‘The Aloysian Fest’, a 3-day Juncture of Academic & Cultural Talents Kicks Off
‘The Aloysian Fest-2018’, a 3-day National Level Inter-Collegiate Juncture of Academic & Cultural Talents Kicks Off at St Aloysius College (Autonomous)-Mangaluru
Mangaluru: St Aloysius College is a one hundred and thirty eight year old institution that has trained thousands of men and women in various fields, and presented them to the nation. Named after St Aloysius Gonzaga and founded by the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society, the college aims to create men and women for others by reinforcing the motto ‘Lucet et Ardet’, which means ‘Shine to Enkindle’. The college became autonomous in 2007, and has been making rapid progress in all fields by introducing innovative courses and regularly updating teaching methodology. The college also boasts of an Olympic-standard swimming pool, inaugurated in 2017.
And during all these years the college has also organized various cultural events, music shows and Fests, but “The Aloysian Fest” is one of the Biggest, Loudest and Greatest Fest, which is organized with zeal and enthusiasm- and attracts thousands of students from all over the Country. And for that matter, as an alumnus of this College, I have never seen such a big fest during my college days at St Aloysius. This college has grown enormously and is bubbling with activities – and I feel proud to say that “I’m an Aloysian”. Once an Aloysian always an Aloysian -that’s right! No doubt that this intercollegiate fest will surely elevate the spirit and soul of every Aloysian.
The Aloysian Fest from 1st February till 3rd February 2018, is an umbrella of seven fests – Art-Beat, Composite, Imprints, Acme, Spinout, Aloysiad and Astitva- which has brought together more than 1700 students from over hundred colleges across the country, to exhibit their talents. This three day fest commenced with a formal inaugural programme at Mother Teresa Peace Park on February 1. The theme for Artbeat 2018, the Arts fest is ‘Grandeur – A Panorama of Heritage’. While Composite, the BCA fest, is titled ‘Battle of Technocrats’, Imprints, the Science fest, is named ‘Infinite Perspectives’. The Commerce fest Acme 2018 is themed ‘The Arcadian Reign’, and the Management fest Spinout is themed ‘The Butterfly Effect’. Aloysiad is the national level sports fest, and Astitva, the cultural fest, is themed ‘Kala Anveshana – A Hunt for Excellence’ for the year 2018. An array of competitions will be held during the 3-day Fest, with topics pertaining to specific fest. Exhibitions are also organized for the participants. The fests aim is to showcase the abilities and skills of the students.
The Fest was inaugurated on 1st February 2018 at 9.30am by chief guest -Kishore Alva President of UPCL Mangalore, along with Guest of Honor Govind Padmasoorya- Actor & Anchor in Malayalam film Industry, and president of the function- Fr Dionysius Vaz Sj, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions. Fr Praveen Martis Sj -Principal of St Aloysius college, Professor AM Narahari Registrar, and Dr. Mukund Prabhu coordinator of the College Fest, Rev Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, the Finance Officer, assistant fest coordinator Dr Narayan Bhat, Vice Principals of all the blocks, Aman Ahmed, the President of Students’ Council along with the staff and student coordinators of the seven fests were among many others on the dais who also joined in the inauguration ceremony. Prior the inauguration, the programme began with a prayer song by the College Choir, followed by a Classical welcome dance by student Shavia. Fr Praveen Martis Sj welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests, wherein he quoted the great theologian and mystic Thomas Merton – ” Every moment and every event of every human being’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” He also congratulated the students for putting up this mega event.
Addressing the gathering chief guest Kishore Alva said, ” Fests like this is one of the most effective way to bring students together. It gives students a platform to showcase and unleash their hidden talents in front of the audience, and also plays an important role in shaping the personalities of the students. Fests also gives an opportunity for students to know about culture, traditions and heritage of other communities. Make the best use of this Fest, and try to showcase the best talents that you have in yourselves. Participation is important than winning. Alva also remarked that the fests are the time where one breaks from a monotonous routine and showcases talents. He recollected his days at Aloysius and felt grateful to this mighty institution. He also enunciated the importance of cultural activities and sports in building the students’ future. “Apart from focussing on careers, students must also concern themselves with society building. As a alumnus of this college, I feel proud to be associated with my Alma Mater, and also our company Adani-UPCL has played an important role being the main sponsor for this prestigious Fest-the best of its kind, I can say. Wish you all best of luck” added Alva.
Following the procession of the trophies by the assistant student coordinators, joined by the college choir with the theme song, the guests on the dais later unveiled the trophies. The guest of honor, actor Govind Padmasoorya addressing the crowd said, ” This is a great day for me as a alumnus of this prestigious college, and I am humbled and feel proud to be the guest of honor for this marvellous and spectacular fest. I have been to many college across India, but I can say no college is far better than St Aloysius. As a student and later as actor I have learned many new things, and I want to share five important points-they are : 1) Be ready to fight your fears 2) Be Yourself-don’t depend or listen to others. Be unique and innovative 3) Dream Big-always try to make your dreams come true. If I could do it, you too can 4) When you’re given choices, pick the right choice which is suitable for you. Make your right choice, and not someone else’s choices. 5) Be always grateful in life. Be grateful to your teachers, parents and all those who have played an important role in your lives”
The actor concluded his speech with a message in Malayalam language to all his Malayalee friends and fans gathered at the Fest, which received a thunderous applause, especially from his heartthrobs, the young college damsels. Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, in his presidential speech, acknowledged the success of two alumni and remarked that the college is humbled by the glorious achievements of the students. He said, ” I am glad that these two alumnus of this college have reached greater heights and have made big achievements in their lives. The present Aloysians should follow in their footsteps and dream big og big achievements. Try to be different, Be unique and innovative, Discover new things and Dream Big. I wish everyone all the best in this Fest”
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Mukund Prabhu, Coordinator for the Aloysian Fest. Later the dignitaries inaugurated the Science Exhibition. The valedictory of the Fest will be held on 3 February at 3.30 pm, where P Jayarama Bhat- Chairman (Non-Executive) of Karnataka Bank will be chief guest, and presided over by Fr Praveen Martis Sj.