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The spirit of old students:
Friday February 2, 2007 was a memorable day, while the UAE nationals were busy in celebrating their recent Gulf Cup Football victory, the ex-students of two of the most prestigious colleges of Mangalore, that is, St Aloysius and St Agnes held Agnesian and Aloysian Reunion 2007.
But the jubilant and cheering atmosphere turned into typical Mangalorean rainy day with cool showers lashing the city. But the spirited participants and organizers took this in their stride as they went on with their programme with more gusto and enthusiasm. Cool showers which started pouring around 2.45 pm and went on for about 45 minutes did interrupt the proceedings causing some jittery and anxious moments to organizers.
However, it never stopped the ex-students from having fun-filled day. Never did the spirit of the jubilant students go down. Perhaps these never-say-die quality, commitment, enthusiasm are some of the hallmark qualities of their alma mater back home in Mangalore which they displayed to the maximum on Friday.
They were all united and just finding best possible way to continue the proceeding. Thank God! Rain stopped and event proceeded further without any problems a little while later.
The event:
Fond memories flashed back right at the beginning of the great event. A solemn Aloysian and Agnesian procession from the two sides converged at the centre proudly displaying the Institution flags. The blue and white balloons were released, soaring high over the overcast UAE skies, thus marking the opening of the combined Agnesian and Aloysian Alumini Reunion 2007. The hearts and spirits of the participants went down the memory lane when the Aloysian and Agnesian anthems were solemnly sung.
Dr Eugine Lobo, principal, St Aloysius College Mangalore represented the Institution. 'We are on the verge of getting autonomy for the College' said Fr Eugene. 'We need your support' he urged.
Sr Carmel Rita, principal of St Agnes College, could not make it. But her message was read by president Merrisa Lobo, to the audience. Her message highlighted all recent achievements of the great institutions. Sr Carmel Rita sent her blessings and good wishes to all Agnesians. She also acknowledged the funds sent to the college which were used as scholarships.
Masters of ceremony Errol and Suchita then took over what would be a beginning of an eventful day. The ice-breaker brought together the old and the young ex students of both institutions. Setting aside tradition, all were on the floor for a combined dance..
The highlight of the day was the fashion show. The King and Queen contest attracted over 16 contestants with no age bar.
The carefully chosen judges, Sandra Pinto, Naveen Frank of daijiworld.com and Hazel Saldanha of Swiss International had a hard task to take a final decision.
Ex- Aloysians Lawrence Mendonca and Rajesh Sequiera have been felicitated for their service to the community. Lawrence Mendonca recently awarded 'NRI Entrepreneur of the Year' in Bangalore . Rajesh has been instrumental in initiating Dubai -Mangalore direct flight service through his efforts.
A huge unprecedented and unannounced downpour ensued that drenched the whole area. But the heavy shower was not fierce enough to drench the spirits of the audience. The whole lively crowd bundled their little ones and huddled into the tents to protect themselves from the fierce rain. The spirit was enlivened with pocket groups starting group songs and keeping the spirit alive.
Fashion show winners: The King of Hearts was Schuster Goveas and the Queen of Hearts was Sonia Cutinha. The runners up were Melita Cutinha and Vishanth Menezes
The culmination of the day came in the form of a spectacular show from the LIVING MACHINE which made the entire remaining audience sway to the rock music of the eighties.
The five-member band grouped together in just three days for the sole purpose of performing for the day. It was not an easy task. The group had parted ways over 20 years ago. But they decided to come together one more time. Peter from Delhi, Deepak from Goa, and Darryl, Ashraf and Allwyn from Mangalore regrouped together in Dubai and gave a performance that all Aloysians and Agnesians would never forget and thus dropping down the curtain for the day.
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