Francis Borgio awarded research grants

SJC has received yet another research project. Dr Francis Borgio J., an Assistant Professor in the PG and Research Department of Microbiology has received a grant of Rs 4.85 Lakhs sponsored by the ‘Seed Money to Young Scientist Programme’ of the Vision Group on Science and Technology, a Department of Science and Technology, Govt of Karnataka.

His research topic is an extension of his Ph. D study. The topic is “Distribution of Metarhizium anisopliae in the vicinity of Western Ghats of Karnataka, its bioefficacy and detection of pr1 virulent gene among the isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae”.

The microbe Metarhizium anisopliae is a cosmopolitan microorganism and Dr Borgio’s research will isolate its pr1 gene and identify its virulence and prevalence on insect pests.

On application of his research for society, he says, “At the end of my study I will recommend the organism for field study in cotton fields and test its effect. If it works well then it can be mass multiplied and used by farmers in their fields against pests.”

He added that the wildest form of the organism is found in the Western Ghats and the research is from May 31, 2010 to May 30, 2012.

- Allan Moses II M S COM

Chemical Society kicks off

“Chemical Society is a platform to share knowledge, ideas and passion for Chemistry,” said Raymond William, the Registrar of SJC. He was speaking after inaugurating the Chemical Society for the year 2010-2011.

The other chief guests for the event included Dr Elango Minnoor, Senior Quality Controller at Biocon, Dr Koppiker and Dr Naveen Chandra, faculty, Chemistry Department.

Mr Willaim, further added, “Today there is a lot of emphasis on science, most importantly Chemistry. It has a lot of potential all over the world.”

Dr Koppiker said “Although Biocon is a company that should have microbiology specialists, most of the employees are from the Chemistry background,” He also emphasised the fact that the Chemistry is all about innovative ideas.

Dr Elango Minnoor, alumni of SJC gave a presentation on ‘analysis of proteins aggregates’.

Supreeth of II MSc, President, Chemistry Society. “We are planning to have an inter-collegiate fest in November and inter class competitions will start next month.”

- Lakshmi Thomas, II M S Com

Pics: Smita, II M S Com

Swimmers felicitated

The winners of the intercollegiate swimming competition were felicitated in the campus on Wednesday.

This swimming competition was organised by the Bangalore University on July 22, in Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre.

Ramprasad of III BCA won medals in six events, Keiren D’ Souza of I CBZ, won prizes in five events, Kumari Naina Prakash of III EBZ won four medals and Sukalt Subba of I EPS won prizes in two events.

Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal of SJC, W. Raymond, Registrar of SJC and Fr Rui Periera , Controller of Examination of SJC were present at the felicitation event.

Principal, Fr Ambrose Pinto, said, “I do not think that there have been many occasions when the students of our college have won swimming prizes. It is very important to identify talents. We would become one of the finest colleges in the state if we identify and bring out the talents of our students.”

Sukant Subba of II EPS, winner of two medals, said, “We were given a very short notice but the support given to us by our College helped us get this achievement.”

Ramprasad of III BCA and winner of six medals, also thanked the College for the tremendous support and help given to the participants.

- Aparajita II M S Com

pics: Lakshmi II M S Com

SJC swimmers bag university championship

SJC Swimming team has bagged the overall inter-collegiate swimming championship organised by the Bangalore University on Wednesday. The competition was held at Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre.

Ram Prasad RM of III BCA was the top winner. He came I in 100 metres.

He also came II in 100 metres free style swimming and breast stroke, 400 metres free style, 50 metres free style and 50 metres breast stroke.

Sukant Subba of II EPS took III place in 100 metres and II in 50 metres breast stroke.

Keiren D’ Souza of I CBZ won III place in 200 metres breast stroke, 100 metres free style, 200 metres free style, 50 metres free style, and in 50 metres breast stroke.

Nayana Prakash of III CEZ took II place in 100 metres breast stoke, III in 400 metres free style, 200 metres free style and 50 metres back stroke.

Commenting on the achievement of the team, Principal Fr Ambrose Pinto said, “I am proud about the new and the old team combining together and forming a team and participating in the competition. More than winning, it’s the enthusiasm that matters and I must say that they have done their best.”

Mr Newton, Physical Education Instructor of the College, said, “I would like to congratulate the winners and I am hoping that they continue their hard work.”

