Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jun 17: A formal function to inaugurate the BA and BCom courses of St Lawrence Degree College, Moodubelle was held on Saturday June 16.
Fr Joswey Fernandes, correspondent of St Lawrence Educational Institutions presided over the function. Fr Wilson V D’Souza, secretary of Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore was the chief guest. Fr Paul Sequeira, principal of St Lawrence PU College was the guest of honour.
Besides the students and the staff members, the inaugural function was attended by parents of the students, donors, members of the college committee, heads of different educational institutions of the parish and invitees.
Following the prayer song presented by the students, commodore Jerome Castelino in his introductory and welcome address narrated the background of starting of the college and said that in view of the vision of the college “Providing access to higher education in order to empower the rural youth”, no student was denied admission for want of funds and securing low percentage of marks. He assured that this policy will continue in the years to come so that every student is provided with an opportunity for higher studies. In the same address, commodore Jerome Castelino extended a warm floral welcome to the dignitaries on the dais.
The BA and BCom courses were formally inaugurated by the dignitaries on the dais along with two students representing BA and BCom classes by lighting the lamp as the hymn “Showers of Blessings” was sung.
Following the lighting of the lamp, Kusuma Makwan, lecturer in commerce recited the prayer seeking blessing on the college.
Speaking on this occasion, chief guest, Fr Wilson V D’Souza complimented the management and people of Moodubelle for starting St Lawrence Degree College and said, “St Lawrence College is the light of knowledge to rural students”. He also lauded the background work done by the college committee headed by commodore Jerome Castelino in establishing the college. He assured the management of the college that the Catholic Board of Education will provide every support and assistance in the development of this institution.
Fr Paul Sequeira, principal of St Lawrence PU College who was the guest of honour said that with the starting of the degree college, the dream of the people of Moodubelle has come true and this will greatly help students of his PU college to continue their studies having not to go out of Moodubelle.
Fr Joswey Fernandes, correspondent of the college, who presided over the function, said that the chief aim of starting the college was to enable the rural students who are economically backward and secured low marks in PUC examination to pursue higher education. Further he said that in order to help economically weak students fee concession was given to a number of students and some students were granted free admission. He further said that such a step became possible due to donors who had generously donated to the noble cause of education and profusely thanked all the donors and sponsors who were present on this occasion.
At the end of the function, principal, Dr Eugene D’Souza thanked all those who played a major role in starting St Lawrence Degree College in right earnestness with all infrastructure and facilities and on time. He also expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, parents of the students, donors, members of the college committee and invitees.
Sarita D’Souza, vice principal compered the entire function.
Commodore Jerome Castelino (VSM), convener of the college committee and principal Dr Eugene D’Souza were also present on the dais.
Following the National Anthem, light refreshment was served to all those who attended the function.