‘Beyond Boundaries & Moulds’ 2180 Freshers Join the St Aloysius PUC Family
Mangaluru : “We’ve only begun, Before the risin’ sun, we fly…So many roads to choose…We’ll start out walkin’ and learn to run” – these few lyrics by the Pop Group The Carpenters” from their song “We’ve Only Just Begun”, is appropriate for the 2180 freshers who joined the St Aloysius PUC Family today ( 1 June 2019) for the various courses offered in the First Pre-University College of St Aloysius. Today, 1 June was the day for the management, faculty and staff where they got a chance to meet the first years, during the I PUC Student Orientation Programme 2019 held at Loyola Hall, St Aloysius PUC Campus at 9 am. It was day filled with lots of happiness that any fresher would ask for. And yet another page of a new chapter begins in the mind of each and every one in their class.
They came from near and far; from the City, outskirts of city, out of town; some were rank holders; some with highest grades; some with grades eligible to get a seat; they were predominately mixed irrespective of caste, creed and religion-Christian, Hindu, Muslim; they were a total of 2180, to be exact- all with an intention to join this prestigious Pre-University College in town. And I say that all these students have made a right choice to come to St Aloysius Pre-University college after their SSLC to pursue their PU and further studies at this renowned institution- only of its kind in the City, with a vision “Empowering youth through excellence in education to shape a better future for humankind” .
Why I say that St Aloysius institution is a renowned and prestigious institution, because being an alumni I have experienced all the good things from the Jesuits, the teachers and staff of this Alma Mater right from my 1st standard till B Sc. And I am quite sure for all these 2180 boys and girls who got an admission for the PUC at St Aloysius , it probably was an dream come true! The Motto of St Aloysius institution is ‘Lucet et Ardet’-in Latin words which mean ‘Shine to Enkindle’ refer to the mind and heart. It is the deep desire of this Alma Mater to present to the nation and to the world men and women with minds bright with knowledge and creativity, and hearts burning with genuine love and concern for others.
All these 2000 plus students who had picked St Aloysius PUC did the right choice and their dream about choosing a career that would make their future bright and put an determined efforts to achieve that goal, while pursuing their studies at this institution. Although there were not many options and choices to make during our college days, but right now, the present generation have ample opportunities and lots of encouragement from the management and staff of this institute where they reach greater heights. But many have a general tendency to follow what others do. Don’t do that. Students pursing professional courses should realize their capacity and their inbuilt talent as to what they want to achieve.
In addition, they should try hard, make sincere efforts, inculcate the right attitude and self-confidence to realize their dreams. Parents, on their part, instead of imposing their views on their children as to what they should do, should guide them properly to help achieve their goals. Students should also discuss with their friends, parents and seniors in making the right choice after PUC, because other than Medicine and Engineering, there are many allied courses, which are in demand these days. So all you students of PUC, think well before you make your decision as to which career you’ll continue forward after PUC- make the right or ask your teachers or elders.
The orientation for these freshers began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by the College Choir, followed by inauguration of the programme by lighting the lamp by The Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- The Principal of St Aloysius PUC-Rev Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ; Fr Vinod Paul SJ- Finance Officer; Ms Charlotte D’souza- Vice Principal; Dr Pradeep M, Dr Ganesh Amin, and Ms Kiran Shetty- the College Deans; and Ms Mangala- the coordinator from Dept of Computer science. Following the prayer songs “Neki Ki Raah’ and “Thank You Lord”by the Choir, three faculties of the college namely Ms Aleen Crasta ( Dept of Commerce), Ms Sowmya (Dept of Math) and Ms Dulcine Sequeira ( Dept of Chemistry) read the verse from Bible Baghavadgeetha and Quran respectively.
Following the welcome address by Ms Mangala, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ-the Principal in his address to the students said, “Some of you may be more happy than others, but in the long run, you will all look back at your first major exam as a stepping stone in life. While welcoming you to this College, I hope you will have a stimulating and productive time and gather valuable experiences which will hold you in good stead in later life. Building good friendships and mentorship will help you stay positive and mentally strong.Pre university college is like standing on the threshold when a door opens to reveal the wide world outside. You have come from school and you will be going on to further studies and professions. These two years are a preparation for the academic rigours of university life where you are expected to work on your own and see your teachers as guides and mentors”.
“We are here to help you transition from school children into young adults. Advice on careers, social life, social evils like addictions and more can be sought from our counsellors, teachers and myself, so please do not hesitate to approach us all. I urge you to use your time wisely, investing in extra and co-curricular activities, sports, music etc. These are not a ‘waste of time’ but in fact will help you become balanced individuals, not one-sided. Too much study and too much play are both not advisable. We have many sides to our personality and we must work on all. You are all very fortunate to be receiving a quality education, firmly grounded in sound moral values. This is a Jesuit institution and holistic growth of the whole person is our vision” added Fr Sequeira SJ.
He further said, ” Today education is no longer imparted only in the four walls of a classroom, but is in fact a continuous process of learning from co curricular and extra curricular activities. A lot of opportunities will be given to develop your extracurricular talents. Try to excel in everything that you do and always aim at Magis. Magis is a Latin word which means ‘more or better’; it means not to be satisfied with the minimum, not be satisfied with the status quo; it calls for certain thoroughness in everything that we do. Remember that society needs your contribution, so give back as much as you can, becoming men and women for others so build a brotherhood, serve society and keep your faith in the goodness of God.Our college is a multi cultural, multi religious campus with students and teachers of different faiths and different cultures all around us. Respect for each other is the single biggest rule in this campus. The idea of education is to open our eyes and allow us to learn and see how others live, to have understanding and compassion. There is no place for narrow minded intolerant thinking. Our college motto Lucet et Ardet speaks of genuine love and commitment to humanity. Let us keep that in mind as you spend the next two years here”. .
Also addressing the students,The Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ enlightened the students towards excellence in Academics, Character Formation and to develop Social Concern. He also gave them guidelines to remain focused and academically oriented and instructed them about the rules to be followed in College and wished them the best for the future. The Rector presented before them four challenges; being original to oneself and not lose one’s originality he said is the most important value towards success. Secondly he suggested the students to link freedom with greater responsibility and thirdly to love people without losing one’s ability to sacrifice and lastly to be Media Educated, Media Critical and never getting addicted to it.
The Vice Principal Ms Charlotte D’Souza briefed the students about the rules and concluded by encouraging the students to take the path of righteousness and pursue only those dreams that capture one’s heart. On this occasion II PUC Toppers who scored above 97% were felicitated during the occasion. Ms Manasa , faculty from Dept of Physics rendered the vote of thanks, and the programme was compered by Amogh Shetty- lecturer in Dept. of Physics.
In conclusion in my perspective, being a Alumnus of this institution, I say that Jesuit education motivates every student to broaden the mental horizons by excelling not only in academics and extra-curricular but also become good human beings serving the society. St Aloysius Gonzaga , Patron of this College is an example of compassion and dedication towards humankind to every youth of this campus. St Aloysius Institution, Mangaluru which began as a small institution serving a few hundred students more than 139 years ago, has today grown into a complex educational enterprise, with various units scattered all over two sprawling campuses, where more than 14,000 students, boys and girls pursue their studies in various disciplines. No doubt, St Aloysius Institutions seek to establish a congenial environment in which those of diverse cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs can participate in the community, in the spirit of co- operation and mutual respect.