Fr Pinto said that the prize distribution will be held on Thursday at the quadrangle at 1:20 p.m.

- Menuka II M S Com

‘Christianity is to live honestly’

“Christianity is not a religion; it is a way of life to be lived in the most honest way and every effort put must be with passion for the cause,” said Fr Ambrose Pinto S.J., Principal of SJC. He was addressing the members of the Christian Students’ Association (CSA) at its inauguration on Friday.

He extended his best wishes to the office bearers and members and added, “I would like to see CSA students alive, active and equally competitive.”

Mr Gregory Sequeira, acting co-ordinator, said, “We must do our best with all our ability and set an example for others to follow.”

The President, Gabriel Richard, III MEC, called the students a chosen generation. With the motto ‘We are going to do it’, he motivated the students and said, “Be a winner, give your best and never give up until you fulfill your dreams.”

The newly appointed office bearers also took an oath of duty and formally took over their new posts. They are: President – Gabriel Richard; Vice President – Bryan Miranda of II PCM; Secretary – Roshan D’souza of III MEC; treasurer – Devika Nair of III PMC; Joint Secretary – Kalpana Kannan of II PEM; Cultural Secretary - Hannah Benjamin of III HEP and Spiritual Secretary – Simeon Thomas of II PEM.

- Shaista, II M S Com

Third Convocation on July 31

The third Convocation of the College will be held on July 31, in Xavier Hall. Dr Yellappa Reddy, an environmentalist, will be the chief guest for the event.

Students who have completed their UG and PG degrees will be conferred degrees during this convocation. Those who have graduated have been informed to register before July 23 by paying Rs 150.

First rank holders will be awarded with a gold medal and other students will be issued certificates. “We are planning to make this event special and students who are receiving the certificates should remember this forever. I request more students to participate in the convocation,” said Renee D’souza, who is the organiser of the event.

“Achieving the masters is like a milestone set. I still remember the day I walked in to the college, dreaming about the time. The moment of receiving the certificate will give me a feeling of a Josephite and will remain with me forever,” said Govind Menon an outgoing M S Communication student.

The procession will begin at 2.30 p.m and the gates of the campus will be closed by 2.15 p.m. All the HODs, welfare officers, mentors, deans and all the coordinators have been informed to participate in the event, according to a notification by the College.

- Raghunath II M S Com

Kannada Sangha inaugurated

It was an important day for the members of the Kannada Sangha of SJC as the Sangha was inaugurated on Friday. Kannada Infomedia, the portal, and the new venture, Cycle Day, were also kickstarted at the function.

Fr Ambrose Pinto, the Principal, said, “I have been observing the Kannada Sangha since it was started and I am very glad to see it progress. Every year it has been improving and has organised many cultural programmes like Dollukunita and Natakas.”

Fr Pinto also expressed his concern about the fading Kannada culture. “ Majority of our students don’t have the interest to learn Kannada. People prefer English language to our regional language. Our culture and language should become our pride and we should try and spread the language. The Sangha is trying to do that and I hope they organise more activities like this,” he added.

Mr Vijay Ragavan, HOD of the Kannada Department and the Staff Coordinator of the Sangha said, “This Association is a student initiative and I am only guiding them. We are inaugurating ‘the Cycle Day’ today and every Friday we will celebrate it in the Campus.”

Bharti S of III PMC, the Vice-President of the Association, said, “We have planned to organise a photo exhibition, games like Kunte bille, Gilli Dandu and Janapada.”

Ravikiran of III PEM, President of the Sangha, spoke on the Association’s aim and said, “Kannada Sangha is not only to promote Kannada language but it is a platform for different cultures. We are planning to organise kite flying competition, photo exhibition etc.”

- Komal, II M S Com

Be good leaders, students told

“Class, Academic, Sports and Culture are the different interesting fields where the students begin to first serve the college and then head on to serve the state and the nation,” said Dr K. V. Kondanaramaiah, Director of Collegiate education. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Student Council here on Friday.

Rector, Dr Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu SJ

Dr K. V. Kodandaramaiah

“The students are lucky to have well established systems in this college which is not fortunate everywhere. It’s not the money or the power which matters but it’s the value system which you inculcate within yourselves that matters the most. The higher education system must produce a good human being, a good citizen and finally a good leader,” he further added.

