Puttur, Mar 19: The 55th college day of St Philomena College was celebrated in the college quadrangle with pomp recently.

Prizes in general proficiency, curricular, co-curricular and extra – curricular activities were given away to the winners and deserving students. Fr Gerald D’Souza presided over the function. Dr JB Saldanha, professor and head chair in Christianity, Mangalore University was the chief guest. 

Fr Vijay Lobo, principal, St Philomena PU College, was the guest of honour, professor Leo Noronha , principal; Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, campus director; PTA president, Purandara Rai and alumni president, Gangadhara P were present.

The programme witnessed .Grace Pinto, the managing director of Ryan International Group of Institutions as the chief guest and Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore as president. Fr Gerald D’Souza, the correspondent welcomed the prestigious gathering; in keeping with the ongoing practice of the College Day.

Professor Leo Noronha, the principal, read the annual reports for the year. "It was a pleasure to note how St Philomena has dedicated itself to a programme of personal Growth and development," he said.

Anila, Department of MSW, introduced the chief guest, Grace Pinto.  As the chief guest held a sway over the audience, she could prove that it is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.

There were a few moments to cherish with Chaithra BN, BSc who secured seventh rank in the University and Bhavana, who eventually became the first girl to represent in the Republic Day Parade earlier this year. They were felicitated by the chief guest and the president. 

A few sports persons and other few outstanding students were honoured by the chief guest for their magnificent achievements.  They were thrilled by the gesture in which the chief guest honoured them.

Grace Pinto, the chief guest of the programme , in her message, stressed the need for self – development through continuous efforts. The students should understand themselves more deeply to accomplish the goals in their life.

"One’s attitude, feelings, intelligence and wisdom should articulate to achieve excellence. For this purpose meticulous planning is needed", she advised

The president, in his presidential address complimented the college for its outstanding performance in the recent years. He urged the students to inculcate good values in their lives, have dreams, adhere to dreams and bring name and fame to the institutions. Moreover, he remarked that success comes to those who work relentlessly until they reach their target in life. In this direction the students of this College are putting every effort to win prizes and trophies in the University as well as national level, both in academic and non- academic activities. He also suggested to continue the good work started by Msgr. Antony Patrao for the well being of the society.

As the day’s programme was nearing the end mementos to the chief guest and the president were presented as part of proffering of thanks.  The formal function was wound up with the vote of thanks proposed by professor John B Sequeira.  Bharathi S Rai, Department of  English, compeered the programme.