News: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Mayur Studio, Santhekatte
Udupi, Jan 13: The golden jubilee of Milagres College, Kallianpur was celebrated with grandeur at the college campus here on Friday, January 13.
Fr Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi presided over the function.
Minister for sports and youth empowerment and district in-charge Pramod Madhwaraj, after releasing the college newsletter, said, "This day will always be remembered and recalled in Kallianpur. Msgr Denis Jerome D'Souza toiled hard to bring up the college in 1967. The college was set up with the main intention of providing quality education to children of farmers who were working in the fields those days. Due to Msgr Denis D'Souza's hard work, children are now not forced to work in the fields and are sent for education."
The minister further extended full support in the future plans of the college to take it to greater heights.
Former union minister and MP Oscar Fernandes said, "I remember the day when William Pinto came to my house to see my father to speak about this instituition. There were no government colleges in Udupi earlier. Milagres College has given quality education to the society in the past 50 years and has placed its future plans in front of us.
"Udupi and Mangaluru top the list when it comes to education in the country. I hereby assure financial help from MP funds for the development of this college," he added.
Alfred Crasto, an alumnus of the college expressed his joy on returning to the college after 30 years.
"Milagres gave us value education. You are all privileged to study in this college that has state-of-the-art facilities and campus. I have come here after many years. I invite all students to visit their college after their studies."
Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Education Society of Udupi diocese congratulated the correspondent and management on Milagres College's glorious 50 years. "Today is the day to count our blessings and the day to remember the sacrifice of those who contributed towards this institution. Look back with gratitude and look forward with good hope," he said.
He also informed that CBCI of India has declared Milagres College as pride of Catholic church in India along with St Mary’s College, Shirva; St Mary’s English Medium School, Udupi and St Joseph School, Belman, among the institutions in the diocese of Udupi.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "Milagres stands for miracles. We remember today with gratitude the founders of this institution who had great vision for the development of rural Kallianpur. I wish the present and future students a bright and successful future. I thank everyone for the growth of this institution. I am grateful to former correspondents, principals and staff members."
Fr William Gonsalves and Shirthadi William Pinto were felicitated by the bishop for their contribution during the construction of the college during 1967.
Former correspondent Fr Marcel Saldanha and former principals Dr Lawrence Mendonca, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas and Dr Neri Cornelio were honoured by Oscar and Blossom Fernandes.
Prof Sadshiva Alse, Fr Vijay Lobo, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, former principal of Milagres PU College were honoured by the bishop.
Dr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, CESU honoured former staff members.
Fr Valerian Mendonca and Sadashiva Alse expressed their gratitude towards the college for the recognition after receiving the felicitation.
Souvenir of the golden jubilee was released by bishop Dr Lobo.
Various achievers from academics and sports were honoured on the occasion.
Peter Lewis, artiste; M Janaki Brahmavar; and Denial Monterio, philatelist were honoured by Oscar and Blossom Fernandes.
Archana K, lecturer, presented the Golden Mile Stone of the college, while Dr Gerald Pinto, principal, Milagres College, Savitha K, principal, Milagres PU College, Helma Picado, Student Welfare Council, presented the annual report on the occasion.
Fr Stany B Lobo, correspondent, Milagres institutions, welcome the gathering. Metilda Lewis, compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.
Students of Milagres College and Milagres PU college conducted various cultural programmes which was followed by a fellowship meal.
Earlier, a thanksgiving mass was offered by bishop Dr Lobo on Thursday, January 12 at Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur, along with other priests.
Former correspondents, retired principals, retired lectures, former students of the college were present on the occasion.
Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, diocese of Udupi; Janardhan Tonse, member, Udupi zilla panchayat; Pushpa Kotian, president, Kallianpur gram panchayat; Dhanajay Kunder, member, taluk panchayat; Fr Prakash Anil Castelino, campus director; Neri Cornelio, vice president, Milagres Pastoral Council; Melwyn Sequeira, Lesile Lewis, members of the council; Ravichandra Nayak, president, PTA, degree section; Vishnu Prasad, PTA, president, PU section; Allen Lewis, alumni president; Rosalia Cardoza, president, Students Welfare Council (degree); Joyce D’Souza, president, Students Welfare Council (PU); Joseph Peter Fernandes, organizing secretary of golden jubilee belebrations; Shylet Mathias, staff secretary (Degree) and Matilda Lewis, staff secretary (PU) were also present.