Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 26: Ayudha Puja was celebrated with grandeur at St Aloysius ITI on October 26Media Release

Ayudha Puja is a part of the Navratri festival and it means 'Worship of Instruments'. According to Hindu mythology after the slaying of the demon king, the weapons were kept out for worship. This celebration highlights the importance and proper use of tools and equipment we use in our workshops daily. Hence, every student was involved in cleaning the premises and decorating their respective workshops.

On this special day, all the workshops, as well as the office, were beautified with plantain, glazing paper, flowers, mango leaves, balloon decorations etc. The ceremony began by lighting a lamp by Fr Maxim Misquith SJ, superior of Fathima Retreat House. He also blessed all the workshops (MRAC, COE, MMV WL, PL, MD, C&S, HYUNDAI, EM, EL, COMPUTER LAB) and vehicles. The prayer was conducted by Wilson N, JTO along with the students.

The formal programme commenced by escorting the dignitaries to the dais by Umesh J A, convener of the programme. Roshan D’Souza, the principal extended a cordial welcome to the dignitaries. Fr Maxim Misquith, the superior of Fathima Retreat House was the chief guest and the programme was presided over by Fr Cyril D’Mello SJ, director of the institution. The other dignitaries on the dais were Alwyn Menezes, vice-principal and Noel Lobo the training officer.

Subashini K S, JTO of Electronics Mechanic Trade delivered a speech on the history and importance of Ayudha Puja celebration.

On the occasion, the outgoing students from the Centre of Excellence (COE) and Tata Motors courses were honoured by a convocation stole and certificates which were distributed by the chief guest. The felicitation ceremony was conducted by Vanditha Rego, JTO.

The chief guest Fr Maxim Misquith addressing the gathering said, ”A story ‘The Touch Of A Master’ beautifully narrates how an untuned and dusty violin which was initially ignored by bidders in an auction, gained demand once a musician tuned it and played it in front of them. The bidders jumped into the auction and everyone wanted to own that masterpiece. It says that a master’s touch to a student can change his/her life. Dr Abdul Kalam, the former president who was in love with children said, "Dreams are not what you see in sleep, but are the thing which don’t let you sleep. Dream until you achieve it. One needs to have three things faith, honesty and devotion to achieve any goal in life.

In the presidential address, Fr Cyril D’mello SJ, the director of the institution said, “We are instruments in the hands of God. Tools are the extension of our body. They enable us to work efficiently and with lesser time. We have to use the tools for a purpose and for the betterment of humankind. Being technical students, we have to respect the tools. We need to use tools to build our lives and the lives of others around us." He wished the outgoing students of COE and TATA MOTORS success in their lives.

Umesh J A, the convenor of the programme proposed the vote of thanks. John D’Souza, JTO compered the programme.

The programme concluded by distributing sweets to everyone.