With Motto ‘Selfless In Service’ St Aloysius Evening PUC celebrates 52nd College Day
Mangaluru: The difference between the students going to the Day St Aloysius PU College and those students going to the Evening St Aloysius PU College is that, the day PUC students after attending their college hours ( between 8.30 am-4 pm) head to the nearby City Centre Mall to loiter around or watch a movie, while the Evening PU students, after striving hard at their day time job, head to the college to study for a better future. And for that matter, these hard working students of St Aloysius Evening PUC consists of economically deprived students who work during the day to meet the ends of their families, and study in the evening with a hope of having a better future. And this evening PUC is the ONLY ONE in the City as of now, having 220 students!
1966 is an auspicious year in the annals of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. After taking giant strides in the field of education through its flagship Institution St Aloysius College, the Jesuit fathers made a telling impact on the educational arena of Mangaluru by starting an evening college. An evening college had been a long-felt need of the working people of Mangaluru. The city had been growing, with a constantly increasing number of offices, factories, business houses and educational institutions. For the many students who had to drop out of their regular education and take up jobs, the evening college provided an opportunity to continue their education and progress in their careers. Catering to the educational needs of such students, was very much in keeping with the direction Jesuit education was taking. It had to be inclusive, men, women, rich, poor, with a special emphasis on the less privileged in society, the buzz-word being ‘option for the poor’.
St Aloysius Evening College (SAEC) was a dream of Fr Mathew Lewis SJ, the then Rector of St Aloysius College. Fr Mathew Lewis’ dream was translated into reality by Fr Stany Vaz SJ, the first Principal of SAEC, who was blessed with a heart full of love and concern for the young and the economically deprived. The Evening College offers a very important service to the city of Mangaluru and its neighbouring areas by becoming a haven to hundreds of men and women of this city and neighbourhood, who would otherwise be denied the opportunity of collegiate education. The credit also goes to the students who after a gruelling day’s work remain enthusiastic and active participants in the rigorous class room instruction for nearly three more hours.
From its humble beginnings in 1966, the SAEC, is on its 52nd glorious year of its academic life. And on Wednesday, 12 December SAEPUC celebrated its 52nd Annual College Day at the Loyola Hall at 6 pm. The programme began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings, followed by couple of welcome dances. The welcome address was delivered by Alwin D’souza- the convener. Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ, the principal presented the Annual report through a Audio Video presentation, which was applauded by the audience for all the activities and achievements these economically deprived students were capable of doing. Kudos and job well done!
The chief guest Sri Yusuf- Principal of Govt PU College, Mooda-Bantwal in his inaugural address said, “Feel proud to say that I am an alumnus of this college, and feel happy to be here as a chief guest. For you students, working during day time and studying during evening hours is great accomplishment in your lives. With determination and commitment you have accepted the gauntlet to study for a better future and a better career. Students should avail all the opportunities that come your way, and make use of them wisely and not abuse them There are lots of opportunities available, but you should utilize them very systematically and in a effective way”.
“Decades ago we never had high-tech gadgets, but now with the click of a button on your smartphones, computers or other digital gadgets you an retrieve any information you need. But just knowledge is not sufficient to upgrade your life. Knowledge gained should e put into practicals to make it worth-then only you’ll succeed and achieve your goal. Let’s not underestimate evening college students, they too are capable, knowledgeable and smart like the day college students. And they work hard knowing that hard work, determination and dedication will bring them success and laurels in life. Quoting T S Eliot “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? This wonderful quote from TS Eliot echoes the DIKW model of Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom. … So Innovation is the (upper) part of the Knowledge layer. Be creative and innovative, and success will be all yours” added Yusuf.
Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- Rector of St Aloysius Institutions speaking on the occasion said, “I am happy to say that St Aloysius Evening PUC is the only one existing in Mangaluru to cater to the needs of the economically deprived students, who work hard during day time, and learn in the evening. Looking at the annual report I am overwhelmed that you all are doing great things and achieving tremendously. There is no difference between you and day college students, you too also have the talents, and energy to achieve like them. Keep up the good work that you all are entrusted with, work hard and study hard, and you’ll reach greater heights and be the leaders of the nation”.
Prizes were distributed to students excelled in academics, sports and co-curricular activities. The vote of thanks was proposed by Paul D’souza- lecturer in Commerce. The programme was compered by Miss Monica and Namith. Dr Pradeep M- Coordinator-SAEPUC and Alwin D’souza, the convener were also present on the dais. Fr Melwyn Loo SJ- Finance Officer-St Aloysius College, Fr Leo D’souza SJ- Former Rector; and Fr Vinod Paul SJ- lecturer at SAEPUC also graced the occasion. The formal function ended with college anthem, and cultural programme comprising of Bollywood dances, and a thoughtful and meaningful sit “High-tech Ashram”