With Theme ‘Leadership-Magnifying Strength’ St Aloysius Pre-University College Students’ Council Inaugurated
Mangaluru : Like they say that Change in leadership is always good and better, and it was time for change in the Students’ Council at St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru- and the inauguration of the 2019-20 Students’ Council took place at the Loyola Hall, ST Aloysius PUC Campus. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by the college choir, followed by a welcome dance by the damsels of the college. The welcome address was delivered by Ms Charlotte D’souza- Vice Principal of the College, followed by the inauguration of the programme by lighting the traditional lamp.
L-R : Mohammed Rabiyath Aslam ( Student Council President), M Azaan Ibrahim (Secretary), and Miss Simona L Fernandes (Jt Secretary)
Chief guest of the occasion, Dr Ravishankar rao-Director of the International Students Centre, and Professor in English of Mangalore University, lit the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- President of the programme Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ-Rector of St Aloysius Institutions; Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ-Principal, Ms Charlotte D’souza and Murali Krishna- the Vice Principals ; Fr Vinod Paul-Finance Officer and Mohammed Rabiyath Aslam, Azaan Ibrahim and Miss Simona Lisha Fernandes–the President/Secretary/Joint Secretary respectively of Students’ Council. Administering of the oath to these three Students’ Council leaders was done done by Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, and later President of the Students’ Council Mohammed Aslam administered the oath to the other 160 Council members- which was followed by the College Anthem by the Choir. The three student leaders were felicitated by the chief guest.
Before going further with incorporating the Chief guest’s speech, I feel so proud that today’s chief guest Dr Ravishankar Rao was my college-mate in St Aloysius College in the 80’s, while I completed my B Sc, He completed his B A- and we always interacted during student association meetings and other co-curricular activities and we still cherish our friendship even now. Even though I am a little jealous, Ravi being awarded as the Best Outgoing Student of St Aloysius College in 1980, but I feel proud that my college-mate has earned such great stature in Mangalore University and is a acclaimed personality in the field of education. Proud to be an Aloysian of a great Aloysian Friend!
In his inaugural address, Dr Ravishankar said, “During our college days we never had such glamorous Student Council inauguration, nor we had women in the college- times of changed, and you are all having a big day of celebration today. Today is the day of learning, and you need to carry what you learnt forward. You need to respect others, and not make fool of persons with disabilities. No one is perfect, because everyone has their own problems. Our college life then was much simpler than what you have today-we never got extra pocket money nor electronic gadgets, but still we had lots of fun and frolic during our college life. Just because you all have extra facilities and goodies don’t abuse them-use your mobile phones wisely- browse for latest information in academics etc and not browse for Bollywood music or order food through Zomato”.
“You are the leaders of making of this nation. Leadership is built within you, and not parachuted from above. There’s a age-old saying, ‘Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently,’ so similarly are the leaders. We need to identify our leadership.The nine qualities of leadership should be-Creativity; Communication; Character; Courage; Conviction; and Charisma; and Competency. Among all these qualities, communication is very important to reach greater heights, even though you lack behind in your academic grades. Remember to be a leader is not a smooth ride-there will be hurdles and challenges, and you need to face them to succeed. We are in new India, where 65% is you. India needs you to make a change and make India great. And if you have confidence and commitment, you can make a change. and also try to give, because when you give, you’ll also receive. Stay in touch forever with your teachers and other mentors.Just like Martin Luther King said “I have a dream..”, make your dreams come true. Best of luck” added Dr Ravishankar.
In his presidential address, Rector Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ said, ” While you are all budding leaders now, life in college is all about learning, and while you should know about three things- Logical Thinking, Critical thinking and Lateral Thinking’. You are all leaders now, and the going to be also the future leaders of this nation. Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, innovation and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team mates and customers. Mahatma Gandhi had said, Be the change you want to see in the world’-If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do. You need step forward and inspire, motivate and lead- and bring a change and make a difference”.
The vote of thanks was rendered by Ms Reena J Monteiro-HOD of English, and the programme was compered by Miss Mariam Masood, a II PUC-PCMS student. And as an Alumnus of my Alma mater-St Aloysius College, I extend my gratitude for making me what I am today. The love shown by the Jesuit priests of this institution, and the caring and training given by the staff was indeed tremendous and worth during my college days here. At present we need good leaders, and the nation depends on you young leaders. As good leaders learn to emphasize- Honesty; Delegate, Communication, Confidence, Commitment, Positive Attitude, Creativity, Intuition, Inspire, and Approach. Let your leadership be an inspiration to others. Let your leadership be showing concern towards others. You are all the cream of the society. Remember that once you exit of this college, you will still be proud to say that you are an Aloysian, and you will be respected by all. A Aloysian is always a Aloysian”.
I end this report with the inspiring and motivation speech delivered by Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius PUC : “Leadership is a gift, and service is a choice we make with that gift.’ The Student Council provides leadership to the student body and the multiple activities conducted in this college. Congratulations to all the newly elected office bearers! You have been chosen as the leaders for tomorrow – a matter of pride and a matter of great responsibility as you represent your college mates. Moreover, the vision and mission of this college will be displayed through your work, and we hope that you see yourselves in the light of being proud ambassadors of our ethos.
The college is founded on Jesuit ideals of fairness, compassion and men & women for others. These precious ideals are now being placed in your hands, with faith that you will do your utmost to carry them out. We believe that the time has come for you to be put to the test. This is not an academic test, but a far more important test, a test of character. How you behave will tell us about the kind of men and women you will grow into. Therefore, Lead by example, let your actions speak for themselves. Always bear in mind that this is a post for service – to encourage others, to guide their efforts, to support the student body and remain true to the college principles of compassion and excellence. Our motto – Lucet et Ardet – suggests a path of learning and compassion, and we hope you will conduct yourselves in a manner which adheres to this.
The President, Secretary, Joint Secretary along with Class Representatives and Association Secretaries are the nerve centres of our institution. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the varied activities offered here are enjoyed by as many students as possible, and everyone feels welcome. I urge you to not rest on past laurels but to strive to introduce new ideas and make your Council contemporary and meaningful. Innovate, throw up new ideas, allow freshness to replace the stale and boring. It is your council so make it work for you – the youth of today. Strive to be inclusive, try to foster healthy goodwill and fellowship among all students irrespective of their backgrounds; listen to both the loudest voices and the hesitant ones – you are after all representing others.
You can take this opportunity to understand what it means to be professional and bring good influences into the workings of the council. Show us what difference that good leadership can make. Encourage others to become leaders, show them the true meaning of being a peoples’ representative. Prepare to pass on your mantle to them, so take them along with you and guide their journey. I wish you the very best and May God above continue to shine the path ahead for us all “.
“Best of luck from Team Mangalorean to the Students Council 2019-20 of St Aloysius PUC. The energy, the faith, the devotion, the commitment which you bring to this endeavour will light your institution and all who serve it… and the glow from that light can truly light this nation”.
