Mangalore: SACAA honours five achievers at Aloysian Conclave
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, Mar 22: Amidst rousing cheers, five distinguished personalities and proud alumni/na were honoured by St Aloysius College Alumna/e Association at the Aloysian Conclave held at the College campus here on Saturday March 22.
The Eminent Aloysian Alumni/ae Awards were presented to ICICI Bank chairman Padma Bhushan K V Kamath, chief operating officer, global operations, UAE Exchange Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, former principal, St Aloysius Evening College Lena Fernades, former general manager of Syndicate Bank Allen C A Pereira and managing director of Beta Agencies and Projects Pvt Ltd N G Mohan.
Padma Bhushan K V Kamath in his Aloysian Conclave address recalled his days in the college and said, "I think most of my classmates would have strayed, if St Aloysius College had not laid a strong foundation while nurturing them at the tender age."
Even though he went on to join other prominent colleges after St Aloysius, the education he received in the school enabled him to achieve his aspirations, he said.
On a serious note, speaking on the recent state of economy in the country, he said currently India is witnessing the best time for youths as the country has shown a sharp progress in the economy over the last two decades. "Some 20 years ago India was lagging behind in many sectors showing snail-like pace in the growth of per capita income. However, after 1991, with liberalization, privatization and globalization, the country has seen a growth in the economy, even marking a growth rate of upto 9 percent," he said.
"India has seen a revolution in the consumerism, with people coming forward to invest money. There has also been a drastic change in the buying behavior of the people," he added.
"To country's misfortune, after 2001 the economy slowed down, with poor government policies and slow implementation of power and other projects. "I hope the next government would resolve problems and give a facelift to the country's economy. Let me be very optimistic than pessimistic," he said.
Sudhir Kumar shetty expressed his gratitude to the College for selecting him for the award. He further said, "This is the best award that I have ever received in my life, since it is bestowed by my College."
‘When we go out of the country, we represent our nation and people there are keen to know which institution educated the outsider”. In this regard, he is proud to proclaim that he was a student of Aloysius College.
Several others also recalled their times in the college and struck a chord with those gathered at the venue.
Fr Denzil Lobo in his presidential addresse said, "This College will soon get the status of university. This College is among the top 50 autonomous colleges across the nation."
He individually lauded the achievers and wished each of them luck in their future endeavours.
SAC principal and director Fr Swebert D’Silva, president SACAA Michael D’Souza and chairman of organizing committee Prof Edmund Frank were present.