Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 30: Agnesians gathered to meet at their alma mater on Sunday, July 29. The 'Agnesian Day at Home 2018' was held at the St Agnes CBSE hall.
The formal programme began with a meaningful prayer song sung by Edith D’Souza and group. Recent graduates Rachana Shetty and Yoshita performed a beautiful welcome dance for the audience.
Sr Dr Jeswina, president of the Alumni Association welcomed the gathering. Sr Jeswina also welcomed all for the foundation stone laying ceremony on August 15 at St Agnes College.
Dr Malathi Hegde was the guest of honor for the Agnesian Day at Home 2018. Dr Malathi was honoured for her dedicated and selfless service in the field of medical and health care. She was presented with a shawl, citation, flowers, and a bowl of fruits by principal Sr.Jeswina, local manager and joint secretary St Agnes Institutions, Sr Maria Roopa and vice-president Sanchia Nazareth. The citation was prepared and read out by Carolyn Lobo. Sr Dr Agatha Mary, former superior general also had graced the occasion.
The presence of three alumni from yester years was a phenomenal. Lucy Mascarenhas, a home maker whose children, grandchildren and new family are all Agnesians was honoured by the committee members. Usha Fernandes delivered lovely words of appreciation. Clotilda Fernandes, rendered kind words to Evelyn Martis who is a well-known Mangalurean for her achievements. Dr Jessy Tellis, a lady who accomplished a lot was thanked for gracing the occasion with her presence.
Patra Saldanha speaking of Ivy Mathais, mentioned that she was one of the first voters to go to the polling booth during the recent elections. Ivy Mathais, the oldest living Agnesian was honoured by committee members at her residence later in the noon. Mathais has been an integral part of St Agnes Institutions. During her chat with the Alumni she mentioned her ride to college was on a horse carriage! Going past her age, Ivy continues to do her personal work and has fond memories of the institution. “It was one of the best colleges in the city. What more can I say,” said Ivy.
The AGM began with principal of the college and the president of the Alumni Association, Sr Jeswina encouraging Agnesians and appreciated the efforts put in by the alumni for their activities in the past year 2017-2018. Saramma Jayaraj, secretary, read the minutes of the previous annual general body meeting and presented the annual report with a power-point presentation; and in the absence of Adelaide Saldanha, the treasurer, the joint secretary Jyothi Cutinha presented the accounts statement for the year 2017-2018. Vice-president, Sanchia Nazareth, concluded the formal proceedings with a note of thanks.
The Agnesian Alumni are gearing up for the centenary celebrations. Meera Aranha, convener of the centenary committee rendered words of wisdom during the occasion. She encouraged the alumni to partake in their own way towards the centenary year 2020-2021.
Rajni Patrao compered the formal proceeding and thereafter Ramona Mathais took over as the host for the day. Entertaining group games were conducted by Suchitha Rai and Ramona. Aftera sumptuous lunch a game of housie was conducted. The Ex-Agnesian Dance Crew led by Sanchia Nazareth included women from various walks of life tapping their feet to the rhythm of the music.
This year with the theme ‘checkered patterns’ brought out fashion styles like none other. From sarees to salwar suits, checkered shirts and much more, the Agnesian alumni were a happy bunch of stylish people. From reliving memories and making more memories to cherish with photos, song and dance and lots of talk, the Agnesians celebrated their day at home with joy.