Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 16: The School of Engineering (SOE), St Aloysius Deemed to be University, celebrated its first-ever Engineer’s Day commemorating the legacy of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. The formal function was graced by distinguished guests. The chief guest for the occasion was Dr T Lazar Mathew, former- chairman of Scientific Committees of Govt of India, while the guests of honor included Neil Rodrigues, programme manager- Global Delivery, Infosys Ltd and Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of the University. The programme was presided over by Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University. Also present were Dr S Ruban, dean of the School of Engineering, and event coordinators Dr Geetha Pinto and Aarathi.
The celebration commenced with a prayer service, followed by a graceful dance performance portraying the life and contributions of Sir M Visvesvaraya. Delivering his address, Neil Rodrigues spoke about the perceived threat of Artificial Intelligence, urging students to embrace it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing parallels with the invention of digital cameras, he highlighted how those who adapted flourished, while those who resisted change were left behind. Dr Ronald Nazareth emphasized the harmony between engineering and basic sciences, stressing that their integration can bring about meaningful transformation in society. He encouraged students to embody the Jesuit mission of becoming “men and women for and with others.”
In his keynote address, chief guest Dr Lazor Mathew reflected on India’s greatest engineers and scientists, including Sir M Visvesvaraya, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, and Dr Verghese Kurien, the architect of the White Revolution. He urged students to live by the principles of ABCD—Academics, Behavior, Communication, and Discipline—as the foundation of professional excellence. In his presidential address, Dr Praveen Martis SJ recalled the contributions of Sir M Visvesvaraya and encouraged budding engineers to draw inspiration from such visionaries. He called upon students to strive for excellence and service, contributing meaningfully to society. Aarathi delivered the welcome address, Dr Geetha Pinto introduced the chief guest, and Glenson Toney introduced the guests of honor. Dr S Ruban proposed the vote of thanks, while the ceremony was compered by Azzad.
Following the inauguration, Dr Lazor Mathew delivered an insightful session on ‘Innovations That Changed India.’ He spoke of his association with Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and urged students to focus on grassroots-level innovations. He also encouraged faculty members to move beyond the pursuit of publications and embrace product development as a mission. The day’s celebrations featured series of competitions including Ideathon, the internal Smart India Hackathon, and Quizttica, an IT and business quiz. The festivities concluded with a vibrant cultural extravaganza, showcasing the creativity and talent of the SOE students.