Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 28: Deepavali, the festival of colours of lights was celebrated in St Aloysius BEd College with pomp. The theme for the festival was, ‘Be a light to the world.’ The celebration began with a prayer service led by Ramyalaxmi and group.

The chief guest of the programme Dr Richard Gonsalves (Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, St Aloysius College Autonomous, Mangaluru) said in his speech, “Deepavali is celebrated almost by everyone in India. India is the only land where various cultures, traditions and festivals of different kind dwell. This festival is one of the largest and most significant religious observances around the country and the occasion carries different meanings for different religious communities, and is celebrated to bring good luck to all. The lighted diya is the symbol of enlightenment of our minds and shed the darkness of ignorance.” The chief guest also emphasized the importance of making a roadway to celebrate the festival in an environment friendly manner by using earthenware diyas and discouraging air polluting fire crackers.

Drishya and group performed a welcome dance. Anitha Menezes welcomed the gathering. Meghana and group performed a dance-drama highlighting the legend and spiritual significance of Deepavali.

Competitions, namely, singing, rangoli, lantern making, quiz and slogan writing were conducted prior to the celebration. The chief guest acknowledged the winners of the competitions with prizes. Shwetha read the list of winners. Prajna highlighted the significance of Deepavali.

Dr Farita Viegas, principal, honoured the chief guest with a memento and graced the occasion with the wishes of Deepavali. Pavanshree rendered the vote of thanks. Hiba compered the programme.