Puttur: India’s 71th Independence Day was celebrated at St Philomena College Puttur with gaiety and patriotic fervour.

The Principal Prof. Leo Norohna hoisted the national flag and said, ‘It is predicted that by 2020, India can become a Super Power in the world. This can be achieved only when all the people of India possess love, patriotism and determination towards the nation.’

The Campus Director and the Chairman of Centre for PG Studies Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro in his message said, ‘Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the Mountain Man is a legend who proved that nothing is impossible to achieve. His life gives a moral lesson that a small man, who has money and no power, can challenge a mighty mountain. Manjhi’s firm determination to carve the huge mountain gives out a strong message that every hurdle can be crossed, if one has kept a firm eye on his goal. His 22 years of hard work became a success, as the road constructed by him is, now used by villagers.’

The Principal of St Philomena Pre-University College Rev. Fr Vijay Lobo graced the occasion.

The NCC Cadets and the members of Rovers-Rangers Unit of St Philomena PU and Degree College have participated in March-past and the Parade. The members of Performing Arts Association of the college presented patriotic songs and dances.

NCC Officer Lt. Johnson David Sequeira, S.U/O Rachana N R, Convenors of Rovers-Rangers Unit Ms. Meenakshi K, Mr. Kahalandar Shareef, Sandesh Lobo and Harshad Ismail, Convenors of Performing Arts Association Mr. Prashanth Rai, Mrs. Manjula K and Mrs. Sumana K coordinated the programme. Faculty member Ms. Lavina Nancy Pinto compered the programme.