Principal, Dr Fr Ambrose Pinto SJ

The inauguration took place at the Xavier Hall in campus where elected students from I, II and III year BA, BSc, BSW and BCA took their oath.

Student leaders

Dr Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu S. J, Rector, said, “This is the time to prepare yourselves to be leaders. Here the students have ample opportunities to prove their leadership qualities. Leading the fellow students and being inspirers are the qualities representatives must follow as the other students look up to you for motivation.”

Ready to serve the College

Dr Fr Ambrose Pinto S. J, Principal said that there was plenty of talent in diversified fields and the task of the college was to recognise these talents. “The leaders are elected to serve others. We could have leadership transformation and think further on how they could help others so that they become transforming agents,” he added.

Yes! we can

Earlier, Mr Wajeed, Dr Fariyal, Mr Godwin and Mr Newton led the oath for the Academic, Cultural, Class and Sports Representatives respectively.

“The inauguration of the Student Council is a very important process for the students as it’s during the oath taking that they realise and understand their responsibilities, functions and duties,” said Dr Fariyal Shaikh, Cultural Co-ordinator, HoD of the Hindi Department.

“The oath taking ceremony was rejuvenating and motivating. This occasion is going to be of real value in the future,” said Shakchat Thapa, Class Representative from I IES.

- Sijo, II M S Com

Campus says ‘No’ to plastic

With environmental consciousness scaling new heights amidst the general public, students and teachers of St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) are stepping up and joining hands in the global struggle against plastic in a local level.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Ebenezer Wilson, HOD of Environmental Science, says the Seasons’ Nature Club encourages students on the environmental drive collecting plastic all over campus. “It is not sufficient if only students take initiative. The management must equally facilitate action against the plastic usage on campus, especially in the canteen.”

A small step for a big cause

“Pollution of any kind must be curbed at its source and the entry of plastic into the campus must be stopped. The easy use-and-throw culture must change to give priority to the environment first,” he emphasised strongly.

An ample amount of plastic is found around the canteen. With regard to that, Madhu Kiran, canteen staff validates, “Plastic plays an indispensable role in everyday life and the generations now cannot do without this essential commodity.”

But on their part, the canteen staff is taking measures to control the plastic menace. “We are using alternatives such as recycled cups and plates. Further we are mainly making use of steel plates which are sustainable and reusable,” adds Madhu.

Varalakshmi K. of II PMC feels that adequately placed dustbins in College are a boon and most students are generally environment conscious. “We are responsible to the environment and its conservation for ourselves and future generations,” she reiterates.

The College’s National Service Scheme (NSS) and Centere for Social Concern are equally endeavouring on the same campaign. Varun Jagannath, NSS Co-ordinator says, “We promote awareness on the hazards of plastic and as an association undertake numerous ventures to control plastic usage within campus.”

He also feels long-term sustainable initiatives such as minimising plastic usage over a gradual period of time and employing alternatives such as eco-friendly clay vessels.

Kushal Bagchi, I MCZ and Saurabh Sharma, I PEM believe that as students more active participation and research must be encouraged to find out environment-friendly substitutes to plastic. “More restraint on plastic usage must be exercised on campus,” they add.

Overall the responsibility and personal awareness among students and staff is high in terms of environment consciousness and the need of the hour is large-scale organised processes against plastic.

- Allan Moses, II M S Com

New registrar begins work in right earnest

“It is a very good experience to spend time with alma mater and to be with the next generation students. It makes me feel younger and nice,” said W. Raymond, the new Registrar of St Joseph’s College.

Mr Raymond did his Pre-university in St Joseph’s College and completed his engineering in Bangalore. He then joined the technical branch in the Indian Air Force. He was also the Assistant Chief of Air Staff of the Communication and IT department. An alumnus of IISC, he went on to finish his MBA at the Institute of Armament Technology of Defence Management. He went abroad to train in the Electronic Systems required by the Indian Air force. He finally retired as Air-vice Marshal after 37 years of illustrious service in the Indian Air Force.

“It is extremely nice to see visual communication course being introduced this year. This course has huge potential,” he opined.

The new Registrar has begun his work in right earnest.

- Smita Jairam, II M S Com

- Pic by Nivedita, II M S Com