Unleashing The Power of Music! ‘Musical Day 2017’ at St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru
Without music, life would be a mistake. Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones. Music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music. Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. Music is to the soul what words are to the mind. Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.
Mangaluru: “Music is the strongest form of magic”- as said by American singer/rocker Marilyn Manson has very effectively cemented this long standing idea through his thought that music has stood undefeated and glorious since time immemorial. Indeed, music can take us to another zone, a zone that is free from the inevitable sadness and trauma that life offers us otherwise. It has the inexplicable power to unite people from all walks of life, regardless of how different a life each person lives. And after all, at the end of the day, it all boils down to music that we can relate to, music that makes us feel a certain way that cannot be put into words, music that goes through the ears but straight to the heart and music that makes us feel like we’ve run from home, without even leaving it. And that, indeed, is magic.
And for that matter, at St Aloysius Pre University College-Mangaluru, every student was given an opportunity to be a part of this magic that they call music, either by producing it or simply by experiencing what is being put in front of them. And today, Saturday, 9 September 2017 “Musical Day 2017, was dedicated to let go of everything and drown in the ocean of pure rhythm, beats, melody as budding musicians of St Aloysius PUC “Unleashed The Power of Music” at this mega musical extravaganza on the open-air stage “Pretorium”. As Aldous Huxley puts it “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music”.
“Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world”- says Martin Luther. The programme began with invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song rendered by the staff co-ordinators of today’s event, and the secretary and the joint secretary of the Music Association, which was followed by a welcome dance. The dignitaries for the occasion namely the President of the programme our Rector Rev. Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, Ashwin D’costa, the chief guest, St Aloysius PUC Principal, Rev. Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ, Vice Principal Ms Charlotte D’souza, were escorted by the Convener Mrs Laveena D’souza and Secretary of Music Association Ms Riya Monteiro on to the dais, who also later joined in inaugurating the programme by lighting the lamp.
Just like today’s morning which was bright and welcoming, so were the audience filled with the bright passion for music that awaited a warm welcome address delivered vy the Convener Mrs Laveena. As Albert Einstein effectively put it, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”. The chief guest, Ashwin D’costa is an apt example of a man who is not only immensely successful but also a man who holds great value within him. Popularly known as the “Chocolate Boy” in the field of Konkani music, Ashwin, a passionate singer, and dancer and not to forget, an alumnus of this great institution has graced this event with his presence. Addressing the gathering Ashwin advising the students to be focused and not be distracted or influenced by the Social Media and gaming said, ” I feel proud to be an Aloysian, and also proud to be here at my Alma Mater as a chief guest today. Not just in academics, you should shine in co-curricular activities also. If you have talents hidden inside you, you also need to set a bar to achieve your goal by utilizing your talents and succeed”.
” Set a goal and work on it. Don’t give up if someone criticizes you. Also don’t keep your plans for tomorrow, do it today itself. Have faith in you, and try..try and you’ll succeed. Life is full of opportunities, and avail it whenever you have a chance. Jealousy and selfishness may curb your upliftment but you should never give up as life is full of opportunity. During my college days at St Aloysius we too had many opportunities to involve ourselves in co-curricular activities, but now you have much better opportunities and facilities than we had. Grab all the opportunities you can get, and succeed in your mission” added Ashwin D’Costa.
Also speaking during the occasion, Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius PU College applauded the efforts of students for their accomplishments in various areas and said that the campus has given a platform to grow and also said that the musicians are messengers who promote diversity. He further said, ” Students you need to develop soft skills and values and thus become men and women for and with others. Just being smart in academics getting high grades will not be helpful while you go looking for a job- you need to be smart with soft skills. St Aloysius PUC stage has provided a platform to unleash your talents- so unleash your talents, and show the world your geniuses. I am proud that our students have shined well in academics, so also in sports and co-curricular events”
” We should all know that Music connects people, it carries a message and the musicians are the messengers. Aloysians connect with each other without any barriers or differences. We are all one as a Aloysian family. Students should not get addicted too much towards social media, or games like Blue Whale etc etc. When you involve yourself too much in social media, then problems arise. India is a diverse, cultural and traditional oriented nation- and we should give respect. You should not only concentrate on academics, but also take part in sports and co-curricular activities, learn communication and soft skills, then only you’ll be great persons and able to face the world without any difficulties.” added Fr Mendonca Sj.
In his presidential remarks, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ said, “Yes truly, messages rendered through music will connect us together. Today I see all of you attired in colorful outfits, and ready to vibrate to the music, in the same way you need to vibrate to other issues and activities. Music is food for the soul. When all the notes come together, there is symphony and rhythm and this vibration should bring together all culture, religion and languages and make us united as one Nation. Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife- and will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you. Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common. Have fun during this musical extravaganza”
Special occasions like these require special efforts by special people- and it time now to acknowledge the staff members who spent valuable hours and precious energy in guiding and judging today’s performers- and chief guest Ashwin did the honours of felicitating them- namely Ms Sharada of Dept of Statistics; Dexter Saldanha Dept of Comp science, Ms Fiona Dept of mathematics, Ms Oshin Dept of Mathematics, Ms Mueral Dept of English, Ms Deeksha Dept of English, Ms Jennifer Dept of Economics, Ms Smitha Dept of Physics, Santhosh Dept of Commerce, Namrath Dept of Chemistry and Godwin, System Administrator.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Riya Monteiro- Secretary of Music Association, and the formal function was compered by Ms Vanessa Monis of II PUC- while the musical spectacle was compered Calvin and Shruthi.Musical Day kicked off with a rocking performance by Ashwin D’Costa, followed by PUC students staging a vibrant musical show mesmerizing the audience to feel the vibes of music. You Rock Guys!