Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 1: “Education is the determining factor which influences one’s future. It is not the Intelligent Quotient (IQ) that differentiates successful people from others. Emotional Quotient has a great role to play. How one behaves with others matters much more than the academic grades. When we are able to congratulate the winner after losing a game, we have gained the meaning of life," said Dr Vijayakumar M, vice chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) after inaugurating the symposium and the release of the book Legacy of The Legend – Dr Olinda Pereira, at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya on May 31.
Speaking on the topic ‘Education and Development’ he added that just having bookish knowledge would never help a person to succeed in his/her life. "Total education would be the solution for all problems in the world. Academic learning and self learning together would lead to development," he said.
Saluting Dr Olinda Pereira, Dr Vijay Kumar said that she was not only an educationist but also an empowered woman who could successfully bridge the gap between education and development.
While delivering the keynote address, a human rights’ activist and nephew of Dr Pereira Fr Dr Cedric Prakash highlighted the life and mission of Dr Pereira, comparing her with the historical social reformers of India. “Dr Pereira was a social reformer with a multifaceted personality, who always followed a developmental approach with an inclusive ideology," said Dr Prakash, the recipient of several national and international awards.
“She always stood for equality, fraternity and liberty in her mission, and followed the right attitude, articulation and action," he averred. Further, Fr Prakash asserted that social work should be a liberating mission from oppressive structures, inequality, caste system and social exclusiveness.
Philomina D’Sa, provincial, Daughters of the Heart of Mary in her presidential address stated that education, development, transformation, inclusiveness were combined in the life of Dr Olinda Pereira. D’sa cited instances that showed that Dr Olinda Pereira spent her life with the less privileged through her unique ways. “Dr Olinda was not merely a teacher but also a compassionate social worker who could touch, inspire and motivate others with a divine touch," remarked D’sa.
“We should continue our work in our own unique ways following the footsteps of Dr Olinda Pereira. She was always looking at everyone with equality and respect. Let us forget our individual differences and come together to make a difference in the life of the less privileged," she added.
Prof Vida Sequeira, president of the Institute of Social Service welcomed the gathering.
Dr Sophia N Fernandes, principal, School of Social Work, S N Gopinath, Bhima Rao, Ravichandra Bekal Founder Trustees of Centre for Leadership and Social Development, Bengaluru; Dr Malini Hebbar, president, Roshni Alumni Association, Mangaluru; and Lyra Pinto, secretary, Roshni Alumni Associaton, Mangaluru were present on the occasion.
Prof Maria Phyllis D’Costa paid her tribute to Dr Olinda Pereira by reciting a self-composed poem on Dr Pereira. Vinitha Maria Pereira compered the programme.
The students of Roshni Nilaya performed a thematic dance depicting the life and mission of Dr Olinda Pereira after the formal programme.