‘Dare To Dream’ Pre Unique Fest Kicks off at St Aloysius PUC
Mangaluru: Lucet et Ardet! – that’s right! As an old student of this prestigious college, I want to compliment the management, staff and students for the wonderful job they are doing in their academics and co-curricular activities in reaching their Alma mater to greater heights. Being a student from the early high school days till I completed my B Sc at this St Aloysius institutions, I can’t praise the Jesuit priests as to how they nurture their students to reach greater heights in their co-curricular activities and academics. Although during my PUC and Degree college days, we didn’t had all the opportunities that are made available to the present generation of students, I am happy that the management is providing all the facilities and opportunities that the present students can avail to excel in their academics and co-curricular activities. Long live St Aloysius College for providing the facilities that the present youth are looking for. I still feel proud to be a alumni of this prestigious institution – no matter what?
The motto of St Aloysius College is ‘Lucet et Ardet’. These 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 our 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 with the vision of Empowering youth through excellence in education to shape a better future for humankind; St Aloysius Institutions of the Mangaluru Jesuit Educational Society, inspired by the person and mission of Jesus Christ, and guided by the motto “Lucet et Ardet”, (Shine to Enkindle) commit themselves to spread the light of knowledge and wisdom and to kindle the ardor of faith that does justice by forming men and women for others, who are academically accomplished, emotionally balanced, morally upright, socially responsible, ecologically sensitive and professionally dedicated, so that they are a powerful force for the transformation of society.
Yes, now coming to the main topic- PRE-UNIQUE is an extension of this tradition as the quest for talent spreads its wings beckoning more talents from other Colleges and High schools. PRE UNIQUE 2016 challenges students to dare to dream and let their dreams become reality, starting today (18 November) and ending tomorrow 19 November 2016. This year, this annual cultural and intellectual fest comprises of 42 competitions for the students to challenge themselves with. Over 50 institutions of the state have registered for this mega event. The highlight of this year’s event is PPL (Pre Unique Premier League) 2016 were colleges will clash for the title of Arts, Commerce and Science Best Team Award.
PREUNIQUE 2016 was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp and releasing the balloons into the air by Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, the acting Rector of St Aloysius College along with Guest of honour Soujanya Hegde, an actress and anchor of Namma TV, Rekha K Alva, Vice -Principal of St Aloysius PUC, Dr Ganesh Amin, Dean, SAC PUC, Kiran Shetty, Dean, Convener of Pre Unique, Fr Lang John Bosco- Finance Officer, Leslie D’Souza- Lecturer in computer science, and student conveners of the Fest namely-Sujith Kumar, Sharon Serrao, Sujir Kumar, Sanjay Pinto, Sonal D’Souza, Wilma Fernandes, and Shreyas Shetty. Prior to the inauguration, the function began with invoking God’s blessing, and also a theme song “Dare to Dream” rendered by Vijeth Ullal and group.
Addressing the gathering, Soujanya Hegde said, “It’s been a pleasure and privilege to be here. I remember as a student of St Agnes College, I took part in the first Pre Unique Fest. This Fest has been a dare to dream for many participants. During my college days it was like just try and dream, but presently it is, dare to dream, and many accomplish their desires. We should all know that winning is not important, but taking part in any contest that means a lot. Many of you have come here to accomplish your dreams, and I am sure many will excel, but a few will not succeed- but don’t worry, there is always another chance. Don’t lose hopes- success will be there sooner or later. Try..try and you’ll succeed”.
Also speaking during the occasion, Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ-principal of St Aloysius PUC said, “Fr St Aloysius PU College, in its glorious tradition of 137 years, has welcomed, with open arms, thousands of students and their numerous talents, molded and polished them to send into the world identities that leave their imprints wherever they go. Our PUC campus had nearly 3600 students and nearly 200 teaching staff – this Fest is a unique Fest to unleash the hidden talents of the students. In life, we may face lots of hurdles but it is our duty to overcome such hurdles and come out successfully- and you can do it. Failures are there in life, but we need to strive hard to overcome them. Like Steve Jobbs said, we need to dream big, to achieve big!”
Fr Mendonca further said, “We are proud of our students who have excelled in academics and co-curricular activities. Also proud to say that we have our students acted in movies, and this institution has provided a platform for our students to unleash their talents and excel in their academics and other activities. Pre Unique is the intellectual and cultural fest which has provided the students to perform on a big stage and grow in confidence and talent. This is a Fest which will provide an opportunity to match their abilities with others on a competitive platform. I hope his Fest will bring together the rich cultural heritage of the country and help,us to appreciate the diversity of our nation in order to build a strong India based on equality, fraternity, justice and liberty. Although every one of you dares to dream, you need to dare to achieve/win. Have a fun filled two days event and may God bless you all in your talents”.
Fr Pradeep Sequeira addressing the gathering gave an example of four frogs, as to how they wanted to reach the top of the tallest tree – he said, “There were four frogs who wanted to reach the top of the highest tree. So all four frogs started climbing- when they were climbing, hundreds of frogs gathered below the tree and started criticising that they will not make. Unable to bear the criticism, three frogs lost hopes and unfortunately got dizzy and fell down. But the last fourth frog, however, managed to reach the top and succeeded. While all the frogs were surprised how the last frog made it to the top – it was found out that this frog was deaf and didn’t hear any criticisms from other frogs.” With this example, Fr Sequeira said, “Just like this deaf frog, don’t listen to any criticisms, follow your dreams and ideas and you will succeed. If you try hard and with dedication your dreams and aspirations will be fruitful. Best of luck and may God bless you”.
Ashel D’Silva, Konkani actress for her debut in Konkani Film and student of Aloysius PU College was felicitated during the programme by the dignitaries for her achievements. Leslie D’Souza – lecturer in Computer Science and Convener welcomed the gathering and Kiran Shetty, Convener, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was compered by lecturers Ashwini and Navyashree and Roopal D’Souza- a PUC student. The Valedictory function tomorrow (19 Nov) will be graced by Elton Mascarenhas, choreographer, Konkani film star, at 4.00 pm which will be presided over by Principal Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ.
