Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 5: The year 2018 is a propitious year in the chronicles of St Ann’s College of Education as the institute celebrated the valedictory programme of its platinum year.

Within the hallowed portals of this great institution the teacher educators hold the challenge to be dedicated and committed to service to society. This day was a very special day recalling the past 75 years and all the good things that came along. It signified saluting the memory of all those who left a rich inheritance.

The day began with a thanksgiving mass celebrated at St Ann’s Convent chapel in the morning. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the diocese as the main celebrant and Fr J B Crasta, Fr Pius James D’Souza OCD, Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Victor Machado, Fr Joachim, Capuchin, Fr Prakash D’Cunha OCD, Fr Victor D’Souza and Fr Santhosh Rodrigues were the Con celebrants.

The wonderful evening began with receiving the President, Sr M Susheela AC, superior general, Apostolic Carmel Congregation followed by the chief guests Sr M Carmel Rita AC, provincial superior, Karnataka Province, Dr Sister Lydia Fernandes AC, former principal and general councillor for Education, Apostolic Carmel generalate, Mrs Philomena Lobo, KES, Secondary Education, dept for Public Instruction accompanied by Fr J B Crasta, rector of Rosario Cathedral, Sr Ida Barboza AC, secretary, Apostolic Carmel Educational Society, Abdul Lathif, corporator, Mangalore City Corporation, Dr Mercy Pushpalatha, programme consultant in South Asia, United Board for Christian Higher Education In Asia being the guests of honour.

Dr Vijaya Kumari S N, associate professor and convenor, St Ann’s College of Education, Sr Maria Kripa AC, superior and joint secretary, Dr Sr Clare AC, principal were also present. The formal programme began by invoking God’s blessings through invocation. A vibrant fusion of traditional sounds and rhythms with various dance forms of India led by the BEd students was performed by traditionally welcoming the gathering. With a blend of quality melodious voices, the MEd and BEd students sang the jubilee Song composed by Fr Ben Britto Prabhu OFM, Cap.

A video presentation called the ‘reminiscences of platinum years’ – a report that places on record the achievements of the past as well the focus for the future was presented by Dr Sr Clare, Rose Pinto, Sr Dorothy AC and Sr Zeena AC. The teaching faculty highlighted impressive academic records of the past 75 years.

To equate performance with attempt and to surpass the curricular activities, the BEd students in the present and past have been recipients of many awards. The deserving students for founded prizes, scholarships and results were honoured by Fr J B Crasta, Philomena Lobo, KES, director, Secondary education, dept of Public Instruction, Sr Carmel Rita AC, Dr Sr Lydia Fernandes AC.

To recognise and reward the achievements of those special people in the form of alumnae, former principals and all those who contributed in a special way, five outstanding personalities were cordially felicitated for their unending pursuit of excellence.

Philomena Lobo was recognised as an impeccable philanthropist and distinguished alumna.

Sr M Vincenza AC, for her laudable services as former principal of St Ann’s College of Education from 1973-1989.

Dr Sr Lydia Fernandes AC, general councillor for Education, Apostolic Carmel generalate, Bengaluru and former principal, St Ann’s College of Education from 1989-2003 and identified as the sculptor of determination and self-confidence for ceaselessly chiselling excellence among the students and staff.

Sister Susheela AC is a person coupled with delegation and resourcefulness and is the highest authority of Apostolic Carmel Educational Society, Karnataka Province. Dr Mercy Pushpalatha, programme consultant in South Asia, United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia and former principal of Lady Dock College, Madurai for being an eminent personality influencing people across the globe through her benevolence and goodwill.

Dr Vijaya Kumari S N, associate professor, Dr Flosy D’Souza, associate professor, Sr Dorothy D’Souza AC, vice principal and Anitha Gomes, graduate assistant and alumna, St Mary’s High School expressed words of felicitation for the honouring ceremony.

For a milestone to be cherished, the college brought out a souvenir as a memory containing exemplification of accomplishments from these platinum years where many great minds have contributed their vision in this platinum jubilee souvenir and the guidance has been done under the editorship of Dr Flosy D’Souza, associate professor, St Ann’s College of Education. Sr Susheela AC, superior general, Apostolic Carmel Congregation, Bengaluru along with other dignitaries released the souvenir as a token of remembrance.

The chief guests enthused the audience through their significant messages.

Fr J B Crasta, rector of Rosario Cathedral spoke on how we as teacher educators need to be veritable ‘torch bearers’ to society keeping in mind the spiritual and professional development of oneself.

Sr M Carmel Rita AC delivered a stupendous note focussing on how one needs to be more self-reliant and achieve high goals.

Dr Sister Lydia Fernandes AC emphasized on four important points which spoke about how each one of us as teacher educators need to come out of our comfort zones in order to harness the hidden talents and grab every opportunity to prove ourselves to the world to become successful women leaders.

Philomena Lobo in her talk awakened an explorative zeal by sharing her past experiences in the college and her professional career.

Dr Mercy Pushpalatha in her message thanked the management for being very supportive in all scholastic activities of the college and expressed appreciative thoughts about how the college strives in preparing women teachers for society.

Sr Susheela AC reflected on how each one of us needs to look forward to grow in overall excellence and to welcome every opportunity that contributes to the educational process.

The students created a shimmering and impressive performance through a dance drama entitled ‘Jnana Jyothi’ directed by Vidhwan Suresh Attavar that expounded the history of the college where the light of knowledge was imparted through the charisma of foundress Mother Veronica whose interest lay in the welfare of women and upliftment of the neglected masses.

The programme ended with a thank you note by Dr Sharmila Mascarenhas, asst professor, St Ann’s College of Education. Dr Sr Clare AC welcomed the gathering. Rose Pinto, asst professor, St Ann’s College of Education compered the programme. The convenor of the programme was Dr Vijaya Kumari S N.