Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 26: "The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time,” Brigadier I N Rai, quoted the credo of the Indian Army in his address as the chief guest of the 74th Republic Day Celebration at St Aloysius PU College, Mangaluru on January 26.

India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26, every year, in commemoration of the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. The committee headed by Dr B R Ambedkar drafted the Constitution, paving the way to India’s transition towards becoming an independent republic with a democratic government system.

At St Aloysius PU College, the Republic Day celebration began with the dignitaries being escorted by the NCC cadets Janani and Paurnavi. With the significance of the day briefly introduced, the college choir invoked the blessings of the almighty on the Nation. The national tricolor was then unfurled by the chief guest, Brigadier I N Rai as the National Anthem resonated nationalistic fervor and pride.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest drew parallels between India during its early years of independence and what India has become now. He urged the audience to acknowledge the sacrifices of the martyrs as they take pride in the global stature that India enjoys now. Recapitulating his time at Aloysius, he emphasized the values he imbibed at a young age. He encouraged the students to be proud Aloysians wherever they are and to make the Institution proud of their achievements. He motivated the students to keep the fire of patriotism burning and to know that their mission of life is accomplished when they are able to bring tears of happiness into the eyes of their parents.

Vishnu Nandan of IPU, spoke on the significance of the day, highlighting the values that the Constitution upholds and the rights, responsibilities and duties of the citizens of India. The College choir also enthralled the audience with some melodious patriotic tracks.

Gracing the dais were also, the principal of SAPUC, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, finance officer, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, campus minister, Fr Sujay Daniel SJ, vice principals Charlotte D’souza and Muralikrishna G M, deans, Dr Pradeep M and Kiran Shetty, and the student council representatives. Ashel Cornelio of I PU compered the programme.