Mangalore: SACAA bids fond farewell to Fr Joseph Rodrigues
John Monteiro
Mangalore, Mar 19: St Aloysius College Alumni/ae Association (SACAA) bid a fond farewell to Fr Joseph Rodrigues, Rector, St Aloysius College Institutions, on the college campus on Sunday March 17. Fr Rector, who is the patron of SACAA, assumed his office four years ago and he is now going on sabbatical leave for one year in USA, before taking on his next portfolio.
SACAA Executive Committee members including Prof Edmund Frank, Arthur D’Souza, Paul Moras, Dr Richard Gonsalves (Vice President) spoke recalling the qualities of head and heart of Fr Rodrigues and the leadership and encouragement he gave for various SACAA initiatives as also his contribution to the accelerated progress of the college institutions at large. He constantly encouraged and supported SACAA activities, specially the ambitious project to raise funds for the Olympic-class swimming pool on the campus – work on which has already started.
Fr Swebert D’ Silva, Principal of the college and Director of SACAA, traced his relationship with Fr Rodrigues going back to their student days and described him as a survivor in the Jesuit Order.
Responding, Fr Rodrigue thanked SACAA for its various initiatives in support of the college institutions and highlighted the developments during his four-year tenure as Rector.
SACAA President, Michael D’Souza, along with N G Mohan, draped a shawl on Fr Rodrigues and offered fruits and flowers.
SACAA President welcomed Fr Rodrigues, Fr Swebert, Fr Francis Almeida, Vice Principal and Assistant Director of SACAA as also Fr Denzil Lobo, the new Rector-designate. John B Monteiro, Secretary, SACAA, proposed the vote of thanks while Melissa Goveas briskly progressed the function which concluded with dinner.
Fr Rodrigues, who had trained himself in Karnatic music in Chennai, was in a relaxed mood and allowed to be persuaded to give a rendition in that genre. He surprised the gathering with his sure touch and voice control. The song which was sung is taken from the classical Telugu film called "SHANKARABHARANAM". It is the name of one of the most important ragas of Karnatic Classical (South Indian) Music - "Sharkarabharam". It was sung by S P Balasubramanyam, the famous playback singer for films.
For singing this classical song, he had taken this challenge (just like Yesudas) that in addition to the light music he can also sing the pure Karnatic Classical songs.