Mangalore: St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Vamanjoor, commemorated its 25th Foundation Day with a solemn and inspiring programme at Prerana Hall, Academic Block III, on Wednesday afternoon. The celebration reaffirmed the institution’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and service to society.
The highlight of the celebration was the Foundation Day Oration delivered by P Nagabhushan, Chancellor – E-Box AI Degree Programmes, Director and Advisor – Amphiventures, Lifetime Professor and former Director of IIIT-Allahabad, and former Vice-Chancellor of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (2022–2026).
In his address titled “Education Through Technology: A Quest for Quality,” Dr Nagabhushan emphasised the need to nurture a strong research culture, foster innovation, and promote value-based technological education. He expressed concern over the growing trend of parental pressure on children to choose engineering as a career path without considering individual interests and aptitudes.
He observed that many students today focus primarily on clearing examinations rather than truly understanding concepts and acquiring knowledge. He urged students to question, explore, and chase knowledge instead of merely memorising textbook answers for exams.
Quoting, “Education is for understanding today to create tomorrow,” he stressed that learners must become visionaries who shape the future, rather than merely managers who maintain existing systems. He encouraged both students and faculty to think beyond conventional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through quality education and research.
The programme began with a video presentation tracing SJEC’s remarkable journey and achievements over the past 25 years.The gathering was welcomed by Dr. Rio D’Souza, Principal of SJEC, who highlighted the institution’s growth and its continued pursuit of academic distinction and societal impact.
The chief guest was felicitated by the management as a mark of appreciation for his invaluable presence and insights. A key moment of the event was the release of the college compendium, documenting the institution’s academic progress, research accomplishments, outreach initiatives, and milestones of the silver jubilee year. The dignitaries formally unveiled the publication and commended the efforts behind its compilation.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, faculty members were honoured for their outstanding contributions to research and innovation:
- Research/Innovation Award: Dr. Vincent Crasta, Professor, Department of Physics
- Research Impact Award: Dr. Raju K, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Research Publication Award: Dr. Ravikantha Prabhu, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Early Career Research Award: Dr. Sharun Mendonca, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Research/Innovation Mentorship Award: Dr. Binu K G, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
The awardees were congratulated by the Director, Rev. Fr. Wilfred P D’Souza, and Principal, Dr. Rio D’Souza, who underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research initiatives and sustained innovation to enhance institutional excellence.
The programme was moderated by Dr.Shakila B, while Dr. Saumya Y M served as the Convenor and coordinated the event seamlessly. The vote of thanks was delivered at the conclusion of the function.Faculty members, students, researchers, and invited guests attended the celebration, which reflected SJEC’s sustained pursuit of quality education and research-driven growth over the past quarter century.