Freshers say cheers to College campus

The freshers seem to have a very positive impression about the campus atmosphere here at Joseph’s, if one were to go by their reactions to questions. Most of them found the three days orientation programme a bit to “grueling” while a smaller section found it “a more relaxing than starting classes right away.”

“Three days was a bit too much in my opinion, they should have finished it in one day,” said Reshma Kaladhur, a first year student of Visual Communication, the new course in the College. However, Sridhar Umesh, a first year student of MCZ felt the three day orientation programme was good as it was, “better than starting off with classes.”

Students from all over India and the globe have only added to the diversity of the College. Dolma Lhamo of I BSW who hails from Himachal Pradesh said, “The campus is quite diverse from my previous college as I studied in a college with only Tibetan students.” She also said that since she is a Basketball player the large field was definitely something she liked the best about the College.

Preethi John who has come all the way from Bahrain said, “Compared to my school, the teachers here are actually seem involved in what we are doing and the campus is also a lot nicer.” Though she has come from another country she says she feels right at home as, “everyone is so friendly.”

Most of the students were happy with the College as they felt the management was more relaxed with rules and regulations when compared to other colleges. “I am happy as they treat us like adults and trust us enough to be responsible,” opined Jessica Peter, a first year student of IES. On the contrary, Vishwajeet Sinha, a student of I EPS, felt his previous school was more lenient than St Joseph’s.

The lack of a strict dress code was popular among the freshers as they felt it gave them freedom to express themselves. “It is truly liberating when compared to my previous college as I was forced to wear only formals every day,” exclaimed Suraj Pinto. However, Mr Sinha said, “Having a dress code or a uniform is better as I do not have to waste time thinking about what I have to wear.”

Though most of them did admit that it would take some time for them to adjust with the College, they were confident of having fruitful three years in the College.

- Sidharth Gokul II M S Com

- Raju Pranoy II MS Com

The hand

This is another ad depicting domestic violence very symbolically. However, what makes it powerful is the symbolic struggle and protest to fight the violence. The ad is by Pallavi and Salma.

'Children must take responsibility for their lives'

“Give children the gift of understanding. Before walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, try to remove your own. If you take responsibility for your lives, then the children will take responsibility for their own lives,” said Ian Faria, a Human Resource expert, here on Saturday, June 19. He was addressing the parents of the newly admitted students.

He further added that parents need to be peers of young minds than behave in an authoritative manner.

Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal, said, “Parents and Teachers must establish a sort of a partnership. Children who come here are unique. More than imparting knowledge, we also want them to know who they are. Our role as teachers here is to make students who become change makers.”

Chief Guest addressing the gathering

The Rector, Rev. Dr Vijay Prabhu advised the parents to talk to their children and keep giving them frequent targets to help them be focussed. “We as teachers and parents must guide children to make their own fruit but at the same time we need to be gardeners and sow the seeds to help them grow.”

Dr Michael Rajamathi, HOD, Department of Chemistry, explained how an autonomous college works, giving details of the functioning of the college and the grading system. This was followed by an interactive session where the teachers answered queries of parents.

Principal, Chief Guest and Fr Rector

Siril Vivian, a parent who had come for the meet, said, “The orientation went very well I thought. I like how the college functions, focussing more on shaping personality of students than merely making them focus on marks. Ian’s speech was very inspiring and I appreciate that the college is taking an effort to work with the parents to make a better person out of every student.”

Pooja, a first year PCM student expressed her excitement to begin her life in the College. She said, “The grading system seemed confusing in the beginning but, after this orientation it is clearer. The staff seems helpful. I am glad I chose this college.”

- Shvetha Iyer, II MS Com

- Pics by Sijo John, II MS Com

Global Warming

This is an ad creating awareness about the dire need to wake up before it is too late to address the issue of global warming. An ad by Govind Menon, Balaji Ramesh and Johnson Rajkumar of M S Communication Department.

New beginnings

The new students at St Josephs College were as much excited as they were anxious on their first day in the College. They had their reasons to be happy. Some were looking forward to their academic classes to start; others had their extra curricular and sporting activities to look forward to. Over 600 students began their orientation programme before the regular classes began here today.

“I got to know about this college from my sister. The education system is good, the teaching is good and the Tibetan students also get a lot of opportunities here. That’s the reason why I joined this college,” said Tenzin, an MEC student.

“I don’t know many people here as I am from Sikkim. I just know that this college is good and I have heard a lot about this college. I am all excited to be here and am looking forward to the academic year to begin,” said Kunga.

“I aspire to be an IAS officer and I have chosen HEP as my combination. I know a couple of seniors and I know that St Joseph’s is a top college in Bangalore. It will be a different experience as I will meet different people and the experience will be diverse all together,” said Dean Jones

- Smitha Jayaram, II M S Com

Education is to make right decisions: Principal

Principal Fr Ambrose reiterated today that education was not so much a tool for making money, but to make right decisions in life.

He was addressing the new students at the inauguration of the new academic year here on Wednesday, June 16.

He said, “The purpose of education is to discover your heart, mind and yourself. You need to make decisions based on choices given. It is important to understand what is real and what is not real.”

He added that any development requires right decisions. “You may make a lot of money and possess a number of cars, but if you have lost yourself you will not be happy. Education is not here to get you money. Education is all about seeing what is right and what is wrong. If you can distinguish between them, then you have indeed gained good education. At St Joseph’s we will help you make these choices and decision. The teachers here are there to help you grow,” he said.

He further advised the students to follow the path of righteousness. “Acquire the habit of thinking; acquire the habit of critical learning,” he said.

Rector of St Joseph’s Institutions Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu, in his address said, “Though there are a large number of students, every single student is important and everyone has his/her dignity. Josephites are students with a difference.”

He called upon students to be men and women of character, integrity and determination.

- Smitha Jayaram II MS Com

Staff seminar

St Joseph’s College, Bangalore today organised a one-day teachers’ seminar/workshop between 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. at Xavier Hall, PG Center on the theme: “The Role of Teachers as Change Agents In Contemporary Society afflicted by Declining Ethical and Moral Standards”

The Seminar/Workshop was facilitated by two eminent resource persons, namely Mr Lukose V, IAS and Prof. Sharada Jai Govind, Principal Government College, Jayanagar.

In his keynote address, Mr Lukose described current society as, lacking in equality, enduring social injustice and obsessed by wealth. He focused therefore on how the institution can become the place for radical change when teachers become agents of social and intellectual transformation. He listed different “qualities” that teachers must have. These included passion and commitment to learning, standing up for the truth, generating empathy, facing challenges, and being involved in direct experience.

The afternoon session covered ideas concerning skills and competencies in the teaching-learning experience, social perception of teachers and teacher’s perception of self.

- Dr Etienne Rassendren