Mangalore: Students told to be torch-bearers at St Agnes graduation ceremony
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jun 16: St Agnes College (Autonomous) held its second graduation day on Saturday June 15 at 3 pm in the College Auditorium.
Professor Dr Jancy James, vice-chancellor, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod delivered the graduation day address and awarded ranks and degree certificates to the students.
The programme was attended by Academic Council members, governing body members, principal, vice-principal, PG coordinators, controller of examination and deans of faculty.
Sr M Carmel Rita, assistant provincial superior, Karnataka Province, presided over the function; Sr Lydia Fernandes, superior and joint secretary, St Agnes College, was also present.
Sr Marie Prem D'Souza in her inaugural speech spoke about the gross enrollment ratio and advised the students to be a bright light in the world and to make a difference in the lives of the lesser fortunate.
"Utilize the values imparted through your education at St Agnes with truth, sincerity and compassion. Take up challenges and practice what you have learnt through your education. Make the world a better place as an Agnesian," she said.
Dr Jancy James in her address spoke on the role of UGC and HRD in higher education. "Their mission is based on three 'E's which is expansion, equity and excellence. To this the higher education must add another 'E' which is employability wherein students that are enrolled must be able to get employed after completing their courses."
She also touched upon the topic of the gross enrollment ratio and said that currently only 15% of students in the country are enrolled while India is on an average ranking of 26% in the world.
"As part of the twelfth five year plan, the UGC has aimed to reach 30 % by the year 2020. St Agnes has more freedom and flexibility in their curriculum, which is an important component of higher education. This in turn requires initiative, dynamism, the willingness to unlearn, learn, re-teach and re-deliver. Education must also have an additional value edition to the curriculum. Women's education and equality is what is required for the current society. In the current society, icons are breaking, models are collapsing, greatness and credibility of individuals even of those who are higher placed is fast receding; in this situation, women are the worst hit." Dr Jancy noted.
She also spoke on the national policy on higher education.
She advised the students to be a torch bearer in the darkness - an ironical darkness where humanity has reached the peak of success in scientific and technological advancements.
"Discover the gifts within your being to be the torch and identify with them," she said.
Addressing the new graduates, Sr Carmel Rita said, "Values imbibed in this college must be followed throughout your lives. Be a medium of change." She also spoke on the beginnings of St Agnes College.
As many as 28 rank holders of both PG and UG degrees and about 300 degree holders received cash prizes, rank and degree certificates.