Mangaluru, Aug 25: St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) hosted a vibrant national-level fest for pre-university students on Monday at the LF Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block, drawing over 2,200 participants from 64 colleges across Karnataka and neighboring states.
The fest was inaugurated by Dr. Kanyana Sadashiva Shetty, a proud alumnus of the university, renowned entrepreneur, and industrialist. In his heartfelt address, He expressed deep gratitude to his alma mater, saying, “I never get tired of coming back to this college. It’s my pride institution. Whatever I am today is because of Aloysius.” He praised the university’s commitment to holistic education and urged students to balance academics with active participation in campus events. He emphasized the importance of morality, a value he said was instilled in him during his time at Aloysius and continues to guide his personal and professional life.
Indian film actor and fellow alumnus Raj Deepak Shetty served as Guest of Honour and was felicitated by the university. In his address, he described St. Aloysius as a magical place that nurtured his growth from a backbencher to a successful artist. “Once an Aloysian, always an Aloysian,” he declared, encouraging students to find motivation within themselves and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Presiding over the event, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of the university, delivered a powerful message on perseverance and purpose. Quoting Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s phrase “FAIL – First Attempt in Learning,” he urged students to embrace challenges and give their best in every endeavor.
The fest also recognized outstanding individuals for their achievements in diverse fields. Apeksha Kottary, Assistant Professor in the School of Commerce, was honored for her record-setting explosion box themed “Incredible India,” which earned accolades from the India Book of Records and Exclusive World Records. Remona Evette Pereira, a gifted Bharatanatyam dancer and recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya BalPuraskar, was celebrated for her 170-hour non-stop dance performance. Adi Swaroopa, a B.A. Psychology student, was recognized for her exceptional memory and artistic talents, having earned eight world records and contributed to a Guinness World Record mosaic project.
The inauguration ceremony featured a warm welcome by convener Bhavya Shetty, an introduction of the Guest of Honour by Dr. Dinesh Nayak, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Smitha D.K. Staff and student coordinators from various sub-discipline fests were present on the dais, contributing to the seamless execution of the event.
The fest concluded with a spirit of celebration and inspiration, reinforcing St. Aloysius University’s commitment to holistic education and its enduring legacy of nurturing excellence.