Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 26: Five achievers from different fields were conferred the 'Eminent Aloysian Alumni Awards' at L F Rasquinha Hall, St Aloysius College here on Sunday, March 25.

P Jayaram Bhat, non-executive chairman of Karnataka Bank, V Ravichandran, CEO of Diya Systems, Dr K V Rao, director, Pilikula Regional Science Centre, Joseph Gonsalves, chief traffic warden, and entrepreneur Jeevan Saldanha were honoured with the award by the management of St Aloysius Institution and St Aloysius College Alumni Association.

"I am proud to be an Aloysian and thank members of the jury for conferring me this award along with four eminent personalities. I dedicate this award to my wife and children who have supported me immensely. This college is 137 years old and over thousands of students who pursued their education here, have rendered their service not only in India but also in different parts of the world. This institution has never failed in imparting quality education, without any bias. The ones who passed out from this institution have reached higher positions and made it big, and have inspired the young generations. The autonomous status is a testimony of the superior quality of education provided in this institution. This college attracts students not only from Karnataka but also from other states," said P Jayaram Bhat.

Receiving the award, Pilikula Regional Science Centre Director Dr K V Rao said, "It was my dream to have a 3D planetarium at Pilikula, and it was recently fulfilled. When I was a teacher, my dream was that my students should succeed in life and reach high positions which am proud of today, as most of the dignitaries on the dias are my students. St Aloysius College was an experimental ground for me where I started my projects, which was beyond my expectations and those days, was golden age of my life. I thank the organisers, jury members for organising this award ceremony."

Acknowledging the honour, chief traffic warden, Joe Gonsalves said, "St Aloysius College made me a complete man. Wherever we go, there is an Aloysian. St Aloysius College is a symbol of greatness and a centre of education, and it will continue. As I am connected with traffic, let me say, we are in deep crisis. I want people to come forward to help the police department to avoid accidents. Today we can notice that a lot of people lose their lives due to rash and negligent driving. I urge people to come forward and spend at least two hours a day to protect our people."

Entrepreneur Jeevan Saldanha said, "I receive this award with great respect. I will cherish and remember this moment for the rest of my life. This is the highest recognition that I have ever got in my life. St Aloysius College taught me everything. I thank all the teachers who put in efforts to educate us and instill values in us. It was a long journey for me to reach till here. I opted a field where I enjoyed the most, I put in some extra efforts to be successful and make my dreams come true."

Receiving the award CEO of Diya systems V Ravichandran said, "This day is to be remembered and this award is quite special for me. My father was a teacher here for 35 years. I never dreamt that I would stand among you with this award. I dedicate this award to my wife. This award will motivate me," he said.

Principal of St Aloysius College Fr Praveen Martis said, "It is a proud moment and special evening to honour these five jewels and distinguished eminent personalities. I congratulate everyone. You are a role model and inspiration for young generations. I thank all the awardees for sharing their memories and attachment towards St Aloysius College."

A total of 34 eminent Aloysians have been honoured since the inception of the award, including Dr N Vinay Hegde, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi and others. The selection of awardees was done by a panel of five judges, working independently as per the criteria given by the organising committee.

Patron of St Aloysius alumni association Dr Dionysius Vaz was also present.

President of Aloysius alumni association Archibald Menezes welcome the gathering. Vice-president of Aloysius alumni association rendered vote of thanks.