Principal calls upon students to become leaders

Principal, Fr Daniel Fernandes has called upon students to be responsible and work towards bringing about harmony and change in India.

He was addressing the students after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day celebration in the campus here on Tuesday.

He said: “Our country is a great country. However, evils like corruption have done harm to us. Our own state Karnataka ranks first in the list of most corrupt states. Men like Anna Hazare are working hard to restore the lost pride of our nation and the young people must support him.”

Making reference to the survey conducted by the Times of India which states that rural youth are the most disadvantaged as regards education, he said: “We have 40% our population between the age group on 13 to 35. It is a young nation. The challenge before us is only 11% of the youth make to the higher education. What happens to the other large number of our youth? Either they are unemployed, underemployed. They too have dreams and aspirations like any of us. As we celebrate the Independence day its our responsibility to be sensitive to the youth of our country.”

Fr Principal also said that poverty was yet another major concern in the country and called upon students to contribute their mite to work towards alleviating poverty. "In spite of the progress we see in some pockets our country, there are a large number of our people in the villages and tribal areas who lack basic necessities for a meaningful existence. As responsible citizens of the country we should never loose sight of this fact," he said.

Fr Principal further added, “Ours is a young nation and hence the future lies in the hands of the young. It is, thus, important that young people come forward and join politics and take leadership in this country.”

He also said that education is the key to the future of the country. “Only through education can a nation grow. The government must make sure that all children get education and thus are able to come up in life.”

Protocol Officer, Mr Anuplal led the ceremony to perfection. There was also a short cultural programme after the flag hoisting where students from the Cultural Committee sang patriotic songs and performed a dance.

College celebrates Dalai Lama's birthday

For the first time in the history of SJC, the students of North East and Tibetan Forum (NETF) came together to celebrate the 76th birthday of the Dalai Lama, here on Wednesday.

The programme, which was scheduled to be held at the quadrangle was later organised at themultipurpose hall due to sudden rainfall. However, this did not dampen the excitement among the students.

Fr Daniel Fernandes , Principal of SJC and N Dhondup , Director of the Tibetan Youth Hostel, were the chief guests at the event.

Adressing the students, Fr Fernandes said, "I am happy to see that you have wonderfully preserved the Tibetan culture and tradition. I encourage all the Tibetan students to work hard in promoting the Tibetan culture and keep the dream of going back to a free Tibet always alive."

Speaking about the importance of celebrating this day, Mr Dhondup, said, "Today is a very special day for all the Tibetans living in exile. It is because of him that we have an identity in India. We look up to him as our spiritual leader and saviour. Therefore every year we celebrate his birthday, wishing for his long life and happiness."

Overwhelmed by the response, Phuntsok Tashi, co-ordinator of (NETF), said , "The turn out was huge. I deeply thank Fr Daniel for his support, without whom this event would not have been a success. "

- Srividya and Yangzom, II M S Com

Students Council sworn in for the academic year

“Leadership in a Jesuit institution is a vital role. As leaders, you are not here to garner glory, but to serve the student community,” said Fr Daniel Fernandes, Principal of St Joseph’s College at the inauguration of the Students Council here on Saturday. He was addressing a gathering of over 200 student leaders who were present at the investiture ceremony.

Fr Stany D' Souza SJ, the chief guest

Speaking to the numerous elected student representatives, Fr Fernandes urged them to uphold the tenets of accountability and responsibility in the execution of their work. He emphasised the need for the Student Council members to be sensitive to the concerns of their fellow students. “It is your duty to make every student feel at home in the campus. If you are not able to represent their needs to the staff, you will be failing in your position,” he said.

Fr Staney D’Souza, Rector, St Joseph’s Indian Composite College, who was the Chief Guest at the function, also offered advice to the Student Council members for the forthcoming academic year. “Leaders become great when they create a vision for themselves and set out to actualise it in their daily life. Leadership is the ability to see possibilities around and recognise potential in yourself and in your companions,” he said.

Reflecting on the role of students in the administration and functioning of a college, Fr D’Souza used the analogy of teamwork in sports. “Education is not a 100 meter dash or a relay race. It is more like a three-legged race. Students and teachers must think and feel together to create an atmosphere conducive to growth,” he said.

The oath taking ceremony was administered by Syed Wajeed, Department of Microbiology to the academic representatives, by Godwin D’Souza, Department of Electronics for the class representatives of UG, by Dr Fariyal Shaikh, HOD of Hindi Department for the cultural representatives, Dr Beatrice Sequeira, Department of Microbiolgy for the class representatives of PG and Mr Newton, Department of Physical Education for the sports department.

All the students who were in attendance for the event were primed with a sense of eagerness towards carrying out their role in the coming academic year. As Suhas H.V., an academic representative from III PCM, pointed out, “We recognise that as members of the Students Council, we act as a bridge between other students and the staff. We hope to achieve this objective to the fullest.”

- Parinitha Shinde, II M S Com

- pics by Supriya and Vignesh, II M S Com

They are at home at SJC

It is every student’s dream to get into a reputed college so that he/she can study well to face the competitive world and the new challenges of life. The freshers at SJC have begun their journey with hope and determination.

It has been more than a week since College has started to function. The first year students are excited about the College atmosphere. They are happy to be part of SJC family and are looking forward to have a fruitful year ahead.

Vedha

Benita

When asked to share their views about the college Vedha Nair from I CBZ, said, "I really liked the campus. As I come from a valley based college, I am very fond of nature. I had heard that the Science faculty is really good. So I opted for this college."

