Media Reloease
Mangaluru, Mar 13: The Sahodaya Association of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised ‘Eyeconic 2025 - Empowered beyond limits’ on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee Celebration on 12th March, 2025 in Fr L F Rasquinha Hall of the University.
Fr Prashant Madtha, former principal of St Aloysius College, graced the event as the chief guest, while Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), presided over the programme.
Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Charles V Furtado, founder president of Sahodaya and director of Admin Block, Dr Roshan Fredrick DSouza, president of Sahodaya and Neel Shetty, student secretary, were present on the dais.
Eyeconic is a platform where accomplished individuals with disabilities share their experiences and achievements with the student community. This year, two inspiring achievers, Kanmony S and Meghana K T, IAS, showcased their remarkable journeys.
Kanmony, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was born without hands but has mastered life using her feet. A gifted musician, she holds a postgraduate degree with a rank in vocal music and has performed over 500 concerts, including one at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A national award winner, she excels in Carnatic music, ashtapadi, and recitations. A passionate artiste with 250 displayed works, she joined MFPA in 2022. Kanmony believes perception shapes beauty.
Meghana is the assistant director in DD Chandana Bengaluru, a well-known public speaker on disability advocacy, social sensitization, UPSC exam orientation and general motivation. She has overcome 70% vision loss to become an IAS officer. She cleared KPSC and UPSC twice, securing AIR 465 (2019) and AIR 425 (2021). Despite setbacks, she turned challenges into opportunities and inspired many people.
Some of the former students like Shiny Shetty, writer and director, Vijetha, a student of 2004 batch, Abhaya Simha, film director shared their experiences as members of Sahodaya Association and how it shaped their future.
Fr Prashant Madtha, in his address, shared that Sahodaya was founded in 2000 with the humble vision of supporting individuals with disabilities through various platforms. He highlighted that, through this initiative, students have been actively serving people with disabilities in different capacities, embodying the spirit of service and representing St Aloysius College as its ambassadors.
Dr Praveen Martis in his presidential remarks highlighted how a movement like Sahodaya has touched the lives of people especially the student community. He congratulated Dr Roshan Dsouza, Anwika Miranda and the team for taking initiative in establishing the accessibility center at the university and invited all students to make a difference in the lives of others.
Dr Charles Furtado, the founder president of Sahodaya, in his speech spoke about the formation of Sahodaya and its journey over the past 25 years. He said that "We should make education not only mind oriented instead heart oriented." He referenced Helen Keller, who was born blind and deaf yet became a renowned writer and founded the American Foundation for the Blind. He urged the participants to appreciate what they have and not to take anything for granted.
During the programme, Kanmony S and Meghana K T, IAS, were felicitated. The event also marked the inauguration of the Accessibility Centre at St Aloysius University, with an objective of providing equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Alita Maria DSa and Bhoomika compered the programme. Dr Alwyn DSa welcomed the gathering, while Dr Roshan DSouza proposed the vote of thanks.
While discussing her condition of losing 70% of her vision, Meghana K T quoted "the beauty of being visually challenged is - maybe I cannot look at you, but I can make you look at me" and she's proud of that. She gradually lost her vision during high school, experiencing the heartbreaking realisation that the vibrant colours of her world had faded. It is when she changed her perspectives and attitude that made all the difference in her life.
She cleared her KAS exam in her first attempt and started working in a treasury department as an assistant director. Her love for learning didn't stop her from clearing one of the challenging exams in India, UPSC.
She cleared it in her 2nd attempt with an extraordinary rank of 456 and became an IAS officer. Currently, she's working as an IIS (Indian Information Service) officer holding the post of assistant director in DD Chandana Bengaluru. Ever since childhood Meghana had keen interest in singing, dancing and compering thus keeping herself active all the time. She never wanted to give up on here life that she was bestowed with as she believes that life is 10% of what happens and 90% of how we chose to react to it.
Kanmony was born without arms and having deformed legs. Despite having to face all the adversities, she stood firm and decided to face life, come what may. Her Mother became the strong pillar of support to her. As it's said that with the right people you grow and rise against all odds, Kanmony received a great deal of support from her mother. She joined the classical singing classes and bagged first rank in MA in Music, while writing the exams using her foot.
She believes 'Everyone is able and what truly matters is how we use our disabilities'. She was recognised by the media outlets as she started growing beyond everyone's imagination. She has given a number of music performances in different places including the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Music has helped her meet many Legends such as K S Chithra, S Janaki, K J Yesudas and so on. As a child she regarded herself as an angel without wings but the first international flight for her concert in Dubai helped her break barriers of disability. She says, "The girl once thought who was unable to walk is now flying and that moment, I realised that wings were not necessary for flight, determination and courage is enough".
Her passion for music carried her from state to state, catching the media’s attention and making her stand as an inspiration to many. From paediatric ICU to securing academic excellence, she embraced her differences and that is her mantra to keep going. Having cleared her JRF exams in Music she wants to pursue her PhD in the same field which empowered her the most. She demonstrated her singing and drawing talents keeping the audience startled and inspired.
About Sahodaya Association
Sahodaya, an outreach programme of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was founded in the year 2000 to empower persons with disabilities with the theme ‘blossoming together’. This association that began with 30 students has grown into a movement involving hundreds of youth and alumni which fosters empathy and inclusion among students.
Sahodaya with its hundreds of youth and alumni supports marginalised individuals, helping them integrate into society. Through various initiatives, it promotes self-reliance and social responsibility. Over the years, it has made a lasting impact on both its volunteers and the people it serves.