Mangaluru: The management and staff of St Aloysius College (autonomous), here bid farewell to a very humble Finance Officer, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, who after two and a half years of dedicated service has to leave on a new assignment to another Jesuit Institution in Harihara.

Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ was a dedicated person and poured out much of his love through his interaction, participation in various activities/meetings and many other ways at St Aloysius Institutions. He touched many hearts and helped them to be better people which was deeply appreciated by all.

Principal Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, in his welcome address said, "Today we have mixed feelings, as one finance officer is leaving and another finance officer is joining us. In the last 2½ years under the tenure of Fr Pradeep we have seen dramatic changes. Even at the age of 78, Fr Pradeep has been a Wisdom figure and while we welcome Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ as our new Finance Officer, we have a young Wise man. Fr Pradeep was a man of finesse, where he wanted things to be perfect and in order and no doubt he has given his office a new look. He is a man of order, where he puts his heart and soul in his work. He is fun to be around with and filled with humor. He is like fire, very quick in his work. Even though he was with us for a short time, we will all cherish and remember Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ forever. We are also happy to welcome Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, who is also a mature man, having lots of experience in the financial field and I am confident that Fr Melwyn will follow the footsteps of Fr Pradeep in taking St Aloysius to greater heights."

Two persons came forward to express their thoughts and appreciation to Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ- Ashwitha Monteiro, a staff from the finance department, with emotion and tear filled eyes expressed her feelings saying, "Words can neither qualify nor quantify how helpful your guidance and advice has been. Father, your motivational talks have inspired so many in this institution. Thank you for giving us words of encouragement and supporting us even though it was not related to our work. Your consistent guidance has helped me to increase my potential at work. Thank you for teaching me that every mistake is just a learning experience. I have learnt so much from you. Ever since I have been working for you, I found myself evolving both with respect to my career as well as a person. Thank you for the opportunity to work for and learn from you.

"Thanks for being the brain of boardroom meetings, the hands of workplace policies, the legs that take the team forward and the life of the college finance. Other bosses give orders, you gave us direction. Other bosses give targets, you gave us a vision. Other bosses lead by authority; you have always led us by respect. Farewell to a boss, like no other. Father, I wish you success, good health and fruitfulness in all your efforts and work."

Fr Alwyn D'sa, director, administrative block, St Aloysius College also expressed is thoughts saying, "Fr Pradeep Sequeira has been described by all the staff members as a man of humor, wit, scholarship, experience, concern and wisdom. He is always composed and relaxed, brings smiles on the faces of people, always willing to learn. His motivational talks and training are very lively and dynamic. It was Heraclitus, the Greek Philosopher, who said that the universe is a state of flux and you never
step into the same river twice. Change and novelty are the only constant things in life. As there is an art of living, all of us also need to learn the art of leaving. As a finance of officer, Fr Pradeep insisted on maintaining high caliber and professionalism in the finance section. He consistently advised students and teachers to follow a system of budgeting in advance and follow the budget strictly. He gave high priority to transparency and accountability in all transactions.

"As a mentor, he shared his ideas on the Jesuit Higher Education Paradigm as well as the core values of Jesuit Education. He added value to the deemed-to-be-university proposal by facilitating the understanding of the context of the college in the contemporary situation and how to evolve the perspective plans for the deemed – to –be- university. He not only guided us in maintaining high ethical standards in finance but also touched the lives of many staff and students personally and made a
difference in their lives."

Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, the incoming finance officer of St Aloysius College, was welcomed by the rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ. Fr Vaz said, “Even though Fr Pradeep looks old, he is young at heart with young talents. He was a great gift to our institution and a role model, an example, a master figure, a philosopher and a guide. He will be a great asset at Harihar Jesuit institution because of his vast experiences and knowledge. Even though he is leaving us, Fr Pradeep still belongs to our Mangaluru Jesuit Educational Society. About Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, having also vast experience in handling finance, this college needs a person like him- and we are happy to have him here."

Expressing his gratefulness and appreciation, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ said, "When I was requested to take up the post at Harihar, I said 'Yes', as I never say no to any requests made. I always change my direction in life, when my schedule changes. When I took up the finance officer post here, I was nervous in the beginning, but with all the support from the staff, I think I have done a great job. My three dedicated and bubbly department staff- Ashwitha, Melita and Divya were of great help in getting my work done smoothly- I appreciate their support. Finally, my heartfelt thanks also to non-teaching staff. I feel that I am the best beneficiary among you all. Thanks a million for your love and support during my tenure at St Aloysius College."

Fr Pradeep Anthony SJ, director, Arrupe Block conducted prayer. Dr Loveena Lobo, director, IT Block compered the programme. Dr A M Narahari, registrar proposed the vote of thanks.