St Aloysius ITI says ‘Sayonara’ to Fr Eric & ‘Swagatham’ to Fr Melwyn Respectively to their Directors
Mangaluru: Fr Eric Mathias SJ- the outgoing Director of St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (SAITI)-Mangaluru is a person of three Qualities- He is a very good Moderator; a Very Good Motivator; and a Very Good Flatterer; – and the Best part is that he received three farewells at three different Institutions of St Aloysius Institutions, namely being the outgoing Directors of SAITI; St Aloysius College Higher Primary school; and St Aloysius Institute of Education ( BEd) respectively.
Even though two farewell functions were earlier held at St Aloysius Higher Primary school; and St Aloysius Institute of Education, a final farewell programme to honour the director of St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (ITI), who has been transferred to St Aloysius College at Harihar, was organised October 30 by this Institute. Also, SAITI welcomed their new Director Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ on the same occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Fr Eric Mathias SJ said, “When I took charge as a director of this institution, I had a privilege of interacting with the young students and their parents, most of who are from rural areas and poor families. I realized the role of ITI and its significance in uplifting their financial status. To give the best to the poor and underprivileged has always been my mission. I took it as a mission to transform this institution into an institution which would empower them in true sense. I am happy that the dream I saw for this institution has been realized. Staff members had been a great support for me in realizing this dream. Good staff members are assets to any institution and this institution is blessed to have such experienced and dedicated staff members.” He thanked the management, especially Fr Dionysius Vaz, the rector of St Aloysius Institutions for his great concern and support for the institution.
The programme commenced with a prayer song. Vincent Mendonsa, principal of the institution welcomed the gathering. Fr Eric Mathias was felicitated by the staff and students. During the citation, Roshan D’Souza, training officer said, “Fr Eric is a man of dedication. His heart is always for the poor. He is a great risk taker. Collaboration with industry majors like M/s TATA Motors, M/s Hyundai Motors, M/s Jaquar and an upcoming tie-up with M/s Godrej has been the witnesses for his work. He has touched everyone’s heart in his own unique way. His dream always was about the welfare of the students and the institution. If everyone today is looking with great respect for our institution, it is only because of the vision and commitment of Rev Fr Eric.” He wished him all success in his future mission on behalf of the institution.
Rector Fr Dionysius Vaz, introduced Fr Melwyn Lobo, the new director to the institution and official files were handed over to him. Vincent Mendonsa, principal welcomed him to the institution by handing over a flower bouquet. Student council members too handed over a rose on behalf of all the students. Taking charge Fr Melwyn Lobo said, “I am privileged to succeed Fr Eric Mathias as the new Director. He has done great work in developing this institution. I am confident of taking this institution to newer heights with the experience I have in working with a similar institution in the past.”
Delivering the presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ said, “Fr Eric has two great qualities. He is a dreamer and has a soft corner for the poor. We meet many people in the journey of life, but only a few leave footprints in our hearts. Fr Eric is such a person who has made a difference wherever he went. New Director Fr Melwyn is an experienced hand and a creative person. I am sure he will take this institution still higher.” Yours Truly also spoke and expressed thoughts and gratitude to Fr Eric, for being a good friend of Mangalorean.com, and a well-wisher. Team Mangalorean wishes Him all success in his new post, and May God bless Him. You will be dearly missed by us, Dear Fr Eric!
Students presented a cultural programme in honour of their beloved director. Alwyn Menezes, vice principal, proposed the vote of thanks. Robin Vas, junior training officer compered the programme.
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