9th Convocation Report

Event:                                     9^th Convocation Ceremony

Date & Time                          25 November 2023, 10 am   

Place:                                      Indoor Stadium, St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous)

Chief Guest&                 Padma Vibhushan Dr. K Kasturirangan,

Convocation Address:           Former Chairman-ISRO, Former Chairman-National Education Policy Committee, Chairman-National Steering Committee for National Curricular Framework      

No. of Graduates:                 640 candidates (434 undergraduates and 206 postgraduates), 47 Gold Medals and 1 PhD award.

The 9th Convocation ceremony was held on November 25, 2023, within the confines of the college Indoor Stadium. The distinguished presence of Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of ISRO and the National Education Policy Committee, as well as the Chairman of the National Steering Committee for National Curricular Framework, highlighted the event.

Academic Procession:The ceremony commenced with a solemn procession from the Post Graduate Studies & Research block, culminating with the entry into the Indoor Stadium. Dr. K. Kasturirangan, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, Rev. Monsignor Alfred John Mendonca, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mysore, Prof. Lokanath N.K, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mysore, Rev. Dr. Bernard Prakash Barnis, the Rector of St. Philomena’s Educational Institutions, Rev. Fr. Maria Xavier, Vice Rector, Rev. Fr. Chistopher J, Assistant Rector, Dr. Ravi  J D  Saldanha, the Principal, Prof. Othbert Pinto, PG Director, Mr. Nagraj Urs, Vice Principal (Academics), Mr. Ronald Prakash Cutinha, Vice Principal (Administration), Ms. Lydia Vandana, Controller of Examination, Dr. Alphonsus D’Souza, Sciences Dean, Dr. Reena Francis, Dean, Commerce & Management, Dr. Praveen Saldanha, Dean, Arts, Prof. A T Sadebose, Languages Dean,  Dr. Noor Mubasheer, P G Dean, Mr. Thomas Gunasheelan, IQAC Coordinator, alongside other academic heads and dignitaries, actively participated in the academic procession. The College NCC, under the guidance of Commanding Officer Mr. Eliezer Vishwas from the Department of Physics, and the Mysore band, led the procession with precision and grace.

Anthem, Prayer & Lighting of Lamp:The academic procession graced the dais, heralding the beginning to the grand event starting with the rendition of the college anthem. This was seamlessly followed by a prayer service and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, adding an auspicious touch and a symbolic commencement to the grand proceedings.

Welcome Address:The formal initiation of the event unfolded with the welcome address by Dr. Ravi J D Saldanha, the Principal of St. Philomena’s College. With grace and warmth, he extended a sincere welcome to the esteemed dignitaries, acknowledging and appreciating the valuable time each distinguished guest had dedicated to this significant occasion. Dr. Saldanha expressed gratitude for their presence and emphasized the importance of their participation in making the convocation truly momentous. Concluding his welcome, he extended heartfelt wishes to the graduating students, hoping for a future adorned with brightness and success.

VC’s address: Following the welcome address, the stage was then handed over to Dr. Loknath, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, for the VC’s address.Dr. Loknath began by extending warm greetings to all present, expressing his excitement to be part of the prestigious 9^th Convocation of St. Philomena’s College in Mysuru, renowned for its rich history.

He conveyed heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates on this momentous day and expressed sincere appreciation to the teachers, mentors, parents, and staff for their dedicated service.Dr. Loknath emphasized the significance of the institution’s motto, “May Your Love Grow Richer in Knowledge,” which beautifully encapsulates the essence of fostering love, acquiring knowledge, and promoting growth.

Acknowledging the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of St. Philomena’s College, marking 75 years, he highlighted the institution’s substantial contribution to society.With newfound autonomy, Dr. Loknath underscored the greater responsibility it entails, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to codes to ensure smooth functioning.

