Alva’s Institutions Celebrate 70th I-Day with patriotic fervor
Moodbidiri: Alva’s Education foundation celebrated a grand Independence Day function at the Vanajakshi K Sripathy Bhat Stage, Vivekananda Nagar, Puttige. An audience of over 35000 including students, staff, nonteaching staff and parents gathered in an inimitable enthusiasm, exhibiting unity and strength and thereby paying mass tribute to our country. More than 24000 Students, dressed in tricolor created a spectacular event to the eyes. The cultural troop of Alva’s college sang ’Vande Matharam’ prior to the flag hoisting ceremony.
The Bishop of Mangaluru, Aloysius Paul D’Souza unfurled the national flag. It was followed by the integration song ’Koti Koti Kantho Se’ and students waved their flags and umbrellas in perfect synchronization. Later, the students released 5000 helium balloons into the air to commemorate the country’s freedom. Troops denoting rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka and rest of the state took the centre stage in the programme. Honnavar Band troupe added musical melody to the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, appreciated the service rendered by Dr Mohan Alva to the education field. Bishop opined that real nation building is done here and said to continue his noble task. This is the day not less than any festival, it is the day to cherish the memories of the struggle of those who sacrificed their life for our country and to pay homage to them, and moreover we need to pledge ourselves to commit to justice, peace, harmony, prosperity, education and development. Schools and colleges are better than churches and temples because there we can see all groups of students, whichever religion they belong to, and he called upon the students to be united and show harmony in unity for nation building. Quoting American Former President John F Kennady’s words, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’, and said ‘’what can I do for my country is an apt question we need to ask ourselves first?’
Putting across his dream about this country, he said, “I need a country where poverty has been totally irradiated, illiteracy removed, crime against women and children absent and no one in our country or society will feel alienated, to have nation where governance at all levels be transparent and corrupt free, proper education for each and everyone and finally a country that is the best place to live in peace and brotherhood”.
The Alva’s Education Foundation chairman, Dr M Mohan Alva felicitated KCET 2016 State Medical topper from Alva’s college, Ananth G with Rs 5 Lakh, a shawl and Yakshagana headgear. Ashik Narayan and Daksha Jain who secured second place in the state in PU Commerce section were also felicitated with a shawl and memento and awarded with Rs 1 lakh each. Michelli Queenie D’Costa, who secured 387th rank in UPSC civil service exam 2015, was felicitated with Rs 25000 cash, a Shawl and memento.
There was a cultural programme held in the campus. Former Minister K Abhaychandra Jain, Alva’s Education Foundation Trustee Vivek Alva, Jayashri Amarnath Shetty, Vinay Alva among others were present .
by Prasad Shetty
