Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 16: St Aloysius PU College, Mangaluru organized a solemn flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the 75th Independence Day of India. It was a moment of pride for everyone when the chief guest along with other dignitaries unfurled the national flag and the National Anthem rendered by the college choir filled the air with patriotism.
The celebration began with a melodious prayer by the college choir. Rishabh Kamath welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest, Deevith Kotian, lecturer, Kannada Department, St Aloysius PU College. Deevith captivated the audience through his powerful and thought provoking Independence Day message. With pride in his heart; he listed the rich heritage and the virtues of this land –varied natural resources, biodiversity and the unity of its people. He also paid tributes to the freedom fighters and acknowledged their immense contribution to the success of the freedom struggle. Through his poem titled ’75th Independence’ he also expressed anguish the present ills corroding our country and urged everyone to introspect and find ways to give our motherland, the status she deserves. He hoped that the nation will overcome all the shortcomings and mark this significant occasion with a new beginning.
The college choir enthralled the audience with patriotic songs. Finance officer, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, vice principals, Muralikrishna GM and Charlotte D'Souza, deans, Kiran Shetty and Dr Pradeep M were also present. Vinitha D'Silva, convener of the programme proposed the vote of thanks. Rishabh Kamath compered the programme.
The virtual celebrations of the event were premiered on YouTube later in the day. The principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ in his message recollected Rabindanath Tagore’s prayer, ‘Where the mind is without fear’ and reflected on the term freedom-freedom that is interior, spiritual and moral and just exterior or political; freedom . According to him true freedom is choosing to care, to help, to be concerned about others; to stand up for the right values, integrity, courage; to work for peace, harmony and justice; to ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman and equal rights of secularism, tolerance and fraternity. In this context he gave the example of Fr Stan Swami Stancy, who worked for the upliftment of the poor and deprived at a great personal cost. Fr Clifford expressed hope that the students will take forward the lessons of secularism, tolerance and fraternity learnt in the institution as adult citizens of tomorrow will contribute towards the harmony and progress of the nation. On this historic and auspicious occasion he urged everyone to choose in the freedom to be instruments of love and healing and dream of an India where there will be harmony, respect, dignity of every person and concern for mother earth.
The recorded video released on the occasion also included a short drama in which the students presented the struggles of Indians during the British rule, the transition of people after getting independence over the years, and the present context during these years of pandemic. Students also presented an exuberant patriotic dance. This virtual celebration with the message ‘United with isolation’ helped students to be a part of the important milestone of the country in a creative and meaningful way.