Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 12: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) marked its Silver Jubilee with a grand celebration on Thursday, commemorating 25 years of growth, excellence, and dedicated service in engineering education. The programme began at 10:30 am with the entry and welcome of dignitaries. A prayer service set a solemn tone for the occasion, invoking divine blessings.
A special video titled ‘SJEC - 25 Years of Growth, Grace and Gratitude’ was screened, portraying the remarkable journey of SJEC and highlighting its academic achievements, infrastructural development, and contribution to society over the past quarter century.
Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director, SJEC delivered the welcome address, greeting the distinguished guests and audience. The convenors of the celebration, Vinoothan Kaliveer and Sabina Rachana Crasta, and Dr Binu K G, coordinator, Silver Jubilee Celebrations coordinated the programme. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolised enlightenment and knowledge.
Principal, Dr Rio D’Souza addressed the gathering, speaking about the legacy and inspiring story of SJEC, reflecting on its steady growth and commitment to holistic education. The unveiling of the SJEC logo marked a significant milestone, followed by the release of the SJEC theme song produced in-house at the college’s Melodium studio, showcasing the institution’s creative excellence.
Dr Bharat Shetty Y, MLA, Mangaluru City North constituency introduced and announced student scholarships as part of the silver jubilee initiatives and later addressed the gathering, appreciating SJEC’s role in shaping responsible professionals.
The chief guest, U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, delivered an inspiring address. He emphasised that educational institutions are pillars of national development, noting that education uplifts not only families but the entire nation. Highlighting the role of engineers in shaping the country, he congratulated SJEC for moulding young minds and remarked that along with IQ, emotional and spiritual intelligence are equally important in nation-building.
Former minister, B Ramanath Rai, released the Coffee Table Book cover page commemorating the institution’s 25-year journey. In his address, he praised SJEC’s consistent contribution to quality education and societal progress.
J R Lobo, former MLA of Mangaluru City South constituency, released the staff initiatives undertaken during the jubilee year and addressed the gathering, appreciating the dedication of the faculty and management.
A major highlight was the unveiling of a video showcasing the new infrastructure projects - the SJEC Innovation Center, the new gents’ hostel, and the new ladies’ hostel — by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of the diocese of Udupi. In his address, he quoted, “Progress to knowledge must lead to wisdom,” urging students to pursue knowledge with passion and uphold conscience, integrity, and responsibility towards humanity and society.
The presidential address was delivered by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of the diocese of Mangalore and president of SJEC. He acknowledged the sacrifices and unwavering support of all those who contributed to building the institution and expressed confidence that SJEC would continue to be a beacon of hope, hard work, and guidance.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sabina Rachana Crasta, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, organisers, faculty, media persons, students, and well-wishers for making the silver jubilee celebration a memorable occasion. The event was compered by Smitha D’Souza and Dr Ashwin Shetty.
The formal proceedings of the silver jubilee celebration concluded with the rendition of the national anthem. Following this, a vibrant cultural programme was held, featuring a spectacular dance presentation that showcased traditional dance forms from various states of India. The colourful performances beautifully reflected the nation’s rich cultural diversity and unity, adding grandeur and festive spirit to the 25-year milestone celebration of SJEC and bringing the memorable event to a joyous and vibrant close.
The silver jubilee celebration stood as a proud testament to 25 years of growth, grace, and gratitude, reaffirming SJEC’s commitment to academic excellence and nation-building.