Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 9: The Students’ Council and the Women’s Forum of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), here, on March 8 organised ‘Women’s Day’ - a programme to celebrate the spirit of womanhood in the LF Rasquinha Hall of the college.

Advocate Sparsha D’Souza was the chief guest and inaugurated the programme. Sapna Shenoy, an Investment Services professional and trainer and Vidya Dinker, a social and environmental activist were the guests of honour for the programme.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, presided over the programme. Dr Ratan Tilak Mohunta, director of the students’ council, Renita Maria D’Souza, the convenor of the programme and president of the Women’s Forum and Paloma Rodrigues, the cultural secretary were on the dais.

Advocate Sparsha in her address spoke of the importance of women in the judiciary and the role they play in ensuring justice. She reminisced over her college days and her journey from being a shy individual to taking up positions of authority and spoke on the importance of dedication and determination in achieving success. She added that God Almighty has played an important role in her journey.

Sapna Shenoy, in her address, highlighted the need for financial independence among women. She shed light on the various benefits of entrepreneurship, and the need for women to take up more entrepreneurial ventures. “You will work for your business in the beginning and later your business will work for you,” she added.

Vidya Dinker, in her address, highlighted the importance of independence in various spheres of a woman’s life, from her workplace to her home. She shed light on the various demands society imposes on women. She painted the example of a woman who is extremely independent in her workplace and holds positions of authority but has no right in the decision-making of her personal life. She stressed the need to change such a situation. She spoke of how women can spark improvement and empowerment in other women.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, in his address, said that there is a long road ahead for woman empowerment even in developed countries like the United States of America. “Women are the reason for life and the reason for love,” he added. He also said that the gift of creation was given through a woman.

Advocate Sparsha D’Souza was felicitated during the programme.

A video was presented in which the female students of Aloysius spoke about the women that inspire them and about what they like most about being a woman.

Shivani presented an inspiring and captivating dance performance.

A melodious musical medley was presented by Alina Peris and the team. Renita D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Dr Ratan Mohunta, Dr Divya Shetty and Niveditha introduced the guests. Melnitha Correa compered the programme. Paloma Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.