Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 29: With the prime motto behind the establishment of St Ann’s College of Education in 1943, explicitly, to provide professional and job-oriented educational training to women, with Mother Josephine as the superior general, the college organises an Annual Mother Josephine Lecture by eminent scholars/educationalists about issues of education, the status of women and several others. On this occasion, the alumnae association ignites success by connecting alumni, supporting student success, and advocating for it with credible and collaborative accomplishments.
The Mother Josephine Memorial Lecture 2025 was held on 26 April in the college conference hall. The day was presented with pride, making a delightful occasion for former students to reconnect and honour the shared legacy with their alma mater. Fr Prashant V Madtha SJ, Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee for Kannada literature and research, former principal of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, was the chief guest and delivered the lecture on the topic ‘Un-Learning for Empowerment’. Addressing the gathering, Fr Prashant was highly appreciative of the cleanliness and orderliness of the college, which is crucial for fostering a conducive learning experience.
He began his speech by outlining examples where women’s empowerment made men nervous and how highly educated women who voice out their views, opinions and ideas are deemed insignificant because they are women. Quoting the book by the author Ivan Illich, Fr Madtha spoke about a de-schooling society where schools support misleading notions of 'progress' and development, fostered by the belief that ever-increasing production, consumption and profit are proper yardsticks for measuring the quality of human life.
He added on saying as learning is important, un-learning is equally important. Wisdom comes when we remove unethical things from our life. Un-learning is a part of everyone’s life and is an ideological suspicion. It attribute to who loses, who wins and who decides.
Summarising his speech, he articulated how the alumnae association should have a deep connection with its institution and strengthen a feeling of gratitude to the alma mater for giving its best. Teachers need to be co-creators of constructing their students’ wellbeing and become a channel for change in society.
As the event gracefully culminated, it was followed by the annual general body meeting where the minutes of the previous meeting, report of activities and budget statement were read out. The planning of activities and reflections on the lecture was conducted. Fun-filled games were organised by Anitha D’Cruz, principal, St Ann’s Teacher Training Institute. This day arose as an explicit triumph, vividly showcasing the indomitable spirit of St Ann’s College of Education with over 250 attendees. Dr Sr Dorothy D’Souza AC, the president of the alumnae association, welcomed and introduced the chief guest.
Dr Laveena D’Sa, secretary of the alumnae association, organised the meet and proposed a vote of thanks. Yashaswini, alumni compered the programme.