Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 13: It was a memorable moment for Agnesians on Friday January 12 as their alma mater, St Agnes College here, launched its centenary celebrations
MLA J R Lobo unveiled the logo to celebrate the St Agnes centenary at the College entrance. The three year long celebrations will culminate in 2021 when the College turns 100.
J R Lobo along with Blossom Oscar Fernandes and former principal of St Agnes College released the balloon to open the centenary celebration of St Agnes College.
MLA J R Lobo in his message expressed his admiration for the relentless educational services rendered by the Apostolic Carmelites in the field of higher education for women and wished the institution much success and glory in the years to come.
"This is a great event to launch the centenary celebration of this great institution. It reminds us of the people who were responsible to start this institution. They served and built the institution for long period and because of their contribution, institution like St Agnes has stood tall. Lacs of students have graduated from this institution and served in different areas and brought name and fame to this institution. At the same time we should remember the great souls for their contributions to the growth of the institution," he said.
Sr M Carmel Rita, rrovincial superior, Karnataka province, said, "This is such a great event to launch the St Agnes centenary celebrations three years ahead of the milestone. The College can organize programmes for the next three years for all categories of people. The alumni have come together to construct a block at the College as their own project and promised to do their best."
The student representatives of the alumni chapters of St Agnes, from Bangaluru, Mumbai, the UAE and the USA were also present in the audience. PTA vice-presidents Neena and Anitha along with the parent body were also present.
Micheal D’Souza, a benefactor was one among the special invitees including the core committee members of the centenary headed by an illustrious alumni Meera Aranha.
Dr Geralyn Pinto, department of English, addressed the gathering on the significance of the landmark event that is to unfurl on the hallowed grounds of St Agnes in 2020-21 when the college celebrates the completion of a century of pioneering efforts in women's education.
The website for the centenary prepared by Dr Vishala B.K., the chief librarian was launched by Sr Dr Carmel Rita. She said it was a wonderful platform for Agnesians world over to express their solidarity with one another and also with their alma mater.
A hundred balloons in blue and white were released into the clear skies of the day, by the dignitaries and staff and students, representing the unison of all the stakeholders of the college. It was a sight to behold as the blue and white balloons gradually ascended.
A special attraction of the evening was the flash mob comprising the students, staff and Agnesian alumni. Flash mobs will also be performed at City Centre Mall and Forum Fiza Mall on January 14.
Head of the commerce department Dr Devi Prabha compered the programme. Principal of St Agnes Degree College Sr M Jeswina welcomed the gathering and alumnus Naina Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
Former principal Dr M Olivia, Sr Supriya, joint secretary of St Agnes Institution Sr Maria Roopa and others were present.