Festive mood at Alumni Reunion

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.

Exodus 2011

Exodus, the Christian festival was held in the campus recently. This year the response was better than any other years. Many colleges from the city took part. St Joseph's College of Commerce was the overall champion.

Independence Day at SJC

The College celebrated the Independence Day with much fanfare. Besides honouring the national flag and remembering the freedom struggle of the great leaders, students also gave expression to their national sentiments through dance and singing.

A video by Sandra, Khubi and Yangzom

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