Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 24: The school of commerce, finance and accountancy, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) hosted a seminar titled 'Empowering youth for the digital economy: Careers, AI, start-ups and entrepreneurship' on July 23, in the university premises. The event brought together distinguished academicians, industry experts, students, and achievers to explore emerging opportunities in the digital and entrepreneurial landscape.
The programme commenced with a soulful prayer led by the college choir, followed by a formal welcome address by Dr Manuel Tauro, dean school of commerce, finance and accountancy, who extended a warm welcome to the esteemed dignitaries including Dr K Rajesh Nayak, director-training, College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS), Oman, CA S S Nayak, MSME and start-up mentor and director of the popular TV show Business Tonic, vice chancellor Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Dr Mamatha, director of the BCom programme, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of St Aloysius College (Autonomous, Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Zeena D’Souza, associate dean, school of commerce, finance and accountancy, Dr Shobha, HOD of the school of commerce, finance and accountancy, Dr Paul D’Souza, convenor, and Arjun Prakash, co-convenor. The dean also welcomed parents, faculty, and students, including several ACCA and CA achievers.
A traditional lamp lighting ceremony by the dignitaries and the rendition of the college anthem set an auspicious tone for the day. Dr Rajesh Nayak, in his keynote address, reflected on his 15-year journey with St Aloysius College (Autonomous) and fondly acknowledged the mentors who shaped his life. He commended CA S S Nayak for his exceptional ability to communicate complex financial concepts through relatable storytelling, emphasizing that while a good CA audits, a great CA enables growth and peace of mind.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the book “Voices of the wise” authored by CA S S Nayak. The book was unveiled by Dr Praveen Martis SJ along with other dignitaries. The launch was followed by a felicitation ceremony recognizing the outstanding achievements of newly qualified chartered accountants—CA Isha Solanki, CA Manasa G Rao, CA Vigneshwari, and CA Mandara Shetty—and accomplished ACCA affiliates including Sasha Ima Sequeira, Jiya Melita Fernandes, Princia Maria D’Souza, Diya Girish, Abiya Manuel, Sonal Crasta, Abdul Khader, Luke Samson Lobo, Raheen Haris Moideen, Neha R Amin, and Winston Lobo.
Addressing the gathering, CA S S Nayak inspired the audience with reflections from his book, stating that a good student scores marks, but a great student acquires lasting knowledge. He elaborated on the four quarters of learning—25% from teachers, 25% from books, 25% from peer discussions, and the remaining 25% from life experiences. His address underscored the values of greatness over goodness and applauded St Aloysius for preparing students not just for exams, but for life.
The honourable vice chancellor Dr Praveen Martis SJ delivered the presidential message, appreciating the vision and depth shared by the speakers and encouraging the youth to lead with values and vision. Copies of the newly launched book were also formally handed over to the college library by CA S S Nayak. The inaugural session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr Paul D’Souza.
The second session of the seminar featured thought-provoking technical talks. Dr Rajesh Nayak opened the session with an insightful lecture on “AI in banking and career opportunities in banking.” Introduced by Dr Zeena D’Souza, associate dean of the school of commerce, finance and accountancy, Dr Nayak emphasized that banking is no longer a place one goes to, but an activity embedded in daily life. He guided the students through the evolution of artificial intelligence and its application in banking, covering data analytics, robotic process automation, the use of virtual assistants, and the role of humanoid technologies in real-time transactions. He highlighted the growing influence of generative AI in marketing, risk assessment, and customer experience. Interactive segments during the session engaged students with questions, rewarding correct responses with signed copies of Voices of the Wise. Dr Nayak emphasized that AI should be seen as an assistant and analytical tool, not a replacement for human insight, underscoring that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replicate authenticity and empathy.
The second speaker of the technical session was CA S S Nayak, introduced by Dr Shobha. His session, titled “Entrepreneurial insights for the first-generation entrepreneurs,” offered a roadmap to aspiring entrepreneurs. Quoting, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” he spoke about the urgent need to cultivate job creators rather than job seekers. He outlined the six core qualities essential for entrepreneurial success: commitment, resilience, versatility, financial awareness, focus, and effective communication. He discussed the Indian startup ecosystem, currently the third largest in the world, and elaborated on government-led initiatives such as the DPIIT, Startup Mahakumbh, PM MUDRA Yojana, Atal Incubation Centres, and the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He stressed the importance of strategic planning, calculated risk-taking, and the symbiotic relationship between industry and academia in fostering innovation. His session encouraged youth to dream ambitiously and take ownership of their future by designing and launching ventures that are both impactful and sustainable.
The seminar concluded on a high note with Dr Manuel Tauro presenting a memento of appreciation and Arjun Prakash delivering the final vote of thanks. The event not only celebrated academic excellence but also ignited a spirit of innovation, resilience, and responsible leadership among the youth. It was a day of learning, reflection, and empowerment, perfectly aligned with the vision of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) to mould future-ready citizens equipped to thrive in a dynamic digital economy. Around 425 participants were present for the seminar.
The programme was compered by Shreenidhi B S.