Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 10: The golden jubilee year of St Mary’s Pre-University College, Shirva was inaugurated on Saturday February 10.
Vinaykumar Sorake, former MLA Kaup inaugurated the jubilee year on the grand occasion. Msgr Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general diocese of Udupi presided over the programme.
On inaugurating the golden jubilee year, Vinaykumar Sorake said, “This institution has grown tremendously and has imparted education to thousands of students over these 50 years. Earlier, the then Bishop initiated a revolution by introducing jasmine cultivation to this region. The educational institutions in this area, which were established 125 years ago, have become instruments of societal change. Christian institutions have evolved according to the needs of the time. Previously, there was a need for a primary school, which was established 125 years ago, and now there is a need for a good English medium institution, which is also housed on this campus. There are numerous alumni of this institution. I hope all these alumni will stand by the institution and help develop it further. I acknowledge that aided educational institutions in undivided Dakshina Kannada are facing many issues due to governmental decisions. On this occasion, I assure you that I will personally invite the education minister to the district and will initiate efforts to resolve these issues.”
In his introductory address, Fr Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza, correspondent, said, “Teachers hold a respectable position in society. Educational institutions shape a child. Over the past 125 years, a large number of students from this area have received education in this institution. They have spread across the world and are leading respectable lives. This institution shapes every child, offering opportunities for LKG to PG studies on this campus. Educational institutions are evolving today. In this golden jubilee year, our alumni should feel proud of their footsteps here. We need teachers for our students, and the government must provide them. Our institutions are not business-oriented. If that were our vision, we would have reached another level. We are committed to the cause of every poor child. Do not be fascinated by external beautifications. We are determined to develop this school to the next level. It is the responsibility of the alumni to help in this process.”
Fr Vincent Crasta, secretary of CESU, said, “This college was established with a farsighted vision. While many schools may offer numerous facilities, our vision is to provide quality education to the students and not engage in business. We welcome everyone with an open mind. Students should focus on being selected for civil service. Alumni are the backbone of this institution. You should join hands together and develop the institution.”
Wilson Rodrigues, vice president of Shirva gram panchayat, remarked, “I studied in this institution. There was heavy demand for admission here. Today, there are doctors, engineers, and many other professionals who are alumni of this institution.”
Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA of Kaup, visited the celebrations. He said, “Fifty years is a notable milestone for every institution. Even I wanted to pursue my education in this institution. Today, we have reached the moon, but we have not become real human beings. Happiness is internal. Education should make us internally strong. I moved to Ballari with just a single set of clothes. Today, there is a need to introduce our children to failure stories as well. We need to teach them how to accept defeat. As this institution grows, it becomes the responsibility of the alumni to further its glory. Now, the alumni should take the responsibility of developing the institution. The 2% Christian population has provided education to 98% of the population in this country. Do something for society. Make children read Holy Scriptures and continue the culture. I wish this institution to grow manifold in the upcoming days.”
In his presidential address, Msgr Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the diocese of Udupi, said, “As we begin to celebrate the golden jubilee of our college, it's the right time for rejuvenation. The institution faces many difficulties at present. In the past 50 years, the college has produced many noble citizens. There is scope for growth ahead. In Christian institutions, we believe in education, discipline, and decorum. The institution has yielded very good results over the years and is capable of achieving more. Today, there is a need for cooperative and collaborative learning. Education is the strongest tool for bringing change in this world.”
Norbert Machado, convener of the golden jubilee committee, welcomed the gathering. Jayashankar K, the principal, proposed the vote of thanks. Gilbert Pinto compered the programme.
Fr Fredrick D'Souza, parish priest of Mudarangady; Norbert Machado, convener of the golden jubilee committee; Melwin Aranha, vice president of the parish pastoral committee; Sudheer Jude D'Souza, president of the PTA; Sabeena Priya Noronha, senior teacher of the high school section; Pauline Lobo, headmistress of the primary section; Jacintha Irene D'Souza, secretary of the golden jubilee committee; Dr Gururaj, treasurer; Dr Herald Monis, principal of the degree section; Fr Rolwin Aranha, principal of Don Bosco English medium school; Fr Ronson Pinto and Fr Jason Lobo, assistant parish priests; Pavan Shenoy, CLP staff; students, parents, alumni, and others were present.
Various cultural programmes depicting the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka and India were also presented by the students.
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