Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 20: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, hosted Milan 2019, a joint celebration of Onam, Mosaru Kudike and Feast of Nativity of Mary, with great fervour on Thursday, September 19.
The inhabitants of the college campus were welcomed with a colourful ‘Pookalam’ designed by the contingent of Keralite Students at the entrance of the college. The management, faculty, staff and students of SJEC gathered for a brief Onam celebration. The significance of Onam was presented followed by a symbolic entry of King Mahabali. Lighting of the lamp was followed by traditional Kerala songs and a colourful procession that lead to the Basketball Court of the college where the procession was received with Thiruvaadhira dance.
This was followed by, a brief celebration of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary and a traditional practice of pre preparation for Pili Dance towards Mosaru Kudike celebrations in the evening. A grand ethnic show followed the festivities.
In the evening, Milan 2019, a cultural confluence was organized at the basketball court of the college in the presence of the dignitaries that included Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director of SJEC, Fr Rohith D’Costa and Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, assistant directors of SJEC, Dr Rio D’Souza, principal of SJEC, and Rakesh Lobo, HR manager of SJEC. The colourful dresses celebrating the ethnic diversity of SJEC campus, the majestic Pookalam, traditional music and dances all added up to the wonderful and energetic performances of the participants. The talent of SJEC students was on display and the event symbolized the rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Soorikumeru Govinda Bhat, senior Yakshagana artiste and Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, actor, were the special guests at Milan 2019. Soorikumeru Govinda Bhat spoke from his vast experience in the field of Yakshagana and mentioned the importance of breeding local culture. He appreciated the college for organizing events like Milan which give ample opportunities for students to showcase their skills. Bhojaraj Vamanjoor entertained the crowd with his humour and spoke about his experiences in the acting industry. He called upon the students to identify their talent and work towards achieving great heights in the area of their expertise.
Both these eminent personalities were facilitated during the cultural extravaganza.
The other key highlight of the day was the Pili Dance performed by the students of the college. The special attractions of the evening included Mosaru Kudike and Singarimelam (Chende).
The event was coordinated by Eden Sequeira and Poornesh M along with the rest of the members of the cultural committee.