Mangaluru: “One’s ambition in life need not be to become a billionaire. Rather, it should be to bring about change in the lives of a billion people. We can add value into our lives by adding the same into others lives and thus have Deepavali in our lives on every day. Values dispel the darkness of ignorance. In fact, we have Deepavali every day in our lives as the confrontation against darkness is interminable. Deepavali is incomplete without darkness and light”, said Deepak Thimaya, the noted senior TV journalist. He was addressing the students of the Expert pre-university college at Valachil, Mangaluru as the chief guest on the occasion of Deepavali celebration.

The whole campus got drenched in the colourful lights of lanterns (goodudeepas) and flickering diyas (earthen lamps) as Diwali the festival of lights was celebrated with great pomp and show. The students donned their traditional attire and there was a festive spirit in the air.

The celebrations began with a pooja for the propitiation of goddess Lakshmi in the temple premises followed by a formal function. There was a special opening ceremony highlighting the tradition of Dakshina Kannada along with the lighting of the festive lamp.

Dr Ushaprabha N Nayak-the vice chairperson of Expert Group of institutions in her introductory remarks said that we need to eliminate the evil within us and Deepavali is the time for the celebration of one’s own prosperity with each other.

Prof Narendra L Nayak, chairman, Expert Group of Institutions honored the chief guest by presenting a memento. A spectacular cultural extravaganza with the theme of Deepavali was the highlight of the festivity. The event concluded with releasing of numerous sky lanterns which set the night sky ablaze. At the end there was a sumptuous festive dinner.

Trustee Ustad Rafeeq Khan, Ankush N Nayay, director Information and Technology, Expert Group of Institutions, principal Dr N K Vijayan graced the occasion.

Prasad Prabhu, president of the student parliament accorded a formal welcome to the dignitaries. Sheryl Florence D’Souza the programme director expressed the words of gratitude. Neha Patil and Anshkumar Singh compered the programme. The formal function started with a condolence note on the demise of union minister late Ananth Kumar.