Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore - with inputs and pics from Raymond D'Cunha Taccode

Aikala, Mangalore, Feb 25 (8-00 pm): "The parents have to be part of the education process of their children to ensure the real growth of calibre," said Bishop Aloysius D'Souza, after releasing a souvenir brought out to commemorate the silver jubilee of the Pompei College in Aikala on Saturday.

The Bishop presided over the function. He further said that the Almighty having given a treasure of talents, it was everyone's duty to develop them for the good of the society and bring about peace int he community. The late Fr Bernard D'Souza had planted the seedling for this institution, which was later watered by other visionaries, ultimately the benefits to be reaped by the present students and their parents.

Oscar Fernandes releases Rs 3 lac from his MP funds

To commemorate the occasion of the silver jubilee, an audio-visual hall has been built, which was inaugurated by Moodbidri MLA K Abhayachandra. MP Oscar Fernandes  has sanctioned Rs 1.5 lac towards it and another Rs 1.5 lac toward the junior college.

The areas of Aikala and around have indeed benefited from this institution over the years and it has proved a boon to the society. An indoor stadium which also has been built to mark the occasion was inaugurated by Mangalore region's joint director for collegiate education Dr W Linda Christie, who said it was because of sheer hard work and dedicated had borne fruit in this mission. The nation could flourish only because of such contributions to the society, she added.

Senior student of the college Sharat Shetty raised a toast for the silver jubilee. Parents-Teachers' Association president Krishna Shetty and Alumnae Association president Gretta Moras were on the dais. Catholic Board of Education secretary Fr Wilson L V D'Souza, Fr Muller's administrator Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Shirva college principal Fr John A Barboza and others spoke on the occasion.

In the silver jubilee report presented by principal Fr Valerian Mendonca said the college had recognition from UGC and obtained NAAC's B grade. So far 2,239 students had passed out of the college. The college now had a website of its own - www.pompeicollege.com, he said.

Honours

Past correspondent Fr Lawrence D'Souza, former principal Fr John C Miranda and Fr John A Barboza were honoured on the occasion. Also honoured were seven rank-holders from the college in the past years, inter-university competitors, participants in the Republic Day parade in the national capital and Nau Sainiks, as well as those who excelled in sports and studies.

The principal and the present staff were honoured by the Bishop with a memento each.

College correspondent and Kirem parish priest Fr Charles Noronha welcomed the gathering, Rocky Lobo read out the messages and Prof Harold D'Souza thanked everyone for the success of the function.

Later on, a colourful programme of cultural events was presented.