With Theme ‘One Spark, Many Stars’ Hostelites of St Aloysius CGH had a Blast on ‘Hostel Day ’18’
- “It has been a wonderful stay for us here! It has been a relaxing, laughter-filled stay with some amazing people!; The atmosphere is really friendly, the Director and Wardens are awesome personalities and make everyone feel welcome. We stay in the best, very nice, family-like atmosphere!; The hostel with the best atmosphere that we have ever been; The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is inviting, and the times are unforgettable; All in all this Hostel feels like a Home Away from Home!; This hostel is an absolute Gem and a best and awesome place to stay!” – this is what a few hostelites had to say.
Mangaluru: As the 546, to be the exact number of hostelites that stay at the St Aloysius College Gents Hostel, Kodialbail-Mangaluru comprising of students from UG, PG and PUC belonging to St Aloysius Institutions, celebrated their joyous and fun-filled Hostel Day on Thursday, 20 December at the St Aloysius PUC Loyola Hall, with the theme that they had chosen for this year as “One Spark, Many Stars”. The theme when reflected has a deep understanding, and it brings out the essence of what these young students have been longing for. The longing for the right models to support them to form and develop themselves as responsible citizens of the Family, Society, Nation, and the World.
And for these 546 hostelites coming from various states (Towns, Cities and Villages) like 338 from Karnataka, 151 from Kerala, 3 from Tamil Nadu, 3 from Goa, 8 from Maharastra, 22 from North East state, 15 NRI, and 1 each from Andhra Pradesh-Telangana-Odisha-Bihar-Gujarath-Jharkhand, the St Aloysius College Gents Hostel has become a Home Away fro Home, for the fact, they get the same kind of “love and care” from the management and staff of the hostel, just like their parents and family members. And this Hostel being their ‘Home away from Home’, all the more entails for their search for the right guidance and direction inn their lives. And during this Hostel Day, they all looked back in retrospect and evaluated as to what has been the sparks they saw during the academic year 2018-2019.
The spark of the Home Away From Home of SAC Gents’Hostel began in 1907. During that year 47 students were in the first batch, then the number grew to 142 in 1918, and 233 in 1961. There was a significant change in 2010 with 233 students as the hostel expanded and currently in 2018-19 they have 546 hostelites. The hostel centenary was celebrated in 2007.
The programme began with a prayer song, followed by a welcome dance where the various forms of Indian dances were performed by the hostelites. While doing the introduction of the theme and also presenting the Annual report through an Audio Video presentation, Fr John Lang Bosco SJ said “SAC Gents’ Hostel lays great emphasis on supporting, guiding and accompanying our students. Often they encounter sparks in the college and hostel which enhances them physically, Academically, Emotionally, Sexually, Spiritually, Ethically, Socially, Culturally, Politically, Psychologically and Communally. The hostel is also nature sensitive and is a place where we nurture and protect greenery”.
Fr Bosco SJ further said, “Quoting Albert Schweitzer-“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us”. Not one of us can take the credit for success all by himself or herself. The hostel is a family and each one’s drop of persistence and concerted effort counts. I thank everyone who is responsible for the success of the hostel, and also thank everyone for the wonderful year we had”.
The welcome address was delivered by student Ayyappa, and the introduction of the chief guest was done by Jerome D’souza- sub-warden. Addressing the audience chief guest Dr P L Dharma-Professor of Political Science/Chairman of Dept of Journalism-Mangalore University said, “Today’s Hostel Day seems like a ‘National Day, with students from various backgrounds from various parts of the country taking part in the celebration. What really touched me this evening was when I saw students giving respect to their cooks, and that was indeed a kind gesture from them. The dignity of labor we need to cultivate and inject into ourselves. Remember you are the spark in your family, and your parents are the stars”.
“Your parents want you to come up in your life, and make them proud. The country is waiting for you to do all the good things. You are the future stars of this nation. At the hostel, you live together, eat together, interact together, mix together, share your views and thoughts together- that’s the beauty of a hostel life, which is indeed a home away from home. The hostel is a wonderful place to learn. The hostel is like a temple, a place of worship. You should be the asset of the nation and not a liability- since these days youngsters are the ones getting into trouble more than adults. Hostel Day inspires you to be a human being rather than being a member of a certain religion or community. Have fun and lead a good hostel life” added Dr Dharma.
In his presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- Rector of St Aloysius Institutions said, “I really admire the lives of all the 546 hostelites here, who have been loved and cared by your director and wardens. The hostel is where friends become family, and makes it a home away from home. I see tremendous talents in you, and so keep up the good work that you are all entrusted with. The Christmas programme that you organized for the orphanage kids recently is greatly appreciated by me- Christmas is a season of giving and sharing, and you all did the right thing by celebrating the joyous Christmas with these less-fortunate ids You have been compassionate and passionate, and I compliment you all”.
“I also appreciate the interaction between the kitchen staff and students, which shows that you have a sense of community understanding. The hostel is not a group but a community. Community shares the similarities, celebrate your differences, and then we can have a great community. Here in your theme, the Spark is St Aloysius Gonzaga who has sparked through sacrifices made by him for others. St Aloysius is trying to light the spark in your life. You are all doing a good service and be good at the hostel. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year well in advance to you all” added Rector.
Hostelite Muthanna P M was felicitated during the occasion for his outstanding achievements in sports, and the maintenance and kitchen staff were also acknowledged for their dedicated service and commitment to their jobs. Following the vote of thanks by Swasthik, it was all about entertainment and more entertainment where the students rocked the stage with various performances ranging from dance, music, mimicry- and the cultural programme ended with a well-written script by Fr John Lang Bosco SJ on the theme, which was portrayed through a short skit. The traditional dance by the North East students mesmerized the audience, and dance to the song “Kolaveri Di..”, a UV dance, a Malabar dance and much more enthralled the audience who were glued to their seats the whole cultural session.
In conclusion, this Hostel Day was possible and achieved through an open and understanding composition under the Jesuit leadership of Rector Fr Dionysius Vaz; Hostel Director Fr John Lang Bosco SJ; Hostel Wardens – Alex Rodrigues and Gracian Monteiro; sub wardens- Jerome D’souza, Reji P John and Joseph Lopez; Finance in charge Fr Denzil Lobo SJ, and Rahul Ethan Dsouza, the chief accountant. You all were responsible for this great achievement of the Hostel, which was showcased extravagantly during the glittering and fabulous Hostel Day Celebrations.