Media Release
Davanagere, Aug 21: Students of St Aloysius College Harihar bid farewell to Fr Santhosh Fernandes SJ, principal of PU College on August 20. It was a bright sunny day, but for the students and staff it was a gloomy day where the air was filled with emotions.
The guests for the day were Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, rector of St Aloysius College and vice principal of Mangalore Jesuit education society, Fr Eric Mathias SJ, principal and superior of degree college, Fr Santhosh Fernandes SJ, principal of PU college, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, finance officer of St Aloysius College, Fr Cyril Raj, vice principal of degree college, Demora Valsin Pereira and Deepashree, lecturers and coordinators of the programme.
The day began with the students as well as staff welcoming the guests along with the college gand. The students of NCC escorted the guests to the stage. The programme began with a prayer song led by Deepthi D’Souza. Anitha of first year BCom welcomed the gathering. Master of the ceremony, Amar Katve and Varsha called upon all the guests to inaugurate the programme by watering a plant. Pushpalatha spoke about her delightful experience working with Fr Santhosh for the past five years. Annet spoke about her experience as a student under the guidance of Fr Santhosh. She said that the word Santhosh derived from Sanskrit word meaning contentment, happiness and satisfaction and added that all these characteristics are clearly depicted in the life of Fr Santhosh. Revathi of second PU Commerce shared her opinion about Fr Santhosh regarding what she learned from him and the cheerfulness and smile on his face which brightens up all the students. All the words in this universe will not be able to express the feelings of the students. As Hans Christian Andersen said, 'Where words fail, music speaks'. Students of first PUC came up with a wishing song which was led by Shobha Monis lecturer of English.
Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ felicitated Fr Santhosh. The felicitation was followed by a speech by Fr Eric Mathias SJ. He spoke about his experience working with Fr Santhosh Fernandes Four points about Fr Santhosh were highlighted in his speecth first and foremost being that Fr Santhosh is a very joyful and genial person just as his name suggests. He never let the smile fade away from his face. Secondly, Fr Santhosh is always available. Whatever be the situation, he is always devoted to his work and he never says no. So, the helping mentality of Fr Santhosh is another quality. Thirdly, he helps the underprivileged people in society and builds good relationship with all families and localites. Whenever there is a situation to invite a guest for a programme, Fr Santhosh always has many options because of his connectivity. There was
more to say about Fr Santhosh, but Fr Eric Concluded his speech by wishing him all the best for his future and thanking him for all the good things he did for the college and for others. Wherever he goes he will always remain in the hearts of all the students and staff.
Dance is a hidden language of the soul. Students of first PUC mesmerized the audience with an energetic dance performance. A speech by Fr Santhosh Fernandes SJ, the most awaited speech in the entire programme followed. He shared his experience working as principal at Aloysius for the last five years. Fr Santhosh took the audience back five years when he started his work. After narrating his experience, he advised the students the importance of education, through a story which was about a boy who had gone to attend an interview. He cleared all the rounds and at the end he had an interview with a person who was of a higher rank. He answered all the intellectual questions but failed in an emotional question. The interviewer asked him, 'How many times till date have you cared for your mother and how many times have you enquired about her difficulties?' the boy replied ‘No’ to the questions. The interviewer told him to go home and to see the hands of his mother. As soon as he reached home, he looked for his mother but mother was not there she was out for work. After five minutes she came back and the boy gently hold his mothers’ hands and rubbed her hands and saw all the wounds he applied medicine to the wound and at that time felt the pain of his mother all these years. She never complained about anything, but looked after him and cared for him which he could not return. As a moral of this story, Fr Santhosh's message to the students was that education without concern for parents is of no use. Education should enlighten in all ways.
Students of second PUC and degree performed a humorous skit led by Shashank. This was followed by an entertaining dance performance by the hostel girls which captured the hearts of the entire audience. The cultural programme came to an end with a dance performance. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ delivered the presidential address. As a rector of the college he spoke about his experience working with Fr Santhosh. He appreciated Fr Santhosh for all his hard work. He said that initially he had no joy to come to college because of the less number of students, but now he enjoys coming due to the high number of students. This is on account of the hard work of both the principals. He concluded his speech by saying that more programmes will be offered to the students in order to bring out their talents.
The programme came to a close with the vote of thanks delivered by Alwyn Alfred of first PU commerce. The students bid adieu to the best principal who always helped, supported and shaped the lives of many students.