Sanchia Nazareth
Mangaluru, Jul 25: A day to connect and rekindle memories, The Agnesian Day at Home 2017 was held at St Agnes College auditorium on July 23. The event witnessed 200 Agnesians from across the globe visiting their alma mater.
The programme began with a prayer song led by Patra Saldanha and group. President of the Agnesian Alumni Association, Dr Sr Jeswina AC welcomed the gathering with encouraging words to the ex-Agnesians. Sr Jeswina spoke about Dr Jessy Tellis Nayak which provided an insight into the highly accomplished personality. She also mentioned about the centenary celebrations in the year 2020-2021.
The chief guest for the day Dr Jessy Tellis Nayak, was not able to attend the reunion due to ill-health. The executive committee visited Dr Jessy and felicitated her on behalf of the Alumni Association.
Alumni Association secretary Saramma Jayaraj, declared the minutes of the last year’s gathering followed by a presentation of the Alumni Association activities for the year 2016-2017. Treasurer Sheryl Preethika put forth the accounts for the past year. Jyothi Coutino, joint secretary, Agnesian Alumni Association, invited new members to join the executive committee. Vice-president Usha Fernandes expressed her words of gratitude which concluded the formal programme.
With the formalities ending, Sanchia Nazareth, compere for the day organised a couple of games for the audience. The ex-Agnesians gathered around included mothers, daughters, mother-in-laws, aunts, best friends and many more.
St Agnes College staff showcased a dance performance. A dance performance led by Meural Furtado and the dancing divas, got the audience to join in which led into memories of the college ‘mass dancing’. Dr Adelaide Saldanha, HOD mathematics engaged the audience with her acting skills.
Sr Marie Roopa AC, superior and joint secretary of St Agnes Insituitions; former principal Sr Olivia AC, were also present and took part enthusiastically in the day's events. Sr Olivia also applauded the committee for organizing one of the best reunions and encouraged more Agnesians to attend the future activities.
With an innovative twist to the reunion, and since women love shopping a flea market was organized for the guests which definitely was a big success. The stalls included jewellery, apparel and art from leading exhibitors in the city like Poornima Shetty, LOL Studio; Mudrak by Poornima Mallya; Vidya Shenoy from Parikrama, Cheshire Home Charity Stall managed by Dorothy Vaz, Home wear by Carolyn Lobo and a refreshments stall led by Nicola.
A scrumptious lunch was served during which a meet and greet session and plenty of photos were clicked to create more memories. The day ended with a game of housie.