Media Release
Belagavi, Jul 14: St Paul's High School, Camp, Belagavi, marked a significant milestone with the grand launch of the IAS–IPS Aspirants Club, an initiative aimed at nurturing young leaders, creating awareness about civil services, and inspiring students to dedicate their lives to the service of the nation.
The programme was graced by Rahul Shinde, IAS, chief executive officer of Zilla Panchayat, Belagavi, as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Fr Eric Harry Mathias, SJ, principal, in the presence of Rev Fr Alendro D'Costa, SJ, vice principal, and Louis Rodrigues, senior journalist and pro to the diocese of Belagavi. The programme was coordinated by Savio Martin, coordinator of the IAS–IPS Aspirants Club.
The programme commenced with a prayer service followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Savio Martin presented the vision, objectives, and year-long action plan of the club. He explained that the club would provide students with opportunities through leadership workshops, current affairs discussions, debates, mock interviews, personality development programmes, quizzes, field visits, and interactions with distinguished civil servants and experts.
In his keynote address, Rahul Shinde, IAS, encouraged students to dream big, remain disciplined, cultivate integrity, and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the service of society and the nation. Sharing his own journey into the civil services, he motivated the students to persevere with determination, hard work, and a spirit of selfless service.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Eric Harry Mathias, SJ, emphasized that the three Cs—character, commitment, and consciousness—are the DNA of this programme and the foundation of every successful IAS and IPS officer. He urged students to go beyond textbooks and examinations by reaching out to the poor and marginalized. "If you aspire to become an IAS or IPS officer, go to the marketplace, spend time with the poorest, understand their struggles, and know the heart of the poor. Only then will you become compassionate leaders capable of transforming society," he said. He encouraged students to use the club as a platform to become leaders with competence, compassion, and a deep commitment to nation-building.
Fr Alendro D'Costa, SJ, and Louis Rodrigues appreciated the visionary initiative and motivated students to participate actively in every activity of the club, making the most of the opportunities it offers.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks expressing gratitude to Rahul Shinde, IAS, Fr Eric Harry Mathias, SJ, Fr Alendro D'Costa, SJ, Louis Rodrigues, Savio Martin, the staff members, and the students for their support in making the launch of the club a success.
The launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for St Paul's High School, reaffirming its commitment to forming young men and women of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment who will serve the nation with integrity and excellence.