Institution Day Celebration at St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions, Bengaluru

Institution Day Celebration at St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions, Bengaluru

 Bengaluru: St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions-Bengaluru which has the history of glorious history of 116 years with a motto ‘Faith and Toil’ had its first Institutional day for the Academic year 2019-2020 at St Joseph’s School Auditorium on 13th March 2020 under the great leadership of Fr Leo Pereira SJ. The Guest Speaker was Rev. Fr. Fredrick D’Silva SJ. Rev. Fr. Leo Pereira SJ, the Rector, presided over the event in the presence of the unit heads of all the St Joseph’s Indian Institutions. Rev. Fr. Rohan D’Almeida, the Principal of St Josephs CBSE welcomed the Guest Speaker , Rev. Fr. Fredrick D’Silva SJ, who is a vibrant orator, a linguist, a wise mentor who has been a significant part of the Jesuit missions all around the world.

All the staff members of St Joseph’s Indian Institutions were cordially invited to the program. The day began with the Eucharistic celebration as a sign of thanksgiving. Followed by an inspiring talk given by the Guest Speaker, who threw light on the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) a road map for all the Jesuits and for all the collaborators and the stake holders for another 10 years.

1. Showing the way to God 2. Walking with the Excluded 3. Journeying with Youth 4. Caring for our Common Home (Environment) These UAP guided the Karnataka Province to transpire Apostolic Preferences specific (KAAP) to Karnataka for the next ten years. He emphasized on the four important preferences of the Jesuit 1. To strengthen North Karnataka 2. To Create a Just and humane society 3. Psycho Spiritual formation of Youth 4. Collaboration and leadership. These preferences were simplified and explained in lay terms on how to imbibe it in our daily life. The session was very informative and lively.

The talk was followed by honoring the retiring staff, B.K. Jayasimha of St Joseph’s Indian High School. Rev. Fr. Leo Pereira SJ, the Rector, Fr Henry Saldhna,Principal of St. Joseph’s Indian High School, Fr. Rohan D’Almeida, the Principal of St Joseph’s CBSE, Fr Cyril Menezes Director of St. Joseph’s Indian Primary, Fr Balaraju, Finance officer, Fr Deepak Princiapl St. Joseph’s Community College Sr Jain Benita, Principal of Indian Primary School, Mr. Vinod Amruthraj, Principal of St. Joseph’s Indian PUC, Dr Flora, Vice Principal and the teachers of the high school did the Honoring. Mrs. Janet, Mrs Nola D’Lema and Mrs Elizabeth Jacob spoke of their Joyful memories with B.K. Jayasimha.

B.K. Jayasimha shared his 33 years of experience and fun filled journey with the Jesuits. He looked at this phase of retirement with a lot of positivity. He remembered his Principals and other Jesuit Priests and thanked them for their support and motivation. He too remembered his colleagues and children with whom he had worked for 33 long years. This was followed by an energetic performance by the staff of St Josephs School, CBSE, who enthralled the audience After which a fellowship meal was arranged for all, concluded by a couple of games to build a spirit of camaraderie, cooperation and collaboration between the all the units of the institution. Mrs Annette Daina and Mrs Sharan Natasha were anchors of the day.

Here is what a few teachers had to say about the Institution day :

“The event was well organized and the games were entertaining.”– Nola D’ Lima, SJIHS; “The UAP and KAAP were explained in a very simple yet meaningful way.” – Sr Benita, SJIPS; “The event was celebrated in a very grand manner despite it being the first Institutional day.” – Dr Flora, SJIPUC