SPANDANA 2026 Concludes with a Call for Knowledge, Self-Awareness and Service
Mangaluru: The School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, concluded the valedictory programme of SPANDANA 2026 at the Maria Paiva Auditorium with an inspiring address by Chandrashekhar Shetty Kalthur, Managing Director of Yashas Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. He urged students to combine professional competence with compassion, self-awareness, and a commitment to service.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shetty reflected on his association with Roshni Nilaya, recalling that nearly 32 years had passed since he was a student there. He acknowledged the important role Roshni Nilaya played in shaping his personal and professional life. Referring to the institution’s philosophy of moving from darkness to light, he highlighted the values of love, care, service, and compassion that Roshni Nilaya seeks to nurture.
He paid tribute to the visionaries who contributed to Roshni Nilaya’s growth, particularly Dr. Olinda Pereira, and recalled the sacrifices made for future generations.
Emphasising the importance of teachers, he referred to the traditional saying, “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara,” and urged students to receive knowledge with an open mind and use it constructively in their personal and professional lives.
Explaining the significance of SPANDANA, Shetty described it as a vibration or response that encourages individuals to look beyond their immediate circumstances. He urged students to bring love, motivation and service into their lives and to reflect on the purpose of human existence. He emphasised that social work professionals should develop the ability to understand and accept different situations while remaining committed to serving people.
He called upon students to examine the gap between their present position and their aspirations and to work continuously towards self-improvement. Encouraging self-reflection, he asked them to consider three fundamental questions: “Who are you?”, “What are you doing?” and “What are you doing to improve yourself?”
Shetty further stressed the need for both behavioural and technical competencies for professional success. While communication, emotional management, motivation, cooperation and teamwork form part of behavioural competence, technical competence includes professional knowledge and workplace skills. He also explained the Johari Window and encouraged students to accept feedback positively as a means of developing greater self-awareness and improving their capabilities.
Dr. Hilda Rayappan, retired professor of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, shared her memories and experiences of the institution. As one of its early students, Dr Rayappan expressed her happiness at seeing students she had taught grow into responsible individuals making meaningful contributions to society.
The SPANDANA Conference Report was presented by Navya, highlighting the major sessions, activities and achievements of the conference.
Certificates and prizes were subsequently distributed. St Joseph’s, Bengaluru, won the Best Paper Presentation prize. In the Reels Making Competition, Dr. M. V. Shetty College was the runner-up, while Yenepoya College emerged as the overall winner. In the Dance/Drama Competition, M.Sc. CFS, Roshni Nilaya College, secured the runner-up position, while SDM College, Mangaluru, emerged as the winner.
Dr. Jacintha D’Souza, former Principal of Roshni Nilaya, delivered the Presidential Address. She described the Chief Guest’s address as spiritual, meaningful, and motivating and noted that SPANDANA is entering its Silver Jubilee. She reflected on the journey of the conference from its inaugural session through its various academic and co-curricular activities and learning experiences.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Anuradha Shetty, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, students, participants, organisers and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme. A group photograph of the SPANDANA team and participants was followed by the National Anthem.
Dr. Sophia N. Fernandes, Principal; Dr. Meena Montero, Dean, PG Studies; Dr. Sebastin K. V., Director – Research; Dr. Umme Hani; Ms. Deepika; Ms. Ramya; Ms. Arundati, faculty members; Ms. Rema Fernandes; and Mr. Lavan Kumar, student representative, were present on the occasion.
