Mangaluru: The centenary year of St Agnes (Autonomous) College was inaugurated with grandeur on Friday, January 3, with a formal ceremony at 5 PM, in presence of political leaders, spiritual leaders and other distinguished dignitaries.

In her inaugural address, The Apostolic Carmel Congregation Superior General Sr M Susheela AC reminisced the efforts put in by the founder of the Institution, Mother Aloysia AC.

“She was a great visionary who had a dream to empower young girls in society. Walking in her footsteps, we aim to take forward her dreams and make a difference in society. Today, we are celebrating a century of education and service. Mother Aloysia’s life and work teach us that, to have a lasting fruit, one needs to strive and not act mediocre at any point in life. The key to success consists of purpose, passion, plan and perseverance,” she said.

Alumna of the College from the 1981 batch and St Rambus Inc USA Director Meera Rao, in her address, said, “I feel at home again after almost four decades since I graduated from this college. I come from an era where society expected girls to get married and concentrate on family. I consider myself a rebel who questioned why a girl can’t achieve her own ambitions. This college gave wings to my dreams. I remember the contributions of my teachers, especially the support given by the then principal Sr Aloysius. This educational institution has empowered each of its students to lead life gracefully. If we educate a man, we educate a person but by educating a woman, we educate a generation.”

In his presidential address, the Bishop spoke on how the patron saint of the College, St Agnes is a model to all women who strive to achieve their goals. “St Agnes was beheaded because she chose to serve the Lord and refused to marry the Governor’s son. She stuck to what she believed and ended up becoming a role model to thousands of girls.”

Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Professor P S Yadapadithaya said that St Agnes (Autonomous) College is famed for its quality of education and stands out among other institutions. The alumnae of this college have reached great heights, he added.

Mangaluru MLA U T Khader also spoke on the occasion.

In her welcome address, St Agnes (Autonomous) College principal Sr Dr Jeswina AC pointed out that the Institution is a legacy of the sisters of the Apostolic Carmel that was instituted to commemorate the golden years of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation, founded by Mother Veronica in India in 1870.

The centenary year and all the celebrations remind us of the second Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Mother Mary Aloysia, the founder of St Agnes College and a pioneering visionary in the mission of education.

The donors who contributed generously to the construction of the Mother Aloysia Centenary Block were honoured on the occasion. Ivory Grand Real Estate Managing Director Michael D’Souza, Faizal and Shabana Foundation directors Shabana and Faizal represented by Dr Joseph Sebastian, Dockendale Shipping Co Ltd former Chairman Leslie J Fernandes, Hyssna International Managing Director Ronald Pinto, The World Banks Consultant-African Development Bank former senior advisor Brian Pinto, who was represented by his sister Dr Gerlyn Pinto and other contributors were the donors who were felicitated.

MLC Ivan D’Souza and former MLA of the Mangaluru South constituency J R Lobo released the centenary year calendar of events. Sr Venisa AC proposed the vote of thanks and Dr Malani Hebbar compered the programme.

The formal programme was followed by a cultural extravaganza with spectacular performances that represented the cultures of India and also presented how women were empowered in St Agnes (Autonomous) College for over a century.