Puttur: Former Students of St Philomena College Take Trip Down Memory Lane
Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (NR)
Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Puttur, Feb 21: The golden jubiliee celebrations and college day of St Philomena College and St Philomena Pre-University College began with a bang at the Antony Patrao Sabhangana - Francis Serrao Serrao Vedike here on Wednesday February 20.
The function began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, vice-president, CBE Mangalore, who also presided over the events. The chief guests on the occasion were K Sundar Naik, registrar, Mangalore University, J R Lobo, managing director, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangalore, P Vasanth Kumar, assistant commissioner and administrative officer, town municipality and Dr W Linda Christi, joint director, Collegiate Education, Mangalore.
Speaking on the occasion Shobha Karandlaje, member of state Legislative Assembly on a personal note informed the gathering that she too was an old student of St Philomena College and was very proud to be an alumni of such a prestigious institution.
She said that students who have completed their education here have all gone on to become eminent personalities. They have entered various professions and become lawyers, politicians, engineers, doctors occupying high posts in their respective spheres.
She also exhorted the students to love their country and do their best for the country following in the footsteps of other eminent ex-students, thereby making their alma mater proud of them.
A surprise guest at the function was D V Sadananda Gowda, MP, Mangalore who was to be the chief guest at the college celebration on Saturday February 23, but had to advance his attendance due to unexpected official engagement on that day. In his speech Gowda, an old student of the college informed that even children from close by districts like Hassan and Kodagu come here to seek education, which clearly indicates how powerful this institution is.
He declared proudly 'St Philomena College is a sacred place for me, as it is responsible for catapulting me to such great heights.' Touching on the topic of population, he opined that the population of our country is our greatest strength, and if we make use of this strength and unite as one against the rest of the world, only then India will make great progress, he averred.
P Vasanth Kumar, another speaker on the occasion lauding the level of education in the college declared that students from this college were equal to students of Bangalore colleges in terms of intelligence, qualifications etc. In fact the persons of high calibre found in various top institutions in Bangalore have all taken their education from this college. The institution has been a source of inspiration for students all over the country, he stated proudly.
'Students must have big dreams in life, and they must convert these visions into reality" advised Fr Denis Moras Prabhu in his speech at the function. Moreover, he exhorted the students to learn to live in peace and harmony and added that if students do so, then the country too will have a peaceful existence.
On the occasion three former students namely D V Sadananda Gowda, Shobha Karandlaje and K Sundar Naik were felicitated for their contribution to society. After this a prize distribution ceremony for proficiency in sports and education was held, wherein prizes were distributed by Shobha Karandlaje. A cultural event followed from 7.30 pm onwards comprising a Bharatnatyam performance, a Hindi film dance and an orchestra which entertained the audience.