Shine & Enkindle! 363 St Aloysius PUC Distinction Holders Felicitated
Mangaluru: 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. St Aloysius Institutions of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society, inspired by the person and mission of Jesus Christ, and guided by their motto 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.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” had said Nelson Mandela- and for that matter, the PUC students of St Aloysius Pre-University College-Mangaluru have taken their education very seriously and many of them have excelled in their academics, and pursue further with their career of their choice, and later become professionals/leaders to change the world with their contribution/services. Out of the 3542 students of I and II PUC, the College with pride felicitated the 364 toppers/distinction holders of the II PU Board exam 2016-17, witnessed by their parents, staff and students during a “Felicitation Ceremony of Distinction Holders” held at “Loyola Hall” at St Aloysius PU College.
The ceremony commenced by invoking God’s Blessings led by the College Choir followed by the grand classical welcome dance. The Principal Rev.Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ congratulated the distinction holders for their hard work and appreciated the efforts of the faculty for moulding the students in academics and instilling values in their life. He proudly said, “The overall results of 97.3% of this year and a record breaking of 2058 students being admitted to I PUC has spread the joy around here in the campus. Now when you make a choice let it be original and not a copy of others. Find a purpose in life and chose a path that will not only give you a successful career but also a peaceful life. Only hard work and perseverance can lead to success, therefore do not take the paths that look easy, instead, explore new avenues and give your maximum”
“Life is a path of endless growth. The right path may not be easiest one. Sometimes the most outrageous idea could prove to be the right one in the end. A path, which may not be traveled by many would be the successful one. It would help one to learn, enrich one’s life and help oneself and the world around to be better than before. We at St Aloysius, have chosen a path which is different to make the underprivileged with the privileged ones without any discrimination. To blend curricular with extra-curricular lessons and moral education while most of the institutions focus only on academic performance. This indeed is a path less traveled bit it has made a difference to all the beneficiaries. I ask you all students to help the less privileged in future and bring change in their life and transform the world and build a better India. Best of luck in academic career” added Fr Mendonca Sj.
Also speaking to the students, The Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ 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 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. He further said, “Make quality before quantity. Be a topper in every field of your life, and not just in your academics. And parents should stress on their children to become the roots of responsibility; and Wings of Independent. Children should not made to live like ‘love birds’ in the cage, instead they should be allowed to roam the free world like the Eagles, who have all the freedom. Always dream the big, and make your dreams come true- dare to dream and work hard for it”.
Speaking further on the quality of Jesuit education, the Rector said, ” The purpose of Jesuit education is to create men and women for others who have transformed themselves, will in turn transform the world. Students who pass out of the portals of St Aloysius PUC are called to be the creative and critical minority in today’s globalized consumer world, who will swim against the currents of corruption, fundamentalism, consumerism, hedonism and individualism. You are all fortunate to receive education in a wonderful college run by the Jesuits, with the motto ” Shine to Enkindle” -and you have proven it. This is a college with a difference-it takes care of the holistic development of the student. Students studying in Jesuit college face life with a great advantage. In the same time, you too must rise to your responsibility to give something back to your college and to your Country of what you have been given. 21 st century belongs to you-take good care of it. And remember that great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. Good luck in your career and endeavours”.
Appreciating the Goodwill of the Alumni for the contribution towards the growth of the Institution, the Chief Guest, Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, Principal of St Joseph Engineering College-Vamanjoor, Mangaluru acclaimed that in the last ten years as Principal, he observed that students of Aloysius PU background have always excelled in academics, performing arts, music, event management and so on- and many of them have taken admission at St Joseph’s. He further said,” Students you need to make the best choices in life- choose the best stream and parents I advise you to give children freedom to make right choices, and don’t force your choices on them. Students don’t follow what others- while pursing professional courses you should realize your capacity and your inbuilt talent as to what you want to achieve. You need to try hard, make sincere efforts, inculcate the right attitude and self-confidence to realize your dreams. So when you complete your PUC, and plan your next career, you should think well before you make your decision as to which career you’ll continue forward- make the right or ask your teachers or elders.”
The College magazine ” Road Less Travelled” was unveiled by the Chief Guest and the dignitaries on this occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Rector, Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ expressed his joy and acknowledged the collaboration of staff, motivation of parents and hard work of students and highlighted the Culture MAGIS- Crave for More. He asked the students to dream big, choose new frontier, be unique, improve and sharpen oneself every day. He also explained how mind and spirit can solve all problems and achieve the goal with an anecdote.
The five toppers of Science, four of Commerce and one of Arts were honoured with Shawl, fruits, memento and certificates. The toppers of each stream addressed the gathered who thanked the parents and College for their achievement. Students who scored hundred in core subjects were felicitated followed by distinction holders. The Coordinator of the Programme, Ramesh Rao welcomed the gathered and Arun DSouza proposed the vote of thanks. Also gracing the dais were the Finance Officer Rev. Fr John Lang Bosco SJ and the Vice Principal Mrs Charlotte D’Souza. Ms Diana Dias, lecturer in English at SAPUC compered the programme.
In conclusion, St Aloysius Institution, Mangaluru which began as a small institution serving a few hundred students for the last 137 years, 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.
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. While the purpose of education at St Aloysius PUC is that every student who passes the portals of this College learns to attain the fullness of life not merely by amassing information, but also by transforming into persons with concern and commitment to the marginalised of our society.
And with a dynamic and energetic Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ at the helm of this prestigious PU College as Principal, and with a bevy of nearly 200 teaching and administrative/non-teaching staff who strive tirelessly for the welfare of the students not just in academics and co-curricular activities, but also in becoming men and women for others – the next time you decide as to which college to pursue your education after SSLC, think and make St Aloysius PUC your FIRST choice- and I bet you won’t regret about your choice! Let me end this report with words of wisdom from Rev Fr Arturo Sosa Abascal SJ-the 31st Superior General of Society of Jesus-
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
You have been chosen to tread the untrodden path and
Lead the many who want to take a new Path”
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