Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 1: The nineteenth graduation ceremony of St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, was held on Saturday March 1 in the open-air stage of the college. The ceremony witnessed the awarding of graduation certificates by the institution to the class of 2024 comprising 538 undergraduates (BE) and 241 postgraduates (MBA, MCA and PhD).
Dr S V Suresha, vice chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru graced the occasion as chief guest and presented the degree certificates to the graduands. Tinju Panicker, vice president-operations India, Biogas Engineering Inc, USA was the guest of honour on the occasion. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangalore and president of SJEC, presided over the ceremony.
Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director of SJEC, welcomed the graduands from the class of 2024 and dignitaries to the graduation ceremony. Dr Ramananda H S, dean-student welfare, introduced the chief guest and the guest of honour.
Tinju Panicker, spoke about pursuing the goals with passion and creativity, tackle challenges boldly, and courageously to make a difference. He further said that individuals need to challenge themselves to stay curious, keep learning, nothing goes to waste and there is a bright future to be shaped ahead. He also said that with determination and perseverance, the dreams can become reality. Success is not valued by the trades, but by the impact we had.
Dr S V Suresha, in his address, congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of education, especially value based education. He said that the education system should be focussed on entrepreneurship and earning profits in business rather than just finding jobs. He also highlighted the importance of honesty, confidence, and having the right skill sets which makes individuals stand out from the crowd.
Dr Rio D'Souza administered the graduation oath. Benedecta Jacob, graduand from the department of business administration and Pramathesh Bhakta, graduand from the department of computer science & engineering, were the valedictorians from the class of 2024 and delivered the valedictorian addresses sharing the reflections on the transformative journey of education and gratitude was expressed towards all individuals who contributed to shaping the graduates into who they are today.
Scholastic achievers and sports achievers were recognized and awarded by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. Felicitations were done to the chief guest and guest of honour by the bishop as a token of respect and gratitude.
Delivering the presidential address, the bishop said, “In just a small span of time, AI and ChatGPT have transformed our world, even becoming part of the curriculum. As graduates, let us understand human intelligence is more important than artificial intelligence.” He also spoke about developing a skill wherever you are, the soft skills of building a relationship and being innovative, which is the soul of all education. He further added that humanity needs hope of a better future and new energies are unleashed to bring about renewals and rebirth. He highlighted the importance of human bonds and relationship to have a better society.
Fr Kenneth R Crasta, assistant director, Dr Purushothama Chippar, vice principal, and Dr Subramanya K, convenor, various deans and HODs were also present on this occasion. Ramya, co-convenor of the event offered the vote of thanks. Amita Vakil and Nelson Fernandes compered the programme.