‘You’re Blessed to be Students of St Aloysius College’- VC of MU during Student Council Inauguration
‘You’re Blessed to be Students of St Aloysius College’- Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University during Student Council 2019-20 Inauguration held on 26 June 2019
Mangaluru: Quoting M D Arnold-“A Good Leader Leads The People From Above Them. A Great Leader Leads The People From Within Them”- Serving as a President of Students’ Council in a college is a privilege and honor bestowed upon you by fellow college mates. When you are selected, your buddies have recognized your leadership skills and potential to manage the Council effectively. Your tenure will offer many opportunities to learn new skills, enhance the experience of others and grow as a leader. By taking advantage of the many opportunities to learn and grow, your term can have personal and professional development benefits that will last a lifetime. All of the members of your Student Council are part of your team, and it is the President’s responsibility to guide members toward reaching the Council goals.
L-R : Dilton Ashwin Mascarenhas (Cultural Secretary); Miss Rupal D’souza ( Vice President); Lloyd Vineeth Sequeira (President) Varun Neelesh Singala ( Secretary); Miss Melnitha Twinkle Correa ( Joint Secretary) and Mohammed Rumaiz ( Sports Secretary)
Having goals and making plans to achieve them are two key steps to being successful. Every Council members has his/her important role to fill, and by working together, your Council will be able to meet its full potential and serve a vital role in your College, may be even, community. To accommodate these facts, there is a great deal of latitude in how you choose to manage your Council as long as you follow the basic Council rules/standards. In today’s rapidly changing world, individuals must blend their family demands, work commitments and volunteer work. While the responsibilities of an individual association president/chairman may be demanding, he/she is able to share challenges, ideas and perspectives with fellow members.
Like they say that Change in leadership is always good and better, and it was time for change in the Students’ Council of St Aloysius College {Autonomous}, Mangaluru- and the inauguration of the 2019-20 Students’ Council took place on 26 June 2019 at the LCRI Auditorium at 3.30 pm.. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by the college choir.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr Ratan Tilak Mohunta- Director of the students’ Council, followed by the inauguration of the programme by lighting the traditional lamp by chief guest- Dr P S Yadapadithya- Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Dionysius Vaz Sj-Rector of St Aloysius Institutions; Fr Praveen Martis Sj- Principal, St Aloysius College; Dr A M Narahari- Registrar, St Aloysius College; Dr Santhosh W Goveas- Assistant Director of Students’ Council;Dr Alwyn D’sa- Controller of examinations; Llyod Vineeth Sequeira- President, Students Council; Miss Rupal D’souza–Vice President; Varun neelesh Singala- Secretary, Miss Melnitha Twinkle Correa-Jt Secretary; Dilton Ashwin Mascarenhas -Cultural Secretary; and Mohammed Rumaiz- Sports Secretary, all of the Students’ Council.
Following the inauguration, Fr Praveen Martis Sj administered the oath to students’ council leader Lloyd, and Lloyd then administered the oath to rest of his Council members, which was then followed with the college anthem by the choir. The student council president briefed on course of Action plans for the academic year, and “Aloysians Got Talents”will be one among the projects during the 2019-20 year. Briefing the audience about a unique initiative undertaken by the Students’Council, Varun Neelesh Singla speaking on the “One Coin Revolution’ said, ” One of the primary objectives of our education at St Aloysius College is to become agents of change in the society by being men and women for and with others. In tune with this vision, this unique project was launched during the previous year”
Varun further said, “The spirit of this project is that every student saves one coin or one rupee every day and contributes the same for this project. The students’ Council will choose a meaningful project on which the collected sum will be utilized. Thus we can make a difference in the lives of the people who are on the fringes of society. The collection will be made once a week, which will start on 25 June. As the Students’ council embarks on this novel venture, let us all wish that we truly imbibe “The Spirit” and “The Joy of Giving”. And while this unique project was symbolically launched during the occasion, dignitaries on the dais contributed by dropping money into the Coin Box, and chief guest also made his contribution for the good cause.
It was now time to felicitate the chief guest Dr P S Yadapadithaya, and his citation was read by Dr Alwyn D’sa, following which all the dignitaries on the dais joined in felicitating the chief guest. In his address to the audience, mainly students, Dr P S Yadapadithaya said, “I am truly overwhelmed by the kind gesture and thoughts of the management of this prestigious institution in honoring me. As a VC my job expectations are very high, and I intend for continuity with change. Glad to note that you all respect the Aloysian values- you need to also follow the 5 D’s, namely- Destination, Direction, Discipline, Dedication, and Devotion”. Remember excellence is not a act but a habit”.
“You are all blessed to be at St Aloysius College, with all the modern facilities, and above all good teachers and management team. As leaders you can build a better India, and you need to accomplish real ideas of new education system. You need to qualified and not competent. Ranks and high marks are okay, but without knowledge and practical ideas your education is worthless. Remember that in every negativity there will be positivity. You should always respect your parents and your mentors, no matter where you are. Try to be intreprenuer more than a entrepreneur. You need to have more skills, and not just theory/academics. Values are also important to reach you to greater heights. Remember that your student life is always a golden life ” added Dr Yadapadithaya..
While concluding his speech, He stressed on the need for commitment more than involvement and a felt desire towards research. Dr Yadapadithaya felt the need of KASHV in a researcher, that is, Domain Specific Knowledge, Aptitude to determine attitude, Skill based approach to come out with the best inference, Habits, and Value based research which refers to the ethical side of research. The audience gave a loud applaud for a very inspiring, motivating and with a touch of wit speech by Dr P S Yadapadithaya.
Principal Fr Praveen Martis Sj addressing the students said, ” You are all called to be the leaders of St Aloysius College, so celebrate your leadership. You are representing the 6000 plus students of this institution, which should make you proud. Leadership is the special quality that you have in yourselves now, so make the best of it and show your capacity. A great leader should have- Self-awareness; Ingenuity; Love; and Heroism- so develop all these qualities to prove yourselves as good leaders. Wish you all a successful year, full of activities with great leadership behind them”.
Rector Fr Dionysius Vas Sj said, ” I am glad to hear that you all have chalked down interesting and wonderful things this year, including the unique One coin Revolution. You should know that leadership comes within you, and life and leadership are the choices. Leadership is not a position, it’s a passion. Be proud of where you come from, and develop the power of empowerment. The characters of Jesuit education insist on -Pursuit of excellence; Respect for the world; Critical Thinking and Effective Communication; Special concern for the poor; and Caring for Hope. 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 will going to be also the future leaders of this nation. And remember that A Aloysian is Always a Aloysian. Best of luck in your endeavours and your leadership qualities”.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Miss Rupal D’souza, while the entire inaugural ceremony was professionally compered by Manoj Fernandes- Professor at the College. . In conclusion, 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. Best of luck from Team Mangalorean to the Students Council 2019-20 of St Aloysius College {Autonomous}.
I end this column with a inspiring prayer to all the Students’ Council members through God’s blessings to become great Magis {Latin word for ‘More’ and ‘Greater’} driven leaders :
“God of Love and Life, You have called these young students together as Servants to do your Will, Grant them the light of Your Spirit, to Guide them in their responsibilities as a Student Council representative. May they work together in harmony for the common good. May they listen to one another in a spirit of genuine respect. May they encourage and reverence one another’s unique talents. May they use the gifts of the Spirit in creative love driven leadership. May they approach the decision making through discernment and prayer. May they respond effectively to the needs of the student body in their care. May Your blessings radiate from us to others in anew spirit of service. We make these prayers in God’s name, the Light of the World. May God bless us all”