Madhwaraj inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year of Milagres College, Kallianpur
By Richard D’Souza, Kallianpur
Udupi: The Golden Jubilee Year of Milagres College and Milagres Pre-University College was inaugurated at the Milagres Tri-centenary Hall, Kallianpur by Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister of Fisheries, Sports and Youth Affairs and district in-charge minister.
After the inauguration, Pramod Madhwaraj said, “It is a great achievement by an 83-year-old priest to have founded the Milagres College with a vision, fifty years ago. The students of Milagres College are its ambassadors. We, the people from the D K and Udupi districts, are far ahead in the field of education and health in the country and we are proud of that. In Karnataka, three districts including Udupi and D K are well developed. The reason would be the contribution of more than 270 Christian educational institutions providing the best services in the field of education as well as health. I have known Milagres College since my childhood and have high regards for Milagres Institutions. On account of the jubilee celebrations, it would be a good initiative if the college started a fund for the education of the poor students.”
Prior to the inauguration, Madhwaraj was felicitated by the Bishop and other dignitaries on the dais with a shawl, garland and fruits.
The programme began with a welcome dance by the college students. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese and President of Catholic Education Society Udupi, presided over the inaugural programme. Secretary of CESU – Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Correspondent and Rector of Milagres Cathedral – Fr Stany B Lobo, President of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy – Janaki Brahmavar, Principal of First Grade Degree College – Dr Gerald Pinto, Lecturer and Campus Director – Dr Prakash Anil Castelino and Principal of PU College – Savitha Kumar were present on the dais.
Fr Stany B Lobo welcomed the guests and the gathering. Dr Gerald Pinto gave the introductory speech and briefed on some of the projects on the occasion of Jubilee celebrations during the year. Pramod Madhwaraj handed over the cheque for the Milagres Golden Jubilee Educational Fund to Prof Cyril Mathias, HOD of English and Convener of the Educational Fund. During the occasion, Madhwaraj also honoured the teachers as well as students of the first batch (1967) of the college.
Guest of honour Janaki Brahmavar shared her views of the Milagres College during her student days in the college. “It is due to Milagres College that I am now in this position.” She praised Milagres College for being responsible for what she is today.
Fr Lawrence D’Souza also spoke on the occasion. Principal of Milagres PU College Savitha Kumar delivered the vote of thanks. Prof Vincent Alva compered the programme. The programme concluded with the National Anthem. Former principals Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Dr Nery Cornelio, Prof Sadashiva Alse and retired teachers and non teaching retired staff were present.