just for competition but future dreams that can become reality. He urged students to become young citizens who solve real-life problems. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by convener Franco Menezes.
Following the inaugural, the campus hosted six events: Innovate for Peace (Model Competition), QUIZ_WHIZ 2026 (for high school students only), Mission Earth (Eco-Tech Poster Competition), Ignite & Inspire, Hydrocannon and Load Up. Students from 20 schools and 6 PU colleges registered for the fest. The event was convened by Franco Menezes and Olivia Sequeira, along with Vinoothan Kaliveer, chairperson – Alumni Relations.
JnanaSethu 2026 reflected SJEC’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity and social responsibility, and to the message that science and technology serve society best when they are used for peace and the common good.
The event concluded with the prize distribution program along with feedback session by the participants regarding JnanaSethu 2026 which was a grand success edition.
In the School Category: Outstanding Performance and Runners-up of Jnana Sethu 2026 were Vivekananda English Medium School & Outstanding Performance and Overall Champions of Jnana Sethu 2026 were St Agnes School.
In the PU College Category: Outstanding Performance and Runners-up of Jnana Sethu 2026 were Mount Carmel Central School & Outstanding Performance and Overall Champions of Jnana Sethu 2026 were Presidency School, Mangaluru.