Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (PMD)

Mangaluru, Jul 28: To further a dialogue on the St Aloysius College road renaming debate, and find a solution amicably, St Aloysius College has formed an action committee, which will meet on Saturday, July 29.

This was informed at a press meet at the College on Friday, July 28. The issue relates to renaming of St Aloysius College road after Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty, former chairman of Vijaya Bank, whose regional office is located on the stretch.

"With an intention of giving respect and cooperation to the process of finding a solution to the problem, St Aloysius College restrained from precipitating the issue further through any agitational programme in the last few weeks, yet, we have called for a meet to inform why we are fighting for this issue," said president of St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA) Archibald Menezes.

College registrar A M Narahari said, "With an intention of giving respect and cooperation to the process of finding a solution to the problem, St Aloysius College restrained from precipitating the issue further through any agitational programme in the last few weeks. However, a few organisations like the Bunts Sangha have started making wild allegations against the college and also against the respected legislators that they have communalized and politicized the issue.

"St Aloysius College never practiced communalism and never believed in playing politics. In fact, the college is known for harmony with high secular credentials. There is only one community in St Aloysius that is St Aloysius Community. We have tried to find a consensus three times so far. But there has been no dialogue of sorts. Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty was a student of this insititute, so there is no question of us wanting to disrespect him. We Had held the protest earleir to voice our dissent, and are not for conflict with any community.

"A broad-based 'action committee' has been set up for planning and executing the future action programmes. The action committee headed by St Aloysius Alumni Association will include the representatives of present students, staff, prominent citizens, like-minded organisations and well-wishers of the college. The newly constituted action committee is meeting tomorrow, to chalk out the future course of action. There is no question of succumbing to any threats of agitation. We are determined to fight out democratically till the name of 'St Aloysius college road' is retained. We are determined to fight out democratically till the name of 'St Aloysius college road' is retained," he added.

Highlighting some facts on the road he said, "It was in 1979 due to special efforts of late Blazius D’Souza and the late P F Rodrigues, former ministers of Karnataka, the road was inaugurated with the consent of the muncipality. A plaque was installed at the time of inauguration as St Aloysius College Road on to the compound wall of KMC. The plaque is still there. It is a strong proof.The fact that such a name board existed has been admitted by Ajith Kumar Malady in his memorandum to district in-charge minister."

Rector of St Aloysius Fr Dionysius Vas added that the College was open for dialogue and had called for a talk yesterday (July 27) which was not attended by the other party. "We will not disturb the communal peace. We urge you to support us with communal harmony. St Aloysius community is interested in communal harmony. St Aloysius College Road name was a token of respect bestowed on the instutute on the centenary eyar. Our claim is to recognise this piece of land and keep the name. We cannot keep the St Aloysius College Road in any other place.

"We are looking for a dialogue and a win win situation. Even if we lose this fight, we don't mind. Our aim is communal harmony," he added.

"Vijay Bank Officers’ Organization did not specifically ask for this road. In fact their application to the corporation was to name any road in Mangaluru as 'Sunder Ram Shetty Road'. Therefore, if an alternative road is suggested by the city corporation or the government, their demand will be met," said Sumith Rao, a member of the action committee.

Speaking about the technical glitch in the proposed name by the bank union, he added, "The proposal made to City Corporation itself was defective. It was mentioned in the proposal as the road from Ambedkar Circle to Hampanakatta, which created confusion, as the vehicle movement is in the reverse direction. Usually the road direction is based on the vehicular movement."

"There was no specific debate in Mangaluru City Corporation with regard to the approval. Many corporators have openly expressed surprise on how the resolution was passed without a debate. Some officials have quietly seen to it that the resolution is recorded as passed," he added.

St Aloysius College principal Fr Praveen Martis, Action Committee convenor N G Mohan, alumna Sumitra, college pupil president Aman Ahmed, alumna Michelle D'Souza were present at the meet.

The College also provided pictures and documents affirming the usage of the name St Aloysius College road for decades.