Media release
Mangaluru, Jul 1: St Aloysius Institute of Education, a leading college for teacher education in city conducted its 14th graduation day. The celebrations started with the academic procession which had consisted of graduating students, dignitaries and staff.
Dr Farita Viegas, principal, in her welcome address said, “Teaching is an art which involves the human mind and spirit! You are formed as teachers to create a wonderful career for yourselves with a vision to be men and women for and with others.”
The graduation ceremony led by Dr Farita Viegas, principal, included roll call, distribution of certificates, oath and valedictorian address.
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, director of St Aloysius Institute of Education, in his address to the audience said, “As graduates, you have made the institute proud. The College has facilitated for the holistic growth of the students by providing various exposures. It has also helped the students to seek knowledge, inculcate qualities and succeed. You are all transformed from a student’s life to a teacher’s life, and you will transform the younger ones at your school entrusted to your care. Have a dream and desire to be a dedicated and committed educator, and make a difference in the lives of your students. Love your profession as a teacher, and you need to dispel darkness and bring light into the society. Develop love towards your subject and students. Create a bond between you and your students and make a difference. Always remember the core values of Jesuit Education to reform yourselves as dedicated teachers.”
The chief guest, professor Vidya Shetty K, dean (Academics), NITK Surathkal said, “Graduation Day is a jubilant moment. It is an occasion to cherish valuable and joyous moments of academic life. Moreover, Graduation Day invites shoulder responsibilities for a new reality. It is also a pride moment for the institution to relieve its students to take responsibilities independently in society. Compassion is important not only when dealing with the students but also with colleagues and parents. Teaching can be very stressful, but teachers must have a deep passion to keep them going every day in learning. Teachers need a deep understanding of where their students are coming from, that is, their backgrounds, their struggles, and their abilities”.
In his presidential address, rector, Fr Melwin J Pinto SJ said, “I am happy to see you all step into a great profession as teachers, to serve the nation and world. Teacher education is a privilege, and it’s a profession for only those who deserve it. You need to develop dedication and commitment in your teaching job. Find strategies for a better teaching career. Go out in the world and be the best teachers you can be, and also be a role model to others and also your students. Wherever you go, be a spark, and make yourself an example for others, mainly your students. Make sure your spark enlightens others. Be the bright spark and light the world with your service and dedication. A good education is the greatest gift you can give to society. As Education facilitates knowledge, learning, skills and values for society it should not be neglected. The maximum potential to transform lives lies in the hands of an efficient teacher and that’s the reason why the teacher’s profession is considered the best profession.”
During the occasion, Carol D’Souza and Avina Madtha, who emerged as top scorers in the B Ed examinations, were acknowledged with prizes. Students of first year invoked God’s blessings through a prayer song. The second-year students performed a welcome dance and farewell song. Sarika Rodrigues (faculty in English), gave an introduction about the chief guest to the audience. Delna Lobo (vice principal), read the toppers’ list. Sr Eulalia Lobo BS (president-students’ council), proposed the vote of thanks. Ralph Fernandes and Flora Soans (second year B Ed students) compered the programme. Jerome D'Souza, staff in-charge organised the programme.