Recognizing the honour brought by illustrious alumni, he stressed the importance of their ongoing support for the future growth of the institution.Dr. Loknath commended St. Philomena’s students for their comprehensive training, positioning them as job providers rather than job seekers.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the diversity among the student body, reflecting pluralistic values cultivated during their time at the college, promoting coexistence.Addressing contemporary challenges to the philosophy of “Live and Let Live,” he urged graduates to transcend distinctions of caste, creed, color, and religion.Drawing inspiration from Kannada poet Kuvempu, Dr. Loknath emphasized the idea that Karnataka is a “Garden of Peace for all communities,” urging everyone to contribute to peace for progress and prosperity.Recognizing knowledge as the path to liberation, he stressed the importance of creating a conducive atmosphere for its growth.

In concluding remarks, Dr. Loknath encouraged graduates to maintain a positive outlook on humanity’s future, understanding the interconnected nature of well-beingand wished the new graduates the very best.

Administration of Oath:Rev. Monsignor Alfred John Mendonca, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mysore, administered the oath for the graduates. His presence and guidance underscored the revered commitment these graduates were making as they embarked on the next chapter of their journeys. He instilled a sense of responsibility, morality, and purpose, reinforcing the values that the institution holds dear. This administration of the oath marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing the graduates’ dedication to uphold the principles of knowledge, integrity, and service in their future endeavors.

Convocation Address:The administration of oath made way for the most awaited momentous occasion of convocation address by Padma Vibhushan, Dr. K Kasturirangan. Dr. Kasturirangan’s convocation address was a profound and inspiring exploration. Expressing his sincere gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, he extended warm greetings to the distinguished dignitaries, esteemed faculty, students, and esteemed guests, setting the stage for a reflective and insightful discourse.

Acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of Mysuru, Dr. Kasturirangan set a contemplative tone, appreciating the enchanting city known for its architectural marvels, cultural richness, and educational prominence. He contextualized the significance of St. Philomena’s College within this vibrant backdrop, recognizing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.

Commending St. Philomena’s elevation to a “College of Excellence” in 2015, Dr. Kasturirangan lauded the institution’s progressive curriculum and its swift adoption of the National Education Policy 2020 at the undergraduate level. This forward-thinking approach, he noted, positions the college as a catalyst for transformative education, aligning seamlessly with the evolving needs of the educational landscape.

He added saying, the institution has fostered an environment conducive to intellectual growth, prioritizing knowledge creation, assimilation, dissemination, skill development, entrepreneurship, and social outreach. St. Philomena is shaping a generation of students equipped with both local and global competencies. I extend my best wishes to the Principal, faculty, and all members of the academic community for their continued dedication to intellectual pursuits.

Directing his attention to the graduating students, Dr. Kasturirangan delivered a motivational and insightful message. Congratulating them on reaching this significant milestone, he emphasized the transformative power of holistic education. He encouraged the graduates to approach challenges with resilience, fostering a mindset that transcends the traditional boundaries of disciplines.

Delving into the intricacies of the National Education Policy 2020, Dr. Kasturirangan praised its consultative process and underscored its integrated and flexible design. He specifically commended St. Philomena’s for embracing the policy’s principles, offering diverse programs, and actively promoting Indian languages, arts, and culture. This acknowledgment emphasized the college’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience.

Taking note of St. Philomena’s vision to transition to University, he said, St. Philomena’s College of Excellence is poised for further growth, aspiring to transition into a university. To be recognized as a world-class university, certain factors are crucial. Firstly, a commitment to excellence across all fields of human inquiry, not limited to specific areas. Secondly, engagement in cutting-edge research alongside educating the next generation. Thirdly, providing researchers the freedom to experiment, allowing for both successes and failures that often lead to significant discoveries. Lastly, world-class universities embrace permeable boundaries, encouraging interdisciplinary research, collaborations with the private sector, industry partnerships, and international collaboration. These attributes, integral to a university’s culture, are reflected in your institution. This needs to be further fostered in an all-round development approach, aligned with NEP 2020, preparing students to become leaders across diverse cultures and industries.

Drawing from his extensive experience, particularly in India’s space program, Dr. Kasturirangan shared insightful perspectives on the contemporary need for individuals equipped with multidisciplinary skills. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between aesthetics and science, citing examples from the success of India’s space initiatives. This real-world perspective added depth to his address, offering practical wisdom to the graduating class.

