Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 24: The much-anticipated ‘Pre-Unique 2024 – Excelsior’ unfolded at St Aloysius Pre-University College with great fervor and enthusiasm, bringing together students and staff from 40 Schools and Pre-University Colleges to celebrate two days of creativity, talent, and camaraderie. Excelsior, signifying "moving higher and forward," provided a platform for participants to showcase their exceptional abilities, pushing the boundaries of excellence in every sphere.
Pre-Unique is a celebration of diversity, ingenuity, and unity, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community. Packed with the power of knowledge, the magic of talent, and the beauty of creativity, it was an event to remember.
The inaugural ceremony of Pre-Unique 2024 – Excelsior commenced with a soulful invocation, followed by the solemn lighting of the lamp. Vilma Fernandes, vice principal of commerce and arts, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, setting a gracious tone for the event.
The chief guest, Baddekila Pradeep, a renowned actor, voice artist, and anchor, captivated the audience with his inspiring address. Reflecting on his journey at St Aloysius College, he expressed admiration for the college’s meticulous preparations for Pre-Unique 2024. Highlighting the importance of embracing second chances in life, he urged the audience to seize such opportunities to achieve greater heights. The chief guest concluded his speech with a remarkable demonstration of his voice artistry, leaving the audience in awe.
In his presidential address, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions, underscored the importance of being humane and leveraging platforms like Pre-Unique to bring out the best in every individual. He further emphasized the need for positive change in humanity and how collective efforts can contribute to a more compassionate and progressive society.
Pre-Unique 2024 was officially inaugurated by the esteemed chief guest and distinguished dignitaries, who marked the occasion by cutting the ribbon. The theme, Excelsior, was then revealed as the globe began to revolve, symbolizing the event's vision and forward momentum.
Herschel Noronha compered the programme, while Raghuram R Kotecha delivered the vote of thanks.
The two days were a vibrant blend of cultural, academic, and co-curricular events, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration among students. There were events ranging from music, dance, drama, and fashion to storytelling, comedy, entrepreneurship, and debate. The events not only served as a showcase of the diverse talents within the student community but also reaffirmed the college’s commitment to nurturing holistic development and creating opportunities for students to excel.
During the closing ceremony, Kiran Shetty, the dean, introduced the chief guest, Vaishnavi Pavithran, sharing her involvement in the college events as a student years ago.
The chief guest, Vaishnavi Pavithran, a diplomat at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Geneva, Switzerland, and an alumnus, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being invited to grace the occasion as the chief guest. She fondly reminisced about her days at St Aloysius PU College, particularly during Pre-Unique 2014, where she had the privilege of serving as a student convenor. She shared her joy and pride in being invited back as the chief guest after several years, considering it a significant honor.
Pavithran extended her heartfelt appreciation to the teachers, whom she credits for shaping and molding her into the individual she is today. She commended the meticulous planning and effort invested in organizing Pre-Unique 2024, recognizing the dedication that made such a two-day event a success. Reflecting on her journey, she spoke about entering Aloysius as a 15- or 16-year-old student, full of dreams but uncertain of how to realize them. She attributed her growth and accomplishments to the institution's encouraging ‘Let's try’ attitude towards novel students’ initiatives, which inspired her to pursue her aspirations and explore new opportunities.
She urged the students to embrace this ‘Let's try’ spirit, emphasizing its transformative potential. Pavithran also suggested that one must make life choices based on personal passion and purpose rather than merely succumbing to external pressures or expectations. She encouraged choosing paths that not only lead to individual growth but also contribute to making the world a better place. Pavithran further remarked that, even after years, the vibrant and positive spirit of Pre-Unique remains unchanged, continuing to inspire students and uphold its legacy.
The student convenors and core team members of Pre-Unique 2024 were felicitated in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the event's success. The prize distribution ceremony recognized the winners of the various individual and group competitions held during the two days of the event. In the overall high school category, St Theresa's School secured the first place, while Lourdes Central School was the runners-up. In the PU category, St Agnes PU College emerged as the winners, with Canara PU College claiming the runners-up position.
Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, the principal, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, finance officer, Fr Anthony Derrick SJ, campus minister, and MuraliKrishna GM and Vilma Fernandes, vice principals, were present on the occasion.
Sownya Ganesh, the convenor of Pre-Unique 2024, delivered the vote of thanks, while Carlton Nash Rodrigues compered the closing ceremony.
Pre-Unique 2024 – Excelsior culminated in a vibrant symphony of talent, unity, and inspiration, etching a legacy of excellence and igniting a passion for limitless possibilities.