Report by Naveen Frank for Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
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Mangalore, Mar 16: It was a sunset with a difference. An avenue lined with cashew and coconut tress on either side, the road led to the venue of St Joseph’s Engineering College, Vamanjoor, for the Annual College day celebrations.
St Joseph’s Engineering College is a unit of the catholic Diocese of Mangalore. It is affiliated to Visveswariah Technological University, Belgaum and approved by AICTE, New Delhi and Karnataka State government. It was established in the year 2002.
True to the Mission and Vision of the Institution offers courses in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics, Electronics and Communication and Mechanical Engineering.
The programme began with an invocation to the Spirit by the students. Immediately afterwards, the dignitaries were led to the stage. Among the dignitaries were Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius P D’Souza, Msgr Fred V Pereira, Director Fr Valerian D’Souza, SJEC Principal, Dr RK Yaji, Guest of honour Chairman and Managing Director DUCONT Dubai Ivan Fernandes, Chief Guest Capt John Prasad Menezes President, Kanara Chamber of Commerce, Mangalore.
The Director Fr Valerian D’Souza welcomed the gathering and introduced the dignitaries. The Principal Dr RK Yaji read the annual report which included all the events and achievements of the College of the past year.
The Guest of Honour Ivan Fernandes gave away the prizes to the students for excellence in extra curricular activities and sports.
Speaking on the occasion Ivan said that he was honored to be here on this occasion. “The only mantra to success is hard work with no short cuts,” he said. He urged the students to be more creative and innovative in order to be successful. “Think outside the box and leave your comfort zones,” Ivan said. “Our satisfaction is to see you succeed,” he said.
The Chief Guest Capt John Prasad Menezes gave away the prizes to the students for academic excellence. Addressing the gathering Capt Prasad started by expressing what his forefathers did. To have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul. He hoped that our children too could do the same. Capt Menezes told the students to ask themselves the question, “What am I doing to be citizens of tomorrow?” “Listen to your conscience and you will succeed.” he said.
Msgr Fred V Pereira, Vice President of SJEC Dr Aloysius P D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore and President of SJEC gave away the Principal’s trophy to the winning department in cultural competition conducted for the staff. He also honored the chief guest and the guest of honor of the day.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Aloysius D’Souza said that if not for the Lord’s blessing, this Institute would not have taken off with such galloping speed. He also recognized the dedication and service of the staff. “ Our mission is the mission of Jesus” he said. “ To liberate man from all human bondage and set them free. This college is open to the less fortunate so they can be free.” he stressed. The Bishop blessed the Institute, the staff and students and wished them all the best. “Dream dreams and work hard to make the dreams come true.” he said. The Bishop concluded by quoting a Mexican prayer. “Change my spark into a fire; change my string into a Lyre; the anthill into a mountain; a drop into a fountain; a feather into wings; servant into a King.”
Prof Shantharam Rai proposed the vote of thanks. Manasa Lobo compered the event.
A well organized cultural variety entertainment programme followed. The curtain fell with the singing of the National Anthem.
Earlier speaking exclusively to daijiworld , the Director Fr Valerian D’Souza said that they have an ambitious plan on the anvil to start Information Science & Engineering and an MBA programme. He also ascertained that the goal of the Institute was to have qualified lay people to run the Institute while the priests give guidance and logistic support. Fr Valerian said that there are over 1100 students, a faculty of over 97 teaching and 80 non teaching staff. The campus Chapel and the Clergy Home is under construction and should be completed soon. The students are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities like NSS and AICUF programmes.
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