Aaron Abhishek from I VISCOM, said, "I did my PUC in St Joseph's College, so I am quite familiar with the surroundings and working of the college. I chose this field as I am interested in photography and also in animation. I also like doing a bit of reporting. I find the atmosphere very friendly."

Benita D, from I BCA, said, "St Joseph's is a well reputed college in India. It stands first in South India. I wanted to join Joseph's because it has good faculty and also eco-friendly atmosphere. I am happy to get into Joseph's and be a part of this college."

- Priyanka A., II M S Com

SJC pledges support for victims of torture

The victims of torture often go unnoticed and are often unheard because of lack of awareness about the issue in society. In an attempt to bring about awareness about the issue in College, the Centre for Social Concern (CSC), National Service Scheme (NSS) and Christian Students Association (CSA) organised a mime and a documentary screening in campus on Friday, June 24.

Azar Khan, President of CSC, pointed out that the events were being organised in order to observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. He said, "Many people do not know what torture actually is. Torture can be physical, emotional and even psychological in nature. It is our aim to put this across to students through mime and documentary."

He further added that a rally would be carried out from College to Town Hall on Saturday, demanding the ratification of the UN convention of torture by India and also urging the government to follow the D.K Basu guidelines on arrest, interrogation and detention.

Explaining the role of the NSS in conducting such programmes, J S Gladson, President of NSS, said, "It is very important to bring about awareness among youngsters. We have the power to make a difference and this is one such opportunity."

Students eagerly watched as performers showed different aspects of torture. Kiran Kumar Sen, from I CEZ, emphasised on the oppression women faced in the country. He said, "India is a male dominated society and women are victims of a lot of torture. This was aptly shown by the mime. The youth should take up responsibility against such crime."

- Jame Lobo, II M S Com

Winds of change in campus

The new academic year has brought in a multitude of changes in the campus. From the newly painted walls to the spic and span toilets, SJC is on a constant drive to improve infrastructure and facilities for students.

A dedicated staff under the management of John Christy, Maintenance Officer, are rectifying all electrical and plumbing problems in the campus. He said, "We are fixing new electrical points wherever necessary and are also fixing any plumbing problems in the College." He further added that all the toilets were being given an acid wash, after which they would be cleaned twice a day to maintain hygiene.

Speaking about the role of students in maintaining cleanliness, Mr Christy said, "Hardwork is being put into cleaning the College. Students should maintain cleanliness the same way they would at home."

Cultural events are an integral part of the curriculum. In order to encourage cultural activities the Xavier Hall is being given a complete revamp. The hall will boast of a new sound system, stage lightings and also better acoustics. James J, in-charge of renovation, and his team, have been working round the clock to finish the work. "The hall will be much better than before. The interiors are being re-done to control echo and also to give the hall a new look." He added that the work in the Xavier Hall was in over-drive as it has to be completed by the end of the month.

Students with growling stomachs after a long day of lectures can now expect clean and hygienic food in the canteen. Asha Caterers, a well known catering service in the city, have taken charge of improving the canteen and providing fresh and delectable food to students. Hungry PG students may not have to make the long walk to the canteen anymore, as the management is planning to have a food counter in the PG block too.

Students who have seen the changes and transformation in the College are impressed by the work done by the management. Nikhil Muthukrishnan from III IES, said, "I find a lot of changes being done all around the College. The cleanliness in the campus and especially in the toilets is truly commendable."

- James Lobo, II M S Com

Change of Guard

Dr. (Fr.) Daniel Fernandes SJ will take over as Principal

As the new academic year begins, the college will have a new dynamic leader in the person of Dr. (Fr.) Daniel Fernandes SJ. Dr. (Fr.) Ambrose Pinto SJ will pass on the baton after eight years of service to Fr. Daniel Fernandes SJ. Fr. Daniel Fernandes SJ is no outsider to St. Joseph’s College. He has worked in St. Joseph’s Evening College, Bangalore and later in St. Joseph’s College of Commerce. He comes to St. Joseph’s College after spending nine years as Principal in St. Joseph’s College of Commerce besides an additional year of teaching there. A seasoned administrator, he has endeared himself to all as Principal of St. Joseph’s Commerce College.

Fr Daniel Fernandes SJ, the new Principal

Fr Ambrose Pinto SJ, the outgoing Principal

Competent, capable and human, Fr. Daniel is very well-known for his human relationships and building up the infrastructure of the college. His administrative abilities have been recognized by all those who have worked with him. The college is bound to further progress and expand under his leadership and find a place as an internationally reputed college. A doctorate in folklore, he is a teacher of Kannada. He is well versed with local culture and literature and has his feet firmly on the ground. He was a gold medalist in M.A. folklore from the Mysore University and later completed his doctorate from the same University. He has been in National Assessment and Accreditation Council and has visited several colleges as peer team member as well as University Grants Commission teams for the extension of autonomy to colleges. He has publications to his credit. As he moves into the college, he will supervise the construction of the college hall along with several other responsibilities. We warmly welcome him and assure him of our wholehearted co-operation. St. Joseph’s College truly feels proud that the Management has made the right choice to entrust the college in the hands of a person who has proven credentials.

The college thanks Dr. (Fr.) Ambrose Pinto SJ who labored as Principal for the last eight years and expresses its gratitude to all that he did and for all that he has been to this institution.

- Staff and Students