Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP/JD)
Udupi, Dec 14: The valedictory ceremony of the golden jubilee celebration of St Mary’s PU College, Shirva was held at Monsignor Hilary Gonsalves Auditorium on December 13.
The event marked 50 years of dedication, excellence, and service in education. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo unveiled the portrait of the institution founder Monsignor Hilary Gonsalves on the day and inaugurated the event.
Golden jubilee magazine ‘The Golden Chronicles’ was released on the occasion.
In his address to the gathering Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, president of Catholic Educational Society of Udupi, said, “Today marks fifty years of dedication, excellence and service in the field of education. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past but also inspiration to the future. Education has always been a cornerstone of human progress. In this technology driven world education's importance has become more profound. It enables change while remaining rooted in tradition. This institution has continuously demonstrated their commitment to such holistic education. Students are the heart of this institution and torch bearers of this legacy. I encourage the institution to aim for greater heights by integrating technology and continuing to be a beacon of knowledge, values, and progress. To the students, I say, dream big, and let those dreams be so powerful that they drive you relentlessly until they are achieved.”
On the occasion former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake remarked, “This institution was established through the vision of Monsignor Hilary Gonsalves, and his dream has been truly realised. The Catholic community has made remarkable contributions by establishing educational institutions across the district. Our district consistently ranks at the top in board exam results. Teaching was not just a profession then; teachers were pillars of the entire village. Many retired teachers, honoured on Dec 14 could have excelled in other fields but chose this noble profession. Over the past 50 years, this institution has gone beyond academics, actively engaging in extracurricular activities and promoting moral values. The Kaup region, with its significant NRI population, owes much to institutions like this for their emphasis on value-based education.”
Fr Vincent Robert Crasta, secretary of the Catholic Educational Society of Udupi diocese, stated, “Fifty years ago, this region was just a village, and this institution brought knowledge to thousands of students. It was a model college and a notable institution at the time. Regardless of caste, creed, or gender, it guided students from darkness to light. Unfortunately, today we see some schools and colleges closing because we never treated education as a business. Had we done so, our institutions would have expanded further. If alumni and donors come forward, we can continue to provide quality education at minimal fees. To the students, I say, work hard, follow your heart, and dedicate yourself to achieving your dreams.”
Ivan D'Souza, MLC also conveyed his best wishes through a video message as he was unable to attend the programme due to the ongoing session at Belgavi.
Retired teaching and non-teaching staff, donors, sports achievers, and other contributors were felicitated for their invaluable service and achievements.
Sr Brijith Madtha read the list of honoraries. Maria Jacintha Furtado, faculty was honoured for her contribution of donating the founders art piece for the college. Dr Olivita Juilana D’Souza read the list of donors.
Fr Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, president, Golden Jubilee Committee; Norbert Machado, convener; Melwyn Aranha, vice-president parish pastoral committee and Jayshankar K, principal were honoured by the Bishop for their invaluable contributions.
Norbert Machado, convener of the golden jubilee committee, welcomed the gathering. Jacinta Irene D’Souza, secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Edward Larsen D’Souza and Glenisha Reshma Mendonca compered the programme.
Various cultural performances were also held on the occasion.
Savitha Poojary, president, Shirva Grama Panchayat; Fr Leslile D’Souza, correspondent; Dr Herald Ivan Monis, principal, St Mary’s Degree College Shirva; assistant parish priests Fr Ronson Pinto and Fr Anil Rodrigues, Melwyn Aranha, vice-president, parish pastoral committee; Fr Rolwyn Joy Aranna, principal, Don Bosco English Medium School; Jacinta D’Souza, secretary of Golden Jubilee Committee; Sr Diana of Nativity Convent; Sr Lima Roza of Auxilium convent; Paulin Periera, president PTA; Jayashankar K, principal St Mary’s PU College; Sabina Priya Noronha, headmistress high school; Paulin Lobo headmistress of Don Bosco Higher Primary School; student leaders Prativi and Charitrya, management committee members, alumni, parents and others, were present on the occasion.
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