Report & Pics: Oscar Rego
Al Ain, Nov 30: It was a day of nostalgia for the former students of St Mary’s College of Shirva on Friday November 27 when they came together for a long-awaited alumni meet held at the Indian Social Centre Auditorium, Al Ain.
It was a moment of joy and laughter for the former students to reminiscence their golden past they spent in the corridors of their institution. They gathered along with their families for a day of fun and frolic from all over the UAE. The bright sunny day with a fantastic cool weather added extra spark to the day's programme.
The day’s proceedings started with a welcome dance by school children from Al Ain, and UAE and India anthems were sung by all the gathered guests and former students of the college, followed by SMC college prayer by Dr Prof Ganesh Bhat.
A minute’s silence was observed and prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late Fr Henry Castelino, retired principal St Mary’s College, Shirva and the late Louis Mendonca, a popular teacher and retired principal of St Mary’s Pre-University College of Shirva.
UAE SMC Alumni main coordinator Srikanth Bhat welcomed the gathered old students, guests including chief guest Prof Rajan V N, principal, St Mary’s College Shirva, who arrived especially for the event, Dr Prof Ganesh Bhat, lecturer, St Mary’s College, Shirva, Prakash Shetty, SMC Almuni Mumbai unit, Joy Thangadan, president of Indian Social Centre, Al Ain, Mohammed Russel, secretary of Indian Social Centre, Al Ain. They were felicitated with bouquets by UAE SMC Alumni coordinators.
Prof Rajan V N, principal, St Mary’s College, Shirva lit the ceremonial lamp and inaugurated the UAE SMC Alumni Association in the presence of guests and UAE SMC Alumni coordinators Srikanth Bhat, Michael Castelino, Maxim Ferrao, Oscar Rego, Nitin Castelino, Benedecta Lobo, Monica Machado, Joy D'Souza, Gulzhar Khan and Lavina Castelino.
In his presidential address, Prof Rajan thanked the old students and asked them to support the educational institution in future too, and he also urged to strengthen the Alumni Association and do something for the Alma Mater and needy people.
Dr Prof Ganesh Bhat in his message praised the UAE SMC Alumni Association and conveyed his good wishes and expressed his gratefulness to the Alma Mater for all the help and support extended to the Institute.
Michael Castelino, popularly known as Micky, addressed the gathering and explained the path they had tread since the start of Alumni movement in the UAE. He appreciated the efforts and hard work put in by his dedicated committee members since the past months.
Prof Rajan V N was honoured on the occasion by UAE SMC Alumni coordinators Nitin Castelino, Maxim Ferrao, Oscar Rego, Bendicta Lobo, Gulzar Khan and Srikanth Bhat.
During the entertainment session Donald and Asha Correa presented popular Hindi and Kannada songs. Benedecta Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.
The final interactive session was conducted by coordinators Nitin Castelino and Michael Castelino for the gathered former students. Prof Rajan appealed to strengthen the Almuni Association and enroll more life/patron members.
The master of ceremony Savitha Bhat did a splendid job in her unique style, keeping the audience engaged throughout with interactive spot games and fun games for all the former students and their family members.
A lavish breakfast, lunch and snacks were arranged by popular main coordinator Srikanth Bhat.
It was indeed a memorable event and a day to remember for long time to come. The coordinators had worked hard to make this event a great success and deserve to be applauded.