Mangaluru: Former Minister Of Corporate Affairs Dr M Veerappa Moily inaugurated the New Business Administration Block Building at the Mangalore University Campus here, on June 22.
The programme began with an invocation. Prof MS Kotian welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Veerappa Moily by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Moily said, “Our main aim is to give international recognition to Mangalore University. I believe nothing is impossible in life. When I was the education minister, I visited this college and I was shocked to see the condition of the classrooms. The benches were broken and the classrooms were in terrible condition. When we were students of this college, we acquired leadership qualities. Mangalore University college was very famous during our time. But now, people are hesitant to send their children to this college to pursue education.”
Recalling his olden days, he said, “This college has inspired us to become leaders. We had economic forums, debates, stage plays and many more activities which helped us develop leadership qualities. They are the most precious days of our lives. When I was a student, I used to spend more time in the library than in the class room. It was the oxygen for all the students and enhanced and guided us throughout our course. The memories of being in the library are still fresh in my mind.”
He further said, “This is the kind of college that we studied in. The lectures which were taught have been imprinted in our minds. That was the quality of lecturers we had. There was an interactive relationship between the students and the lecturers. The lecturers trained us to build character, integrity, academic excellence and many more qualities. Today, students are very fortunate to have such a college to pursue their education. All the students of this college should strive hard to excel in their education.” He concluded advising the students and teachers that there is no challenge too great and no difficulty that cannot be conquered. “The power of excellence resides within you, provided you put your efforts.” Moily thanked the alumni association for having supported the new venture.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that the members of the University College Alumni Association have joined hands to build the New Business Administration Block Building for Mangalore University. He also thanked Roy Castelino for his help in the construction of the new block. “Most of the students who pursued their education in this college are politicians. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to join this college. The friendship and the bond among the old students proves that they have been given quality education. For the upgradation of the University, the government has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh and additional Rs 15 lakh will be sanctioned soon.”
Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, B Ramanath Rai recalling the past said, “I was the ‘out-standing’ student when I was pursuing my education in this college. I was very much involved in extra curricular activities. I was actively taking part in Kannada debates, stage plays and other competitions. Once I had the opportunity to act in a Kannada stage play and I played a character who was dumb; I won 6 awards at the university level for my performance. The college had encouraged us to exhibit our talents and the lecturers were also encouraging us to take part in various competitions which helped us to be leaders in the society.”
Chancellor of Mangalore University Prof K Byrappa, MLC Ivan D’Souza, President Of Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino and others were also present.