Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 27: Ayudha Pooja celebration and inauguration of Student Council 2025 was held at St Aloysius ITI on September 26.
Ayudha Pooja, also known as Astra Pooja, is a significant Hindu festival that is part of the Navaratri festival and is primarily observed in southern India. Ayudha means ‘weapons’ or ‘tools’ and Pooja means ‘worship’. During Ayudha Pooja, devotees clean, decorate, and worship the tools and instruments they use in their daily lives or work. This act symbolizes respect for the tools that provide sustenance and success. Ayudha Pooja is observed on the ninth day, or sometimes the tenth day, which is also known as Vijayadashami.
On this special day, all the workshops of the institution were decorated with plantain, glazing paper, flowers, mango leaves, balloons, etc.
Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, headmaster - St Aloysius High School, mangaluru was the chief guest. Harsha Lithesh Brank, HVAC Mechanic - Dry Docks, Dubai & Alumni SAITI was the guest of honour. Roshan D'Souza - principal, Alwyn Menezes - vice principal, Noel Lobo and Wilson N - training officers, John D'Souza - convener of the programme, Rivan D’Souza - president, Student Council were present for the programme.
The programme commenced with a prayer service along with the students. Students read the verses from the Holy Bible, Bhagavad Gita and Quran. Prayer intentions were offered.
An oath to handle tools and machinery safely and for the benefit of mankind was taken by the students. The oath taking ceremony was led by Darshan S, president of Student Council.
Fr Johnson Pinto SJ blessed all the workshops and vehicles.
The new office bearers for the academic year 2025 were introduced by Alwyn Menezes, vice principal. The installation ceremony of new Office Bearers and the badges were distributed. The oath taking ceremony was led by Shreyas, junior training officer for the newly elected student council members. The acceptance speech was done by Rivan D’Souza, president - Student Council.
The newly elected student council members are as follows:
President - Rivan D’Souza, EL 2
Vice president - Swasthika, EM 2
Secretary - Adil Ahmed, MRAC 2
Joint secretary - Manvith, EM 1
Sports secretary - Maneesh Shetty, MMV 2
Joint sports secretary - Sangam, Plumber
Cultural secretary - Thejas, MMV 1
Joint cultural secretary - Vishwas, MRAC 2
Media representative - Royson Castelino, MMV 2
The inauguration was done by traditionally opening the areca nut flower sheath and by planting a sapling.
Chief guest Fr Johnson Pinto SJ addressed the gathering by saying, “Today is a special day, reminding us of the power of tools and instruments in our lives – whether they are physical tools we use in our work or symbolic tools like knowledge, skills, and values that shape our path. It is a day when we express our gratitude for the tools that we use. Through this festival, we not only recognize the importance of our instruments, but also emphasize the values of hard work, discipline, and dedication. With the blessings of the divine, may we continue to use our tools with wisdom, responsibility, and respect. For holistic development a student must have leadership and responsibility. I congratulate all the members of the student council. Take up responsibility in your work so the betterment of the institution. May God bless you all.”
Guest of honour Harsha spoke a few words, “I am happy to come as guest to this college. I don't have words to speak. I thank all the faculty members. What I am today is because of this institution. I thank this institution.”
Principal, Roshan D’Souza addressed the gathering by saying, “I would like to say thank you because you have cleaned your lab and decorated it very beautifully. Also, the student council members have different responsibilities. I hope you all work as a team and carry out all the duties and responsibilities given to you.”
John D’Souza, convener proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was compered by Vishwas, student of MRAC 2nd year and Wilson N, training officer.