Ayudha Puja Celebration at St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute
Mangaluru: One of the most important and relevant celebrations ‘Ayudha Puja’ was celebrated in the institution on 17th October 2018. Ayudha Puja is observed in the institution as an occasion to do annual maintenance on the tools and machinery which involves cleaning, oiling, painting etc. The initiative is taken by the students themselves in cleaning and decorating their respective trade workshops. The celebration is also an occasion to create awareness among the students about the necessity of maintaining the tools and equipment in safe and working condition.
Usually, this celebration is done with full grandeur, every workshop would be decorated creatively with lights, flowers, mango leaves, plantains, colourful hangings, etc. But this year due to the sad demise of two students of the institution, the decision was taken to keep the celebration low key. Every workshop was set and decorated in a very simplistic manner. Rev Fr Eric Mathias SJ-the Director of the institution blessed all the workshops along with tools and equipment. Vehicles were also blessed by sprinkling holy water. After the blessing of all workshops, a formal programme was conducted in the main hall of the institution.
The programme commenced with a prayer song. Shamith J Fernandes- a student of C.O.E trade welcomed the gathering. Rev Fr Melvin Lobo SJ was the Chief Guest of the programme. Speech on the significance of Ayudha Puja was delivered by Pratheek- a student of C.O.E. trade. A prayer session was conducted and the tools were blessed. The 50th Birthday of Director Fr Eric Mathias SJ was celebrated during the programme by cutting a cake. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Rev Fr Melvin Lobo SJ said, “We use tools in our daily life and because of them we have a good life. We need to make good use of them and use them for constructive works.” He also wished the Director for his birthday and said, “Fr Eric is a person who has great love and concern for the poor. He is capable of starting new initiatives and he can be called a pioneer. He has founded an institution in Manvi, Raichur and the institution is doing great. Let us absorb his good qualities and make our life too fruitful”.
In his Presidential address, Rev Fr Eric Mathias SJ- Director of the institution said, “Chief Guest of today’s programme Rev Fr Melvin Lobo SJ is the designated Director for this institution. I wish him all the best. This year we have kept the celebration very low key. We have great pain in our hearts due to the unfortunate demise of our students Charan and Noushar. I am happy that our staff and students wasted no time in reaching out to the family members of the deceased and stood by them. I truly appreciate this spirit. We must always run to help the people in difficulty. This semester we have had 100% result in Plumber, MRAC, MMV and Mechanic Diesel trades. I congratulate them on their achievement.”
Junior Training Officers of the trades which got 100% result were felicitated. The overall result of the institution is 86%. Sudarshan- a student proposed vote of thanks and Vishwas D’costa compered the programme. Vincent Mendonsa-Principal of the institution, Alwyn Menezes- Vice Principal and John Dsouza- convener of the programme were present on the dais. Sweets were distributed to all. The celebration was concluded with a National Anthem.