Expressing optimism for the future of India’s space endeavors, Dr. Kasturirangan highlighted the upcoming Gaganyaan project and encouraged graduates to consider venturing into challenging frontiers in science and technology. This forward-looking perspective aimed to inspire the young minds present, urging them to explore new horizons and contribute to the advancements of their fields.

He added, to the graduating students, today marks a momentous occasion in your lives. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone and earning the proud privilege of graduating from this esteemed institution. My heartfelt best wishes accompany you as you embark on the journey of your professional life. Be prepared to navigate the challenges, embrace the excitement, and confront the uncertainties that lie ahead.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Kasturirangan urged the graduates to actively contribute to the development of their alma mater and the region. He emphasized the deep-rooted values of Indian culture and encouraged a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Drawing inspiration from Henry Ford, he left the audience with a powerful message about the transformative nature of setbacks and the collective strength found in unity, providing a thoughtful conclusion to his address.

Awarding of Gold Medals:As the Convocation Address concluded, an air of excitement filled the venue. The students, elated and thrilled, looked forward to the culmination of their two years of hard work. Anticipation ran high as they awaited the presentation of gold medals for meritorious students, symbolizing the recognition of their academic excellence. The ceremony would mark not only the end of their academic journey but also the beginning of a new phase as graduates and postgraduates respectively, ready to venture into the next chapter of their lives.

List of Gold Medals & Scholarship

Presidential Adress: His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, the Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Mysore, commenced his presidential remarks with an insightful anecdote about the transformative power of honesty, recounting the story of Prof. C. V. Raman and a young man who returned an extra Rs. 7 to the office, ultimately becoming Nobel Laureate Prof. Subramaniam Chandrashekar. Emphasizing the importance of integrity and truthfulness in life, he urged everyone to live a life marked by sincerity.

He highlighted the immeasurable value of knowledge, asserting that it surpasses material wealth and is an invaluable asset that can never be taken away. Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras emphasized that integrity, along with education, holds significant importance.

Acknowledging the role of family, faculty, management, and hard work in achieving success, he expressed joy for the collective efforts that led to the momentous occasion. Referring to comprehensive documents by Pope Francis, he stressed the centrality of dignity and ethics in one’s life.

His Grace underscored the transformative power of education in social rejuvenation and called for effective measures to ensure the safety and security of women and marginalized groups. Encouraging introspection and the reimagination of moral consciousness, he described graduates not only as valuable individuals but also as intellectual wealth for the nation.

Incorporating the central message from Pope Francis’s books, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras highlighted the need for dignity to come first and for ethics to prevail. He urged graduates to embrace their rights while wholeheartedly accepting responsibilities toward the nation. Concluding with a quote from Gandhiji, “be the change that you wish to see in the world,” he extended his best wishes to the graduates.

Returning of Academic Procession:The grand occasion of the 9th convocation ceremony came to a close as the curtains descended. Following the insightful presidential remarks, a meticulous vote of thanks was extended. Subsequently, the convocation gathering was dissolved, marked by the rendition of the national anthem. The academic procession of dignitaries gracefully exited the indoor stadium, concluding the memorable event.

Role & Responsibilities:The successful conclusion of the 9th convocation prompts reflection on the various committees and their meticulous execution of responsibilities. Each committee, under the adept guidance of its respective convener, played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of the event.The 9^thConvocation was efficiently organized under the leadership of Prof. V Sanjay Nair as the Convener, Dr. Deepa V as the Coordinator and Sr. Angeline Vimal as the Co-Coordinator efficiently discharged their duties making the ceremony a success. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) responsibilities were skilfully handled by Ms. Shirley Cynthia Anthony from the Department of MSW and Mr. Anand C from the Department of Political Science. Ms. Syeda Farhana, from the Department of Microbiology, introduced the Vice-Chancellor, while Mr. Thomas Gunasheelan, the IQAC Coordinator, introduced the chief guest. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Viveka Marie G from the PG Department of Commerce. The seamless orchestration of rolesfrom convenors and members of various committees constituted for the smooth flowing of various activities and contributed to the overall success of the convocation ceremony.