Campus turns ‘green’ as students observe conservation day

‘Go Green day’ was an awareness campaign organised in the campus by the Social Work department REACH on Tuesday. REACH stands for Research Education Action Change which was formed earlier this year. The students came together wearing green in support of the cause. 25 students volunteered for the cause and performed a skit to alert people about conserving energy. More than 100 people supported the volunteers by walking around the campus and shouting slogan ‘Go Green, Save Earth’. The volunteers talked to the students and explained about Go Green.

Mr Benson, a lecturer of Social Work department said, “Go green is a larger process. This is just a teaser. Green stands for sustainable development. Copenhagen concludes tomorrow and this is in a way related to it. This has definitely woken up the campus.”
The students painted themselves green and got their t-shirts signed by the students and lecturers as a symbol of their support.
“It made a lot of impact on people. We wanted to do something which is related to our subjects. The core members of the association came up with this idea,” said Gangamma of II MSW who is the president of REACH.
Simi of II MSW, a Volunteer, said, “We started by chanting slogans across the campus. We also spoke to people and explained the concept of Go Green. We are not against genetic engineering, but we are against it being used in agriculture.”
John Paul of I MSW who actively took part in the campaign explained about various issues related to environment. He said, “The response was good and people were curious to know what was happening. We are not trying to convince people to stop using plastic, but telling them to use less plastic. We are trying to discourage people from using genetically modified food and endorse organic food.”
REACH has taken up several activities to sensitise people about the use of plastic, aforestation, conservation, genetically modified food and other environment related issues as part of its agenda.

- Komal I MS Com

Choirs sing for Lankan refugees

The spirit of the season came alive at ‘Humanitas’ – a Christmas concert organised by St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science (SJC) in aid of the displaced Sri Lankan war victims. Held on December 13 at the Mount Carmel College auditorium, the concert saw performances from ten different choirs in the city.

The Christ University choir opened the show with Gloria and the popular Christmas carol ‘Joy to the world.’ They made way for the young kurta-clad boys from St Joseph’s Pre-University College who presented several contemporary carols.

The girls from Mount Carmel’s and Jyothi Nivas’ left the audience spellbound with their melodious arrangements. Led by Mrs. Deidre Fernandes-Dominic, the Carmelites sang ‘Alleluia’ and ‘Welcome to the world.’ Salomi Rao guided the JNC girls.

Being the hosts, SJC had a lot to offer. A special performance was put up by the North-Eastern choir of the college who beckoned the crowd with the carol ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ and spread the message of peace with ‘Merry Christmas - War is over’. Conducted by Maneesh Dasanayake and Jungshi Imchen, the College Hostel choir’s rendition of ‘Hark the herald’ and ‘Gloria’, all while wearing Santa hats, brought in many smiles.

Earlier, Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal, SJC, briefly explained to the audience the cause for which Humanitas was being held. He said, “Thousands of people in Sri Lanka have been rendered homeless due to the recent war. The condition of the camps set up by the government is pitiable and it is said that everyday about five people die in those camps due to poor conditions. Through this carol singing we reach out to them and assure of our support for their cause.”

Vice Chancellor, Christ University, Fr Thomas Varkey in his address, emphasised the power of the youth in spreading a social message.

Terrina Jairaj, II M S Com

Food Fest

The Social Zest association of St Joseph's College, Bangalore, held an international food festival recently. Food from various countries such as Iran, Afghan were set on the table. All food items were over in no time. A video by Hrithik and Aruna.

‘Embrace diversity and end discrimination’

SJC celebrated Human Rights Day in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day from December 04 to December 10. Various issues related to child rights, women rights andhuman rights were raised and discussed. Students from various colleges participated in the event.

The Chief Guests of the day was Nine Naik, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Prof. Jeevan Kumar from the Political Science Department of Bangalore University. Among the speakers invited were Ms. Geeta Menon, Mathews Philips and Manohar who shared views on Human, Women and Child Rights. This was followed by cultural programs organized by the students from MSW (Masters in Social Work) Department.

“Each day has been dedicated to one issue. We want more youth prticipating in such events as they can help bring about a change. We want to sensitise the youth. This is why we are organising events like these in colleges,” said Nirumal from SICHREM (South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring).

Students were divided into 12 groups. Students from different colleges - Mount Carmel College, Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College and St Josephs were given the opportunity to present a Human Rights Case and suggest a pragmatic solution for the same.

This was followed by a Valedictory function. The event will conclude with a rally starting from St Josephs College to Town Hall. A candlelight vigil was observed. This was the final day of a week long event. Competitions were held over the week including collage, face painting, essay writing, poetry etc. with the common theme -discrimination.

- Svetha and Tanmay

Protest March on December 6

Activists and humanitarians came together on December 6 in Bangalore to take part in a protest march to commemorate the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992. Over 1000 people took part in the protest that culminated at the Bangalore Town Hall. A video by Nisha and Medini.

