Puttur, May 19: At the annual day celebration of St Philomena College, the chief guest and MLA of Puttur Assembly Constituency, Ashok Kumar Rai K S, inspired the students with a powerful message of enthusiasm and responsibility. Addressing the gathering, Rai emphasized the critical role of students in nation-building, stating, “Students should be fountains of enthusiasm, not necessarily wealthy, but hardworking, honest, and ethical to achieve success.” He encouraged the students of South Canara to prepare for competitive exams like the IAS, and stressed the importance of being aware of social and family responsibilities.
The formal programme was presided over by Antony Michael Shera, secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, who highlighted the importance of self-belief, family, and societal support. He encouraged students to leverage their innate talents and think positively to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
The principal, Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, presented a comprehensive report detailing the achievements of the college throughout the academic year, including major milestones and the varied programs that fostered academic and extracurricular development among students.
A significant highlight of the day was the unveiling of the ISO 9001:2015 certificate for quality management, achieved by the college. This certificate was presented to Dr Monteiro by Antony Michael Shera, with Vinayachandra, dean of the Computer Science Department, explaining its significance and conducting the unveiling.
The college also honoured several retiring faculty members for their decades of service, including prof Subair , former head of the History Department and prof Ganesh Bhat, former vice principal and head of the Mathematics Department, Dr A P Radhakrishna, former head, and vice principal, prof Nagaraju former head of the department of Zoology. Dr Norbert Mascarenes, dean of Humanities, head of Physics Department, Dr Chandrasekhar K, head of Mathematics Tanuja and head of Biology Sriraksha BV delivered the felicitation address.
In addition to academic accolades, the college celebrated sports achievements. Dr Elias Pinto, the Physical Education Director, led the felicitation of students who excelled in international and national sports events, including Thrishul a third-year BA in an international life-saving competition at the Commonwealth Competition held in Windsor Canada and for representing International 35 km Kayaking Event held at Adams Bridge Rama Setu, Sri Lanka, and Spandana from BSc, who won medals in weightlifting ,Abhiramchandra of third Bcom and Beulah of 1 Mcom and in hammer throw Varsha of 1BCA were honoured. The proud NCC cadets of the college like SCUO Sujith SP, JUO Riya Sushmita DSouza who participated in the All India Tal Sainik Camp and Cadet Sudarshan who participated in the Meri Maathi Mera Desh program were felicitated. NCC officer of the college Captain Johnson David Sequiera delivered the felicitation speech.
The guest of honour Fr Stany Pinto, campus director, also spoke, reminding students that hard work is indispensable for success, dismissing any reliance on luck.
Fr Lawrence Mascarenes, the correspondent of the college, reflected on the commitment of the institution to holistic student development, emphasizing the importance of living joyfully while upholding values of life.
Fr Antony Michael Shera, and Fr Stany Pinto were felicitated during the celebration Dr Elias Pinto was felicitated on obtaining his PhD and capt Johnson David Sequeira was felicitated on his promotion from lieutenant to Captain rank.
The guest of honour Fr Ashok Rayan Crasta, principal of Saint Philomena Pre-University College, felicitated the Student Council Office Bearers.
Jerald D'Costa, vice president of Mai De Deus Church Parish Pastoral Parishad, Yathindranath Rai PD, president of parents’ Teachers’ Association of College, Alumni association president -A Jagjivandas Rai , College Student Union President,Vipin HG, secretary, K Samriddhi Shenoy along with joint secretary, Raksha PB were present on the stage.
Hrishita and team offered prayers. College vice principal Dr P S Krishna Kumar welcomed. Vice principal Dr Vijay Kumar Moleyar proposed a vote of thanks. Bharati S Rai, head of English Department, compered.