Moodubidire: A felicitation program honoring ADG Army Recruitment Bangalore Zone, Major General Bruce Fernandez, VSM, Ph.D, and outstanding NCC achievers of Alva’s Education Foundation (AEF) was held at V.S. Acharya Hall here on Monday.
The program was jointly organized by the NCC Army, Naval and Air Wings of Alva’s Education Foundation, recognizing cadets for their achievements in national-level camps; youth exchange initiatives and leadership activities.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Fernandes highlighted the role of NCC in shaping character; he said the organization instills values such as honesty, integrity, teamwork, perseverance and allegiance to the nation. Recalling his own experiences as an NCC cadet, he noted that the training provides resilience and the never-say-die spirit essential to face challenges in life.
Major General underlined that discipline must become a way of life for citizens and urged NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and scouts to carry the message of responsible citizenship beyond the campus. He called upon students to lead a righteous life by walking on the right path, and advised them never to get deterred by troubles. Stressing the importance of patience and continuous learning, he said that knowledge empowers individuals and provides clarity in life.
Emphasizing the need for integrity, he remarked that one must uphold the integrity of thought, word and deed, and warned against duplicity and deceit. “Such negative tendencies must be deleted from life,” he said, adding that the youth must cultivate the correct attitude and remain truthful in all circumstances.
Observing that society today often lives in “shades of ambiguity,” he urged students to remove confusion through values and character, and never allow integrity to slip at any point in life. He also appealed for unity, stating that all must stand as one in the nation-building process. He lauded Alva’s Education Foundation for offering quality education and diverse opportunities under one campus, calling it a rare model of holistic development integrating academics, sports and cultural values.
The Major General also expressed gratitude to Alva’s Education Foundation for its support during the Agni-V Recruitment Rally, stating that the event would not have been possible without the institution’s cooperation.
Martyr’s father recalls Alva’s tribute
Venkatesh M, father of martyr Captain Pranjal, also addressed the gathering and recalled the emotional bond between Alvas’s Education Foundation and his son. He said that Alva’s had dedicated its prestigious national level cultural program Virasat to Captain Pranjal after his martyrdom, and noted that his son had watched the program three times with admiration.
Stating that uniforms bring with them great responsibility, he urged students to remain committed to integrity and service. “Integrity to the cause should be beyond everything,” he said. Encouraging youth to dream big, he said students could aspire to become farmers, scientists, armed forces personnel, businessmen or professionals, and contribute meaningfully to society. He appealed to them to never give up, follow the path of righteousness, and trust their instincts while pursuing their goals.
Presiding over the program AEF Management Trustee Vivek Alva, said that India has a vast and powerful youth population, and it is essential that young citizens contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. He expressed hope that some students from Alva’s would be inspired to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the country with pride. Emphasizing the importance of discipline, he noted that the nation needs a disciplined generation to build a stronger future. He urged students to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, agriculture, the Armed Forces and other areas of national service, and become responsible contributors to society and the country.
RDC and TSC achievers honored
As part of the program, six cadets who attended the Republic Day Camp (RDC) and one cadet who participated in the Thal Sainik Camp (TSC) were felicitated for bringing laurels to the institution. Major General Bruce Fernandes and Venkatesh M, father of martyr Captain Pranjal, were also honored on the occasion.
Lieutenant Colonel Rohith Roy, Commander Libin Johnson, Wing Commander Praveen Kariyappa, Colonel G Somu Maharajan, Bruce Fernandez Spouse Merlin Fernandez, Federal Bank’s Sanjo Joseph were present among others.