Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Mar 19: Five achievers in various fields were conferred the Eminent Aloysian Alumni Awards by their alma mater St Aloysius College during the Aloysian Conclave-2016 held in the college premises here on Saturday March 20. The awards were instituted jointly by St Aloysius College and St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA).

The awards were presented to founder of Dubai-based Thumbay Group Thumbay Moideen, chairman of Federation of Indian Exports Organizations, southern region Walter D'Souza, author of several books on commerce Prof B S Raman, senior conservation scientist Dr Ullas Karanth and mathematician and scientist Dr K P Rao for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields.

Rector of St Aloysius Institutions and patron of St Aloysius College Alumni Association Fr Denzil Lobo conferred the awards on the achievers. In his address, he said, "The awards have been conferred on the five achievers for their roles in making this world a better place. I feel that they have achieved the motto of the college 'Lucet Et Ardet', that is to 'shine to enkindle'. I want to say that the college is proud of you (awardees).

"From the beginning, Jesuits have been striving to improve education according to time, giving importance to personal education. We are happy that it has resulted in so many of our students excelling in their lives. Former Jesuit priests always believed that education must always be preferential to the poor. We have always believed in creating men and women for others. We are not just interested in giving better education, rather we want every student of the Jesuit institutions to be man and woman for others."

The Aloysian Conclave lecture was delivered by Thumbay Moideen.

"From a timber merchant to a chairman of the only private healthcare group in the Middle East, it was a journey of ups and downs. I was the first person from here to be invited by one of the Sheikhs of the Middle East who filled fuel into my proposals. Now with over 4,500 staff and students of more than 72 countries we are a pioneer in heath education and healthcare," Moideen said.

"All through my journey, the education that obtained from St Aloysius College and the mannerisms I was taught here proved to be extremely helpful. At this juncture I want to thank the Almighty, secondly my parents and my family and thirdly, St Aloysius College for helping me reach this position," he added.

He also made a powerpoint presentation on the Thumbay Group.

Another awardee Dr Ullas Karanth stressed on the need to protect the environment for a better future while author Prof Raman called upon the teachers of the college to instill discipline in the students.

Walter D'Souza and Dr K P Rao remembered the teachers responsible for their success and said that hard work will bear fruits of success one or the other day.

Fr Denzil Lobo was honoured on the occasion.

President of St Aloysius College Alumni Association Dr Richard Gonsalves welcomed the gathering while chairman of the organising committee Michael D'Souza rendered the vote of thanks.

SAC principal Fr Swebert D'Silva, vice-principal John D'Silva, campus minister Fr Francis Almeida, administrator of St Aloysius Evening College Fr Michael John, Prof Edmund Frank and others were present.