Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 11: The department of Retail and Logistics Management, School of Vocational Studies, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised Retail renaissance: Changing the retail landscape on March 10 in Robert Sequeira Hall.

Prof Maria D’Costa, retired professor and founder, Prajna Counselling Centre, Mangaluru, Vathika Pai, founder, Vathika International Travels were the chief guests. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of the College, Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of the University, Dr Denis Fernandes, director of Arrupe Block, Chathan Shettigar, dean of Vocational Studies and Sharolin Avil Menezes, HoD of Retail and Logistics Management and convenor of the programme were on the dais.

During the programme, the department of Retail and Logistics Management released a magazine ‘Women of Mangalore’, which was unveiled by the dignitaries. The magazine contains the stories of 30 exceptional women of Mangaluru, The editor-in-chief of the magazine Aaron Freidar Heri guided the team of 9 students as the part of their project and was able to launch ‘Women of Mangalore’ successfully.

Dr Praveen Martis SJ in his presidential address congratulated the team for bringing out such a creative magazine. He briefed about the incubation centre for starting business in the university and the seed money given by the university to start the business to its students.

He mentioned several successful women entrepreneurs who inspire us every day including Prof Maria D’Costa who is an educator & entrepreneur and Vathika Kamath, an excellent leader and successful entrepreneur in the travelling field.

Prof Maria D’Costa in her speech said her views as an educator and establishing Prajna Counselling Centre. She also shared her views as an entrepreneur. She revealed the secret of women entrepreneurs who are successful in their businesses.

Vathika Pai in her address, briefed about entrepreneurship. "There are so many opportunities for students to choose their career options," she said. She also shared the funding agencies such as KSFC which offers loan facilities for women entrepreneurs. She also explained the role of technology which helps to manage or expand the business through social media. She motivated the students with her experience and interaction with them.

Dr Alwyn D’Sa and Dr Denis Fernandes shared their views about the magazine as well as the programme.

Jane Olivera, student of 1st year BVOC Retail and Logistics Management compered the programme. Sharolin Avil Menezes, convenor of the programme welcomed the gathering. Mariyam Hannan, student of 3rd year BVOC Retail Management proposed the vote of thanks.