” Yours is a age now where you should be very careful with various decisions you take in your life. Specially don’t fall in love with a boy/man just because he offered you goodies; don’t fall in love with the bus driver or conductor just because you were allowed to take free bus rides to your destination. These and many other examples will lead you into trouble in life. Love slowly leads to marriage, but before you take that drastic step of marriage you should think twice, because once you get married many problems arise. Also control your frustrations, don’t end your life on simple problems that may come your way. Take advise or counselling from your adults and teachers”-Fr Michael Santhumayer-Administrator, Milagres Education Institutions
Mangaluru: Yes, Women Rule! Women Rock these days! To cater to the needs of young women at Milagres PU College, they had decided to have a “Women’ Cell” when co-education was introduced. With the introduction of “Women’s Cell”, young PUC women are earnestly exhorted to take an active part in the activities of the Cell. The Cell endeavors to alleviate the negative forces that confront women, both on the campus and in the city. The Women’s Cell handles issues related to women’s welfare.
The “Women’s Cell” seeks to empower the students of this college and educate them on gender-related issues. The Cell has been actively participating in various social causes since its inception. Every year Women’s Day is celebrated with an important issue or theme in mind, to be highlighted during the programmes. While academic excellence is the major trust of this PU College, it also encourages the students to improve their co-curricular activities. So, once again, this year the ‘Women’s Cell’ has devoted its self to prepare the young women of PUC to face challenges of tomorrow, and also encourage them to be socially relevant.
The inauguration of “Women Cell” of PUC department for the year 2015-16 was held on Thursday, 18 June 2015. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by the students choir, which was followed by welcome address by Iman of II PCMB. The “Cell” was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the chief guest, Carol ‘Pais’ Coelho- a well-known soft-skill training faculty, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Michael Santhumayer-Administrator of Milagres Education Institutes; John Pais-Principal, Milagres PUC; Priya Shetty- Sr Lecturer in Computer Science, MPUC; Anita Lobo- Sr Lecturer in Commerce, MPUC; Janakamma- Sr Lecturer in Kannada; and also joined by Nishmita, the student secretary.
Addressing the young women, chief guest Carol Pais said, ” You should all grasp all the opportunities you get, you need to stay informed, keep yourself busy by reading or browsing through the Internet as to what’s going on in the community and the world, you should follow the values and ethics of the institution, keep working hard, have bold self esteem and confidence in you, also improve your communication skills-verbal and non verbal, take up some hobbies and enjoy them when you are still young; and always get a feed back from your elders and teachers about your performance. If you develop all these qualities you are bound to do good in your academics and also succeed in your further education career”.
Addressing the students, Principal John Pais said, ” When the committee was planning to introduce co-education here we were quite reluctant at the beginning and thought twice, but now we feel that we did the right thing by allowing women into our PU College. I am really overwhelmed by all the enthusiasm and interests you all young women have shown here. Earlier others were talking negative about our institution that we are not capable of reaching greater heights in our academics and co-curricular/entertainment activities- but this even will show them through the media and other means of communication, that Milagres PU College too can shine and reach top in our activities and academics. You women have out shined the boys in academics, for that I compliment you and wish you the best in your further academic year. I know you have the capabilities and talents-Keep up the good work and talents that you are all entrusted with, and may God bless you all. And be safe, watch your surroundings and be alert”.
Fr Michael Santhumayer advising the young women said, ” I hope you all know that Milagres College is a reputed and respected institution in town. As boys and girls studying in this college you should try to respect each other. You need to treat yourself equally, there should not be difference in qualities and strength between boys and girls. World is changing- young women are now dominating careers that once went only to men and more women are reaching greater heights in their career. But that’s okay, women too have the rights to come up in their lives. It’s nice to note that the young women of this college have geared up to show their talents, and prove to all of us that women too can do and capable of what the young men are also capable of. Best of luck in your academic career and your co-curricular talents”.
He further said, “” Yours is a age now where you should be very careful with various decisions you take in your life. Specially don’t fall in love with a boy/man just because he offered you goodies; don’t fall in love with the bus driver or conductor just because you were allowed to take free bus rides to your destination. These and many other examples will lead you into trouble in life. Love slowly leads to marriage, but before you take that drastic step of marriage you should think twice, because once you get married many problems arise. Also control your frustrations, don’t end your life on simple problems that may come your way. Take advise or counselling from your adults and teachers”
“The rapid increase in the number of early marriages over the past several years coupled with the extremely high rate of break-up within this same group makes this subject extremely important. If you are a teenager and are seriously considering an early marriage, there are a number of potential problem areas of which you should be aware, so that, if you do decide that this is the best course of action, you will be alert to the possible difficulties which could lie ahead. First, the problem of adequate financial support is obvious. Although money does not buy happiness, it is true that a tight financial situation can create tensions which can undermine an otherwise happy relationship.”
” While some financial problems are to be expected in almost any new marriage, it is important to take time to think sensibly, so that such problems will not destroy what could otherwise be a beautiful relationship, if not undertaken prematurely. Don’t rush to get married although you might have started a relationship- Talk with other young couples who have been married for several months to get a more realistic idea of the financial problems you are likely to face. It is unfortunate, but true, that what sounds like a lot of money to you now, may seem to be very little when monthly bills must be met. Be alert and don’t make quick decision in life” added Fr Santhumayer.
“The purpose of our life is to give birth to the best which is within us” had said Mariyanne Williamson- and message to all the young women gathered here, stop saying “I wish”, instead start saying, “I Will”. The “Women Cell” honoured a few meritorious girls who had joined Milagres PU College from various other schools securing a high percentage in their SSLC exams- they were, JesvitaD’souza (92%), Fathimath Zohara (91.36%), Moonisha (90.04 %), Shahnaz (89 %), Renita D’souza (88%), Nafeesa (87.36%), Afeeza (84%), Saba (84%), Melvita (84%), Nazma (81%), Rafeeya (84%). Also three II PUC students who excelled in I PUC exams with high percentage, the highest ever in Milagres PUC were also honored-they were Nishmitha D’souza of SEBA (97.50%), Lydia D’Souza of IISc (87%) and Nishmitha of II CEBA (85%).
The formal programme ended with scintillating dance performance by the PUC students. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sherine D’Souza, and the function was compered by Lydia D’souza.
I end this column with a thought-provoking quote especially meant for these young women :
“As. you. are.
Stronger than you know.
More beautiful than you think.
Worthier than you believe.
More loved than you can ever imagine.
Passionate about making a difference.
Fiery when protecting those you love.
Learning. Growing. Not alone.
Warm. Giving. Generous.
Quirky. Sexy. Funny. Smart.
Flawed. Whole. Scared. Brave.
And so, so, so.much.more.
Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You. Don’t Worry about what others Say.
Stay Firm. You may be a woman, but You are also a Human Being like the rest.”
It is just a few days since Rev. Father Michael Santhumayor took charge of Milagres College as the Principal. It is evident that he has taken to his responsibilities very seriously. ‘WOMEN’S CELL’ is an URGENT – LONG FELT need and Father Michael has lost no time in highlighting this need. Indeed he has been very practical in his advice to the students that utmost caution should be exercised by them while dealing with certain situations. These days one reads about so many instances of young girls being mislead by young men with false promises. In the context of the increasing number of young ladies falling a prey to false promises by young men – Father Michael has advanced the RIGHT ADVICE to students who can make good use of the same while dealing with certain specific situations of a section of the society.
Kudos to you Father Michael and may this seminar be a forerunner of many to follow.
Thanks to mangalorean.com, & Mr Alfred for the good coverage.