It was indeed a historic day for St Joseph’s College on Friday, as, perhaps, for the first time in its 129 years of existence, over 2000 students from 64 classes took part in a colourful march past at the Annual Sports Meet. It was a sight to watch what with enthusiastic students clad in a variety of attire marching to the beats of the band, filling almost the entire College grounds. What was unique about the whole march past was the fact that even many class mentors marched along with their students, adding to the festive mood on the campus.
The successful march past was the culmination of weeklong practice sessions held repeatedly by the students. In many cases, the teachers took the initiative to teach the students to put the right marching steps. It all ended so well, with almost 100 per cent participation and co-operation both by the students and the teachers.
The Annual Sports Day was inaugurated by Anumpama Shivappa, internationally renowned hockey umpire. In her message she motivated the students to focus on the goal and strive hard to achieve it. “I urge you students to have a goal in anything that you do and work hard to achieve it, no matter what the difficulties are,” she said. She also added that it gave her a special feeling to be part of such a wonderful gathering.
Principal, Fr Daniel Fernandes said that sports day was a special day to recognise the contribution of so many students who brought laurels to the College. “We have so many students who are good in sports and are bringing honour to the Collge. It is our responsibility to recognise their talents and honour them,” he said.
The mood at the inaugural of the Sports Day was one of fun and excitement. Rightly was a student overheard saying, “What a special feeling!”
The annual Alumni Reunion of St Joseph’s College had a festive mood this year what with the entire campus decked up with flags, graffiti, balloons and flex banners. The symbolic College colours blue and white stood out as scores of alumni members trickled in to relive the old memories here on Sunday, October 30. All were in a nostalgic mood, meeting their classmates and teachers, even as the musical band of Fabian and Co went down memory lane playing vintage old numbers like Alice and Hotel California.
Retired teachers Louisa Mathias and Dr Koppikar were felicitated by the Alumni in the morning. The new Principal Fr Daniel Fernandes too was formally welcomed and honoured by the President of the Association Mr Lakshminarayana.
In his address, Fr Fernandes said that the attachment to the institution begins right from the school days itself. “As former students all of you are called to bring about some change in society, especially in the lives of the less fortunate,” he said. He also invited the alumni members to take active role in the growth of the institution and constantly be in touch.
Ms Louisa Mathias and Dr Koppikar relived their memories of their teaching days and agreed that some of their best days were spent in the College.
It was fun and frolic thereafter. The old students, right from 1950s to those who passed out just last year, were seen meeting and reliving their past days. Some of them even agreed that they felt attached to the old campus on Residency Road.
The instant photo session and caricature activities were a big hit among the alumni. Many were seen taking umpteen pictures with their friends and teachers.
A giant LED screen was set up for the audience to watch the live telecast of the inaugural FI race which was won by the Champion Sebastian Vettel of Ref Bull. The chilled beer helped them cool down the excitement.
Most were of the opinion that it was one of the best organised Alumni reunions.
