Bengaluru: Her Excellency, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, the First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, an esteemed alumna of erstwhile St. Joseph’s College (Batch of 2000-2003, BSc-MCB), visited her alma mater, i.e., St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, on Wednesday, 9th October 2024 at 3.00 p.m. This special visit marked a nostalgic return for Madam Sajidha Mohamed, who fondly reminisced about her student days. Madam Sajidha Mohamed was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr Victor Lobo SJ, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Dr Regina Mathaias and Dr Ronald Mascherenas, the Registrar, Dr. Melwin Colaço, and Rev. Dr. Richard Rego SJ, Director of the Office for International Affairs. The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by Rev. Dr. Victor Lobo SJ, Vice-Chancellor, who expressed his delight at welcoming back one of the University’s distinguished alumni. He emphasised the University’s commitment to fostering excellence and how proud the institution is of its former students who have gone on to make a significant impact on the global stage. Prof. Dr. Melwin Colaco, the Registrar introduced Madam Sajidha Mohamed to the august gathering.
Madam Sajidha Mohamed in her emotional address recalled her student life at St. Joseph’s College. She spoke of the transformative education she received and the lifelong friendships she formed, attributing much of her personal and professional growth to her time at the University reflecting the enduring connection alumni feel towards their alma mater. The Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors then honoured Madam Sajidha Mohamed.
The University also acknowledged the presence of the delegation accompanied Madam Sajidha Mohamed, namely Fathimath Liusha, First Secretary at the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in India, Lubaba Ali, Director (Personal), and Khadheeja Nashwa, Social Secretary. Later Madam Sajidha Mohamed engaged in an interactive session with the Deans, Faculty Members, her then Class teachers, batch-mate and class-mates.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Rev. Dr. Richard Rego SJ, Director of the Office for International Affairs, who expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for her visit and her continued engagement with the University. Madam Sajidha Mohamed departed from the campus at around 4:00 PM, leaving behind an atmosphere of admiration and pride for the University’s profound role in shaping leaders of tomorrow. This visit marks another significant chapter in St. Joseph’s University’s enduring legacy of fostering excellence and global citizenship.