Media Release

Bengaluru, Mar 16: St Joseph’s Indian Institution which has a glorious history of 116 years with a motto ‘Faith and Toil’ had its first Institutional Day for the academic year 2019-2020 at St Joseph’s School auditorium on March 13 under the great leadership of Fr Leo Pereira SJ. The guest speaker was Fr Fredrick D’Silva SJ. Fr Leo Pereira SJ, the rector, presided over the event in the presence of the unit heads of all the St Joseph’s Indian Institutions.

Fr Rohan D’Almeida principal of St Josephs CBSE welcomed the guest speaker, Fr Fredrick D’Silva SJ, a vibrant orator, a linguist, a wise mentor and who has been a significant part of the Jesuit missions all around the world.

All the staff members of St Joseph’s Indian Institutions were cordially invited to the program. The day began with the Eucharistic celebration as a sign of thanksgiving, followed by an inspiring talk given by the guest speaker, who shed light on the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) a road map for all the Jesuits, all the collaborators and the stakeholders for another 10 years.

• Showing the way to God 
• Walking with the Excluded 
• Journeying with Youth 
• Caring for our Common Home (Environment)

These UAP guided the Karnataka province to transpire apostolic preferences specific (KAAP) to the state for the next 10 years.

He emphasized on the four important preferences of the Jesuit

To strengthen North Karnataka 

To create a just and humane society

Psycho-spiritual formation of youth 

Collaboration and leadership

These preferences were simplified and explained in lay terms on how to imbibe it in our daily life. The session was very informative and lively.

The talk was followed by honouring the retiring staff, B K Jayasimha of St Joseph’s Indian High School. Fr Leo Pereira SJ, the rector, Fr Henry Saldanha principal of St Joseph’s Indian High School, Fr Rohan D’Almeida, principal of St Joseph’s CBSE, Fr Cyril Menezes director of St Joseph’s Indian Primary, Fr Balaraju finance officer, Fr Deepak principal, St Joseph’s Community College, Sr Jain Benita principal, Indian Primary School, Vinod Amruthraj principal, St Joseph’s Indian PUC, Dr Flora vice-principal and the teachers of the high school did the honouring. Janet, Nola D’Lema and Elizabeth Jacob spoke of their joyful memories with B K Jayasimha.

B K Jayasimha shared his 33 years of experience and fun-filled journey with the Jesuits. He looked at this phase of retirement with a lot of positivity. He remembered his principals and other Jesuit priests and thanked them for their support and motivation. He remembered his colleagues and children with whom he had worked for 33 long years.

This was followed by an energetic performance by the staff of St Josephs CBSE, who enthralled the audience.

It was followed with a fellowship meal which was arranged for all, which concluded by a couple of games to build a spirit of camaraderie, cooperation and collaboration between all the units of the institution. Annette Daina and Sharan Natasha were anchors of the day.

Here is what a few teachers had to say about the Institution Day.

“The event was well organized and the games were entertaining.”– Nola D’Lima, SJIHS

“The UAP and KAAP were explained in a very simple yet meaningful way.” – Sr Benita, SJIPS

“The event was celebrated in a very grand manner despite it being the first Institutional Day.” – Dr Flora, SJIPUC