Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 16: St Aloysius Pre-University College celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and fervent patriotism under the theme, ‘Celebrate freedom, embrace unity.’

Lt Col Gracian Sequeira, commanding officer, 18 Karnataka Battalion NCC, Mangaluru, graced the occasion as the chief guest and unfurled the National Flag. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. An impressive drill by the National Cadet Corps enthralled the audience.

Vilma Fernandes, vice principal of Commerce and Arts, welcomed the chief guest and the gathering. The chief guest, Lt Col Gracian Sequeira, wished the gathering a happy Independence Day. In his address, he urged the students to contribute towards building a strong and prosperous India. He emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and reminded students to carry this spirit outside the institution premises. While he praised the nation’s growth in terms of GDP, which is the fifth largest in the world, he also expressed concern over challenges such as rising religious intolerance, substance abuse, social media addiction, and unemployment among the youth. He shared his observations from visiting rehabilitation centers in Punjab, highlighting the impact of drug abuse on young lives. Lt Col Sequeira encouraged students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, respect parents and teachers, contribute positively to society, and protect the environment-cornerstones of becoming a good human being.

Jeevan D'Mello, the vice-president of the Students' Council, in his speech, suggested celebrating freedom meaningfully and making this nation ‘a land worth living and a land worth dying for.’ Deyan Crasta, from the Department of Mathematics, shared her sentiments about the indomitable human spirit of freedom that defines our nation. She exhorted the students to focus on their identity as Indians, defeat divisive tendencies, and forge unity towards peace, progress, and prosperity. She emphasized that education empowers individuals to become responsible citizens, with teachers playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.

Various competitions, such as elocution, drawing, and solo singing, were organized as part of the Independence Day celebrations. The prize winners of these competitions were felicitated by the chief guest. The celebrations continued with a cultural program, including a memorable dance-drama and a medley of patriotic songs by the talented choir.

Fr Clifford Sequeira, the principal; Fr Pradeep Sequeira, the finance officer; Fr Anthony Derrick, the campus minister; vice principals Muralikrishna G M and Vilma Fernandes; deans Dr Pradeep M and Kiran Shetty; PTA vice president Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza; students’ council leaders Ireshkishan Shetty, the president; Jeevan D'Mello, the vice president; and Alyson D'Silva, the joint secretary, were present on the dais. Janice D'Souza from II PU compered the programme. The convenor, Dillen C Veigas, from the department of chemistry, proposed a vote of thanks.