Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Feb 28: St Aloysius College (SAC), recently granted deemed university status, was officially launched in a grand event at the college grounds on Wednesday, February 28.
Nalin Kumar Kateel and Fr Dionysius Vas SJ symbolically unveiled the portrait signifying the Deemed to be University status.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "Dakshina Kannada is a haven of education. Till now, we had 4 Universities, but now we have a 5th, and we are really happy about it. I have seen the struggles of the Jesuit father when I was in Delhi. Dakshina Kannada district has lots of Catholic education centers and hospitals, and the only institute to get the status of deemed to be University is St Aloysius College. This college is one of the old colleges, and a lot of people have studied and achieved in their field. This institute has good grades, rank, and I have studied at St Philomena College Puttur and I have been a student of Francis Xavier Gomes. There has been lots of struggle, and because of God's will, today this day became possible. I was very happy when this news came to me. This is good news for everyone in Dakshina Kannada district to have the 5th University."
St Aloysius College has contributed great personalities to the nation. K S Hegde, George Fernandes, TMA Pai are some of them. The Christian educational and health institutions played a pivotal role in the development of the district. The service of Christian institutions in the district always stands first in the service sector. I experienced it closely, and I am proud of that," he added.
Congratulating the management of St Aloysius Institute, Dr Gerald Issac Pinto, Bishop of Udupi diocese, said, "The launch of St. Aloysius Deemed and this day marks a significant milestone and service to humanity. I extend thanks to the entire St. Aloysius community and your dedication. Today we also celebrated the release of a book, in its pages, it's filled with wisdom and helps in guiding us. Education is not about acquiring knowledge but bringing positive changes in the world. Let us create a friendly environment where people from all communities feel welcomed."
Fr Dionysius Vaz, chancellor, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, said, "University remains crucial for society. Across the globe, they are considered good for the poor; they serve as a chance to improve. We are grateful to God for giving us this University. It all started as a dream, and today it has become a reality. When UGC was announced, we were happy, and all the alumni are happy for the achievements marked today. Nalin Kumar Kateel has been a great support and a mentor. The growth of our students wouldn't have been possible without the support of teachers. The university must be a place for dialogue and a temple of discussion. Our alumni are our ambassadors, and they are growing all over the world."
On this occasion, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Fr Francis Xavier, Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, Fr. Melwyn Joseph Pinto SJ, Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Bishops, Former Rectors, Principals of St. Aloysius college were honored and felicitated.
Rector St Aloysius Institutions Fr Melwin J Pinto welcomed the gathering. And Vice-chancellor in charge Dr Praveen Martis delivered a Vote of thanks.
Prior to the stage program, a thanksgiving Eucharistic mass was celebrated, where the main celebrant was the bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. On January 25th, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Education, the government of India, approved the proposal for the status of Deemed to be University by the well-known St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru and granted it the university status.