Mangaluru: St Aloysius ITI, on September 28, celebrated Ayudha Pooja with joyful spirit and enthusiasm. Students creatively decorated their respective workshops.

Former director of the institution Dr Leo Dsouza conducted the prayer. Equipments and tools were blessed by director Fr Eric Mathias.

At the stage programme chief guest Rajesh Kadri, proprietor, Dhruvi Enterprises, inaugurated the annual magazine of the institution 'Kaushalya'.

Guest of honour, world acclaimed social activist and icon of transgender community Dr Akkai Padmashali, was felicitated on behalf of the institution for her achievements in the social service sector.

She is a male-to-female transsexual and is the co-founder of 'Ondede'- an organisation of feminists, activists, thinkers and academics which works for children’s rights, women’s rights and the rights of sexual minorities. She is the first transwoman in the world to receive Ashoka Global Fellowship to fight for the rights of the transgender community and sexual minorities. She received Karnataka Rajyotsava award for her work in the social sector.

Addressing students Dr Akkai said, “Machines or weapons can be used for good as well as bad. Use them for the betterment of life and the society and never for destruction.”

Talking about unemployment problem prevailing in India she said, “The present government has not succeeded in creating employment opportunities for the youth in India. Institutes like St Aloysius ITI are playing a very important role in empowering youth and facilitating employment.”

She urged students to make the best use of the opportunity being presented to them and build a successful career. Talking on the occasion Fr Eric Mathias, director of the institutions said, “Dr Akkai Padmashali is like a candle that melts itself to give light to others. She has undergone lots of discrimination and harassment from the society. But, instead of surrendering, she courageously faced all the troubles and now she is a globally known social activist."

Students of the electrician trade took the initiative to organise the programme. Melston Martis welcomed the gathering. Lakshith Kumar delivered a speech on Ayudha Pooja. Ankith N proposed the vote of thanks. Praveen D'Souza compered the programme. Students put up a colourful cultural show. National Anthem concluded the programme. Sweets were distributed on the occasion.