Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College (SAPUC) strives to foster in its students an appreciation of India’s rich cultural diversity while promoting mutual respect and understanding among communities. Rooted in the values of inclusiveness and meaningful inter-religious engagement, the College recently celebrated Deepavali, bringing the campus community together in an atmosphere of joy, reflection and fellowship.
Celebrating the significance of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the enduring legacy of King Mahabali’s sacrifice and devotion, the programme commenced with a soulful invocation by the members of the Shastriya Sangeetha Association. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance through wisdom.
Delivering the festive message, Principal Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ reflected on Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya as a reminder of the divine presence in our lives, homes and hearts. He emphasised that the divine spirit dwells within each individual and that goodness ultimately prevails over evil, irrespective of the challenges and adversities one encounters. Encouraging students not to succumb to despair, he reminded them that God is ever-present and that every individual is born with a purpose and the potential to illuminate the lives of others.
Drawing attention to the College motto, Lucet et Ardet, Fr Clifford highlighted the transformative purpose of education, explaining that it extends beyond the transmission of knowledge from one generation to another. Education, he noted, also entrusts students with the responsibility of carrying the light of wisdom forward and sharing it with the world. He urged them to dispel darkness through simple acts of kindness, become sources of hope and blessing in the lives of others, and embrace fraternity by living together as brothers and sisters in one human family.
The cultural presentations that followed brought alive the festive traditions and spirit of Deepavali through two evocative dance dramas. The first portrayed Tulunadu’s distinctive celebration of Balipadyami, paying homage to King Mahabali and celebrating the deep-rooted bond between the land and its people. The second showcased the customs and festivities associated with Deepavali, highlighting the festival’s significance as a celebration of family bonds, togetherness and shared happiness.
The celebration was graced by Campus Minister Rev. Fr Anthony Derrick, Vice-Principals Vilma Fernandes and Muralikrishna GM, Deans Inas Dias and Kiran Shetty, and CIRH Staff Coordinator Flavia Fernandes.
The members of Centre for Inter-religious Harmony along with Tulu koota and Shastriya Sangeeta Association organized the programme. II PU students Saanvi S and Ciana taxeria compered the programme.