Happy New ‘COMPUTER’ Year 2020! Renovated Computer Centre Inaugurated at St Aloysius College
Mangaluru : Yes, we are in the COMPUTER Era! Developments in computing are driving the transformation of entire systems of production, management, and governance. But we must ensure that these developments benefit all society, not just the wealthy or those participating in the “new economy”. Today computers are in virtually everything we touch, all day long. We still have an image of computers as being rectangular objects either on a desk, or these days in our pockets. If you think about the future of computing as a convergence of the biological, the physical and the digital (and the post-digital quantum), using as examples 3D-printing, biotechnology, robotics for prosthetics, the internet of things, autonomous vehicles, other kinds of artificial intelligence, you can see the extent of how life will change. We need to make sure that these developments benefit all of society, not just the most wealthy members of society who might want these prosthetics, but every person who needs them.
At St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangaluru, the Computer Sciences/Applications courses prepare students for leadership roles in computing and technology. It is designed to develop expertise in key areas driving technological growth. These courses aim to help themapply the knowledge and skills that are essential to be employed as a capable software developer. The Mission of this College is to prepare students for careers as software professionals and for advanced studies in Computer Science / Information Technology. The institute develops and works with a range of technologies to build systems and applications that help solve today’s problems, and share skills and knowledge with the community.
The initiative to start computer department at St Aloysius College was by former Rector Fr Denzil Lobo SJ, who is presently the Director of AIMIT- Beeri, Mangaluru, in 1986. Since the College has advanced in the field of Computer Technology, and presently has a advanced Master Computer Programme at AIMIT. Even though the computer centre did exist at St Aloysius College for years, but it needed a lot of renovation and upgrading. So it was planned to renovate the Computer Centre, with partial contribution towards the project from Good Samaritan and Philanthropist Michael D’souza, a Mangalorean having businesses in Dubai and worldwide.
The programme of the inauguration of Renovated Computer Centre began with a prayer by the SAC students invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Fr Praveen Martis SJ-the Principal of St Aloysius College. The inauguration of the Computer Centre was done by cutting the ribbon by Chief guest Michael D’souza, a Philanthropist and a Well-wisher of St Aloysius Institutions, along with guest of honour Fr Valerian D’souza- Former Episcopal Vicar of Udupi diocese, joined by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Denzil Lobo SJ-former Rector of SAC and Director of AIMIT; Fr Praveen Martis SJ; among others.
The prayer service was conducted by Fr Felix Victor- SAC Campus Minister, followed by blessing of the Computer Centre by Fr Valerian D’souza. Michael Lobo and Fr Valerian D’souza were felicitated on the occasion by the Rector and other dignitaries on the dais. Three members of the Charity Foundation to be formed by Michael D’souza, namely Arjun Mascarenhas, Arun Pinto and Nazeer were also felicitated on the occasion. In his inaugural address Michael D’souza said, “I am overwhelmed to be part of this project, and I thank the Rector, Principal and the Dept of Computer studies for their initiative in renovating and upgrading the computer centre”.
D’souza further said, “I was happy to contribute towards partial expenditure of this project, and I am happy that I have a good cause, where students can learn better about the recent development in computer studies. My thanks to Fr Denzil Lobo SJ who has been the architect of this project. We should know that without latest technology there is no future in business. Now that this computer centre has the latest models of computers, my request to the students is that, you should use the computers with care, and consider them as your own. Wish you all better future in your career”.
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Fr Valerian D’souza speaking on the occasion said, “I am very simple and small man here for this great project undertaken by educationalist and well-wishers. Michael D’souza who is a good Samaritan whom I have known for decades, shares part of his wealth towards any good cause, and his contribution to this project need to be appreciated. “Vivat, crescat, floreat!” is an Latin word, which means May he/she/it Live, Grow, and Flourish!- and St Aloysius Institutions has been that way. Three persons are mainly responsible for this venture-they are Fr Denzil Lobo SJ-the Responsible Man; Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- the ‘Fr Dynamo’ for his support and encouragement; and Fr Praveen Martis SJ- for his Inspiration. The trio Jesuits have made this project happen today, and therefore you students should be grateful to these three persons, and also make sure you use the computers with ease and proper care”.
In his Presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ said, “No doubt Michael D’souza brings out the Best as a leader. This kind hearted Philanthropist is always ready and steps into any project which is innovation and going to be fruitful, and in return all that Michael wants is transparency and efficiency from us Jesuit priests. He has contributed towards the recently renovated Centenary ground, and now he has contributed towards the Computer centre. This speaks of the generosity and love that he has towards St Aloysius Institutions. His contribution to our Institution has risen from 20%-40% and now 60% . It’s always good to share part of your wealth with others in need or towards good cause- and we should all follow in Michael’s footsteps. And you students enjoy all the benefits this renovated Computer Centre has to offer, and always thank and respect those who provided this facility to you”.
Naveen Mascarenhas -the HoD of Computer Sciences and Compere of the programme briefing about the Computer Centre said, This renovated CC has 180 Dell Professional Computers with -i 3, 9 Generation Processor, 256 GB, SSD Disk, 8 GB RSM , Windows 10 OS and Microsoft Office. 80 more such computers have been installed in Commerce Lab, 20 in College Offices, and 15 in the Library. We need to thank Michael D’souza for his 60% contribution towards these 295 Dell Computers”. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ashok M Prasad- the Dean, Dept of BC Applications.
Thanks to Mr. Alfie for the article on the renovation of the computer labs at St Aloysius College. Thanks to Mr Michael D’Souza, my classmate for this generous contribution towards the renovation of the labs. He is such a wonderful person. He has been doing so much through his financial assistance to see that institutions like St Aloysius flourish.
I also want to make a mention about Mr Aubrey D’Souza, the first donor of the computers to St Aloysius College in 1986. He was a visionary and wanted his alma mater to launch into “COMPUTER REVOLUTION”. And thus it began with a four-terminal ZENITH ORION mini computer.
Thanks to Fr Leo D’Souza SJ, who was the principal of the College then. He was the one who assigned me to look after the computer centre- without which I would not have been able to do anything. I am also indebted to so many donors who helped us in improving the infra structure, build the IT Centre in 2002 which was inaugurated by late Dr Abdul Kalam , the President of India in March 2003, and to setting up of the new campus at Beeri which was once again possible due to the generous contributions by our alumni and friends.
I am indebted to Mr Prem Watsa, Canada, Mr Victor Pais, NJ, Mr Michael D’Souza, Dubai, Mr Ivan Fernandes, Dubai, Mr Ronald Colaco, Mr Lawrence D’Souza, Kuwait and a host of other donors.
We want our alumni and friend to be with s and support this great venture of promoting St Aloysius to be DEEMED-TO-BE UNIVERSITY.