Mangaluru: St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute, which successfully lives its mission of empowering the youth through skill based technical education celebrated its annual day, on Friday, May 19.

The chief guest of the function was K Kishore Alva, the executive director and joint president for Adani Group’s UPCL, guest of honour was Dr F Joseph Stanley, general secretary of ‘SKIP’, Bengaluru. The programme was presided over by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions.

The multi-coloured decorations all around the premises and the cheerful activities of the students had created an electrifying atmosphere. The celebration began with the arrival of dignitaries at 5:30 pm. After seeking the Lord’s blessings on the entire programme, students welcomed the gathering with a traditional welcome dance. Annual report for the academic year 2016-17 was presented audio-visually.

In the stage programme that followed, the dignitaries were welcomed by principal Vincent Mendonsa and felicitated by the rector. Prizes were distributed to the top performers in each trade. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest, K Kishore Alva said, "St Aloysius Institutions are known for discipline. Being an Aloysian I am indebted to the institution, especially for the gift of will power."

The honourable guest Dr Joseph Stanley congratulated the management for taking initiatives and upgrading the institution to match with the current technological advancements and said, "The students were fortunate to have gotten an opportunity to study in the institution."

The rector in his presidential address said, "I feel happy because we are providing a future to the youth through this institution. It is a gratifying experience to see the dropouts and youth from disadvantaged sections be able to build a future for themselves through education provided by the ITI.”

"Along with learning technical skills students must also help others to rise up in life," he urged.

Alwyn Menezes, convener of the programme proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Eric Mathis SJ, director of the institution handed over a memento to the dignitaries. Reginald Mathias, president of student council was among the dignitaries on the dais.

Students presented a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes to a loud applause by audience. Rayan Lobo and Vinutha Mary conducted the formal programme. Reginald Mathias and Nithin Dsouza were the comperes’ of the cultural programme.