Kancha Iliah's book launch

Eminent Political Sociolgist, Dr Kancha Iliah's book, "The Post-Hindu India" was released at St Joseph's College on Devcember 5. The book deals with the decline of Hinduism as a religion in the wake of the eternal caste divide. Eminent thinkers like Dr Ambrose Pinto, Dr M. G. Krishnan, Dr Kodandaramiah and Mr V. T. Rajshekhar were present on the occasion and did a critique on the book.

James Andrew dies in road accident

James Andrew of III EPS passed away this morning in the hospital in Rammurthy Nagar after he met with a road accident on October 21. The accident happened when James was on his way to the College to write his Semester exam.

The College has deeply mourned the sad demise of James and has conveyed condolences to the berieved family members.

Alumni honours five on Reunion Day

In a colourful event that brought together the veterans and the youngsters alike for a reunion, the St Joseph’s College Alumni/ae Association honoured five distinguished associates – three eminent alumni and two retired teachers – here on October 25. Among those who were felicitated, was a 92 year old retired army person, Colonel B. M. Chengappa, probably the oldest living alumnus, and Captain M . W. Chinnappa (84).

The two retired teachers who were honoured were Dr B D Ananthanathan and Prof. B R A Rao. The President of the Association and presently the Personal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr Lakshminarayana too was felicitated for his phenomenal achievements as a civil servant.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal, Fr Ambrose Pinto said that those who were honoured by the Alumni Association had given life to scores of students. “These five men have lived a very inspiring life and have been a source of light for many. They continue to inspire us and hence we need to draw inspiration from them.”

Speaking about the College, the Principal said that the College had always been a College of concern. “There has not been a single student in the last few years who has been denied admission because he/she had no money to pay the fees,” he said and added that the College wished to continue in the same spirit.

He congratulated the Alumni for all their support for the institution. The 1969 batch of the Alumni, he said, had given a substantial amount to the mid-day meal corpus.

In his address, Mr Lakshminarayana, the President of the Alumni, said that in the whole country in different corners one or the other Josephite played a very constructive part. He further said that St Joseph’s had always been proactive in responding to crisis situations, especially the recent floods.

It was indeed a day of camaraderie for those present. Scenes of laughter, enthusiasm, huddling together were seen aplenty in the whole campus. There were also a number of party games organised, especially tambola, which brought out the youthful spirit of the Alumni. Many were seen sharing old memories with their teachers who reminded them of their mischief they played while they were students. The spirit of the whole day was put in perspective by one of those who attended the reunion: “Once a Josephite always a Josephite.”

And then there was a flood

NSS to raise awareness on campus to abolish death penalty

An inter-collegiate essay writing competition was held by the Centre for Social Concern (CSC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) at the College in collaboration with South India Cell for Human Right and Education and Monitoring (SICHREM) here on Thursday. The competition was organised as part of the ‘World Day against Death Penalty’, which is celebrated October 10.

A total number of seven colleges participated in the competition. The results will be announced on October 10, when a series of events will take place to raise awareness against death penalty. Among other things, the events include a walk against death penalty from the Collegee to Town Hall via Kanteerva Stadium, Corporation offices and J C road. The second event is a stunt activity to raise awareness about death penalty, followed by a candle light vigil at the Town Hall at 6.oo p.m.

Sandeep, a member of Centre for Social Concern (CSC), said, “This is the first time we are organising an inter- collegiate essay event. It feels good that many colleges participated. It showed people’s interest in abolishing death penalty, as violence is not the answer.” He also asked for more volunteers to help in organising the event and requested them to join in the cause.

- Afreen I MS Com

Students donate their mite for flood victims

In a kind gesture, the students of SJC made a contribution for the flood victims of North Karnataka here on Wednesday. The lecturer in charge of the collection was Godwin D’Souza of Electronics Department.

Three groups comprising students went round classes with dumb boxes. A total of Rupees 20,000 was collected on the first day itself. In addition students also donated clothes

Mr Godwin D’Souza said that contributions by students were quite satisfactory. “The funds accumulated were less since students were busy with their practical exams. There was no much awareness brought among the students. Creating further awareness would help in raising more funds,” he added.

Fr Eric Mathias from Jesuit school of north Karnataka will be coming himself on Friday to collect the funds raised for children. The rest of the collection will be made on Thursday. Mr Godwin said that those who did not contribute could give their mite. Sandeep from III PMC will be the student in-charge.

- Afreen I MS Com

Photo exhibition showcases North-East Tibetan life

Exotic photos of high mountains, landscapes, city scapes, flowers, people and their culture were displayed at the photo exhibition organised by the North East and Tibetan Forum at the College on Wednesday. The exhibition held at the quadrangle drew a number of photo enthusiasts, including a many teachers, who were eager to know more about the aspects shown in the pictures.

Speaking about the event, Emmanuel, one of the Forum’s coordinators, said, “The main motive behind the exhibition is to show case our scenic beauty which is still unknown to many.”

Tensing Dhondup, a representative of Tibet in the Forum, said, “People only hear about the beauty of our place. So, this is an opportunity for them to experience and see the real beauty through the photos displayed.”

The sources of the photos displayed were the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) and Respective State Tourism Archives. Many individuals also had contributed their photographs for the exhibition.

- Vito I MS Com