‘Celebrating Diversity’ Students of St Aloysius ITI Mark Annual Day 2019 highlighting Indian Dances/Culture/Tradition
Mangaluru: One of the most anxiously awaited occasions in any educational institution is its ‘Annual Day’. Great excitement and hurried activities are visible all around. The prize-winners and those who are participating in the cultural programme to be presented on that day are especially elated. Even those who are not actively, involved in the programme are also filled with fun, frolic and amusement. The preparations for the Annual Day begins much ahead of the day itself. Proper arrangements, decorations, etc are done prior to the big day- and basically, this is done to impress the Chief Guest, other guests and parents. Another important feature of the preparation is the regular practice session of the cultural programme to be staged on the appointed day. Students, participating in the dance, drama and music programmes, are called for long rehearsals.
Again, those who have excelled in sports and various other co-curricular competitions, are made to undergo the actual practice for the day through a mock-session, so that they know how to conduct themselves in the presence of the august audience. The Student Council leader is made to write out his speech under the guidance of a lecturer and he too is required to rehearse it. The long-awaited day, finally, arrives and everyone seems to be immensely busy and hectic, rushing here and there for one reason or the other. And for that matter, the management, staff and students of St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute {SAITI} -Mangaluru had all geared up for the Annual Day Celebration-2019, on Friday, 10 May and the celebration started in full swing, comprising of music, dance and skit, which made this Annual Day a memorable one.
Each of us has different talents, different dreams and different destinations, Yet we have the power to make a new tomorrow”- that’s true and for that matter, the students of SAITI unleashed their hidden talents and mesmerized the audience predominately comprising of management, teachers, parents and well-wishers with their performances-the programme was vibrant and buoyant as it brought to life the blended learning experiences of the students on the stage to the audience. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song by students of MMV II, followed by a welcome dance by girls of Sewing Course, where they welcomed the dignitaries namely- the Chief guest Vinaya Raj- MCC Corporator/Co-ordinator KPCC Media dept; Guests of honour-Aravind Bolar-Tulu Movie/Drama actor; Naveen Rasquinha- President, SAITI Alumni Association; Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ – Director, SAITI; Fr Cyril D’mello- In-Coming Director-SAITI; Vincent Mendonsa- Principal, SAITI; Wilson N-Convener; Shameer- President-Student Council; and presided over by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- Rector of St Aloysius Institutions.
The welcome address and introduction of the guests was done by Vincent Mendonca, followed by the the audio/Video presentation of the SAITI activities, complied by Robin Vaz and Kiran D’souza, both faculty at SAITI. The presentation of the activities report gave a glimpse of the flashback of what the students did inside and outdoor during the year 2018-19. Then came the distribution of prizes to the students who had excelled in sports/volleyball by a couple of dignitaries on the dais.
In his address to the gathering narrating of his early days of life, guest of honour Aravind Bolar said, ” I have great respect for the Catholic priests because for many years I was raised by them. I only studied until 6th std, but entering into acting in drama and movies I reached greater heights. Yes, if we have talents we need to unleash them so that others also enjoy them”.
“I have acted as various characters in Tulu movies, except the hero part-you should know why? In the beginning, I was very much reluctant to act a female part in the movie, but when I did it was history. So don’t hesitate to try what you want to. I feel blessed to be honored by the Jesuit priests of this prestigious institution and will cherish this moment for years. I was reluctant I appreciate SAITI for offering various technical courses to students irrespective of caste or creed so that they could make a living when they exit out of this institution. We should all know that more than wealth etc, Education is very important which can make us survive. We should also thank our parents, teachers and elders who have been our pillars and mentors during our lives. Although my earlier days were filled with hardships, but with determination and commitment I moved further- and now I am a full-fledged actor, and stage performer. So don’t give up hopes-try, try and you will succeed. Best of luck” added Bolar.
Also speaking on the occasion, Vinaya Raj said, ” This institution has a history of 139 years, and many students who have passed out of this institution are in great posts locally, nationally and internationally. St Aloysius ITI has given an opportunity to students from rural areas to come up in life through these industrial courses, which have a very good scope of good earning. You should ask yourself where you would see yourself in 10-20 years from now. You need to set a goal and make achievements happen in your life. When you have your powerful vision, also ask ‘Why”, you become more passionate, more innovative and also progressive in your marketing and communication. Have a dream of your own, and aim big and success will surely be yours. Grab all the opportunities that come your way. Try to be your own boss by being an entrepreneur in starting your own business. If you have the will power, then there is no end to it. Wish you all success in your career that you all have chosen for a better future”.
Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ in his short and sweet address to the gathering said, “Even though being the director of this institution for few months, I had initiated many new projects, and they were all appreciated by the students and staff. It was a great experience being with you all, sharing our views and news, and I feel blessed to be as the director, and while I leave my post, I thank each one of you for your love and support shown towards me during my career. Since I not going anywhere far, you still can visit me at St Aloysius Gonzaga School, where I will be at the helm as Principal. I hand over my director post to the incoming director of SAITI Fr Cyril D’mello, who was a director of SAITI earlier, so he will surely lead this institution to greater heights with all his past experiences”. Fr Melwyn SJ handed over the institution keys to the incoming director Fr Cyril on the occasion, and both were also felicitated.
In his presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vaz Sj said, ” As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”-therefore Education is the key to eliminating gender inequality, to reducing poverty, to creating a sustainable planet, to preventing needless deaths and illness, and to fostering peace. This premier institution has been at the service of the youth of Mangaluru and its environs, as an educational institution run by the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society, for the education, formation and professional preparation of young people of all castes, creeds and communities without any discrimination. Our Vision is to Empower youth through excellence in education to shape a better future for humankind; and our Mission is to spread the light of knowledge and wisdom and to kindle the ardor of faith that does justice by forming men and women for others, who are academically accomplished, emotionally balanced, morally upright, socially responsible, ecologically sensitive and professionally dedicated, so that they are a powerful force for the transformation of society. When you exit out of this institution be grateful to your teachers and parents”.
Aravind Bolar and Vinaya Raj were also felicitated on the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by Wilson N – a SAITI faculty/Convener, and the programme was compered by Gyral Lobo, a student of SAITI. The formal function ended with breath-taking and mesmerizing cultural programme, comprising of dances and skit showcasing the hard work, the students had put in during the rehearsals, reaching its culmination. Highlighting the Diversity of India, the cultural programme showcased various dances/Art like- Dafh, Tulu Film song dances, Mime show, Remix film songs dance, Konkani live song, Yaksha skit, Remix Film Song dance, Funny Remix Film song dance, Hip-hop dance, and Tribute to Armed Forces song.
Everyone enjoyed the programme, including the parents who went home with happy faces feeling proud of their children talents, after a sumptuous lunch. Long live the talented students of SAITI.
