Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 15: The department of Commerce, St Agnes College (Autonomous), hosted a national conference on ‘Enhancing Professional Competency through Skill Development- Facing upto Modernity’ on February 14 in the college conference hall.
Vathika Pai, proprietor of Vathika Internationals, youngest president of Kanara Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mangaluru was the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony and delivered the keynote address. Vathika Pai in her address emphasised the importance of professional competency for the aspiring graduates. “It is the professional competency that helps an individual stand apart. A person attending an interview may have requisite educational qualification but it is the professional competency which will help one to seal the job,” she said. She listed out the various soft skills that an individual should have to attain professional competency. She advised the delegates to utilise their leisure time in developing their communication skills, listening skills, building inter personal relationships and leadership abilities. She also stressed on the need for high level of professionalism and to be responsible for the duties assigned at work place. She said that good things happen to people who think good things. She advised the young crowd that though they can borrow heavily from others, they need to build their own niche (image) and to be the best of others.
During the inaugural ceremony Vathika Pai, the proud alumna of the Commerce department was felicitated for her remarkable achievements.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa, joint secretary, St Agnes Institutions, Mangaluru was the guest of honour and Sr Dr M Jeswina, principal of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru was the president for the occasion. Sr Dr M Jeswina in her presidential address expressed her concern that students graduating with good grades also do not get suitable jobs for their qualifications due to lack of personality traits and soft skills. She advised the youngsters that one should not compromise ethics, values and integrity at work place at any stage of one’s career.
A total of 300 students and faculty from various colleges across India participated in the national conference. There were three technical sessions and eight parallel sessions of paper presentations. There were 102 paper presentations and 20 posters were evaluated during the conference.
Dr Devi Prabha Alva, HOD of Commerce and chairperson of the conference, welcomed the gathering, Lawren Maria Castelino, coordinator of conference rendered the vote of thanks. Ashvija Mendonsa, coordinator of the conference compered the programme. G Yogyata, student vice-president for Commerce was present.