Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Feb 11: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Vamanjoor, marked its 25th Foundation Day with a solemn programme at Prerana Hall, Academic Block III, on Wednesday afternoon, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, research and service to society.

The highlight of the celebration was the Foundation Day Oration delivered by Prof Dr P Nagabhushan, chancellor – E-Box AI Degree Programmes, director and advisor – amphiventures, lifetime professor and former director of IIIT-Allahabad, and former vice-chancellor of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (2022–2026).

In his address, he emphasised the importance of nurturing a strong research culture, fostering innovation and promoting value-based technological education. He encouraged students and faculty to think beyond conventional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

The programme began with a video presentation tracing SJEC’s journey and achievements over the past 25 years. Fr Kenneth R Crasta, assistant director, welcomed the gathering. The chief guest was felicitated by the management.

A key moment of the event was the release of the college compendium documenting the institution’s academic progress, research accomplishments, outreach initiatives and milestones of the silver jubilee year. The dignitaries formally unveiled the publication and commended the efforts behind its compilation.

As part of the celebrations, faculty members were honoured for their contributions to research and innovation:

• Research/Innovation Award: Dr Vincent Crasta, Professor, Department of Physics

• Research Impact Award: Dr Raju K, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

• Research Publication Award: Dr Ravikantha Prabhu, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

• Early Career Research Award: Dr Sharun Mendonca, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

• Research/Innovation Mentorship Award: Dr Binu K G, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Fr Wilfred P D’Souza, director of SJEC, and principal Dr Rio D’Souza congratulated the awardees and underscored the need for interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Dr Saumya Y M, convener of the programme, coordinated the event. The vote of thanks was delivered at the conclusion of the function.

Faculty members, students, researchers and invited guests attended the Foundation Day celebration, which highlighted SJEC’s sustained pursuit of quality education and research-driven growth over the past quarter century.