ST JOSEPH'S SEMINARY (1879)
The Jesuit pioneers started the Seminary within ten days of their arrival. It had ten students. Today it is run by the Diocese of Mangalore and Calicut. From the first Superior, Fr Angelo Maffei, to the Rector, Fr Pradeep Sequeira (last Jesuit Rector and the seminary was handed over to the Diocesean administration in 1995) Superiors and Rectors have, with an active band of professors, built up every aspect of the formative period of young candidates to the priesthood. The flourishing Diocese of Mangalore with zealous, talented and efficient priests, and many others distributed all over India witness to what the Seminary has done. It has been a most dear work of the Society, to fashion priests for God's work: 'Your sons, O India, will be your saviours'.
The origins of St Joseph's Seminary are deep down in the Catholic history of Mangalore when in the 18th century (1765) Fr J. Miranda started to recruit young boys for priesthood. After a broken history of a hundred years it was resumed by the Jesuits on 11th January 1879, to be re-erected in the very place where the Seminary now stands. The plot had been bought by Bishop Michael in 1865. The Jesuits found three Seminarians, recalled a few others and reopened the Seminary with ten students on the rolls and two professors. They were housed in the then existing building which now forms the catechumenate.
The main building is the work of Fr Diamanti. He planned it and supervised its construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1887 and the building completed in 1889. It is quite an imposing but simple three storeyed structure with the chapel right in front. In 1915 another block of three storeys was added and in 1928 one more parallel block was constructed. A further addition was made with the library building projecting inward in line with the chapel so that the building stood in the form of an E facing inward to the chapel. With the numbers ever on the increase and other dioceses requesting to send their recruits to St Joseph's, a further need was felt for expanding, and so in 1977 another building for refectory and living rooms was erected, by extending one of the extreme cross lines of the E.
The material expansion has been but a sign of the development of the other aspects of seminary life in the formation of good priests. While the Rectors were busy building and governing the Seminary, professors and spiritual guides like Frs Lazzarini, Buzzoni, Macry, Belleri, Nana, Fermi and Jerome Lobo, with a number of others, were by word and example fashioning the hearts and minds of 'workers in the Lord's vineyard'. To these we must add the example of silent work and prayer given by Jesuit Brothers like Visuvasam, Lasrado, and for whom the smooth running of the institution would have been practically impossible.
How many priests have looked back and are looking back with grateful hearts to these Jesuit Fathers and the many others who stood by them in their formation days heaven alone can tell. Experienced hands had sown the seed in each one of them and nurtured it with balanced knowledge of natural sciences and philosophical orientation of mind, and above all, with a deep knowledge of God which now has flowered in their lives as priests. The Jesuits have every reason to be grateful for the blessings God has showered on them in the formation of an efficient clergy, the glory and strength of a diocese and of the Church.
The efficient and persevering work in the Lord's vineyard not only in the Diocese of Mangalore but all over India and even outside that has been done and is being done by the 1200 priests among whom there have been twenty bishops and one Cardinal, is witness enough to the training given at St Joseph's. (As this report was added here in 2021, we are not sure about the exact number o bishops and Cardinals - OV). Truly it holds the pride of place among the seminaries in India, with a singular reputation in the Church, The "Unitas", its Annual, started in 1923, significantly enough fosters the bonds of unity among its alumni who are scattered far and wide.
By practically founding the Seminary for the education of an efficient clergy the Jesuits set the ball rolling to start a school and college for the education of the local youth. Their efforts materialised when twelve months and twelve days after their arrival, St Aloysius College was opened in Mangalore.
ST ALOYSIUS COLLEGE (1880)
St Aloysius College, with its own High School, is the premier educational institution of the Karnataka Province. It will be recorded 141 years on 12 January, 2021. Beginning in a private house rented for the purpose, today it occupies a commanding position on the Edyah Hill in the centre of the Town. The original plot was donated by Mr. Lawrence Lobo Prabhu. With the efforts of Fr Angelo Mutti and the material help of the people of Mangalore and Italy, of the Government and the Society of Jesus, of Fr. General in particular, rose a stately building which is still the pride of Mangalore. The other adjacent plots were added as years rolled on, mostly by purchase, and other buildings were erected. Today twenty buildings accommodate more than 14,500 students and 868 faculty - Beeri campus is included (2021 data). It has had a steady growth without any major ups and downs worthy of special note. The College has grown to suit the needs of the times- thanks to the generous support of the people of Mangalore. The first foundation stone was laid on 21st June with Fr Angelo Mutti as the architect, and Fr Joseph Willy as Rector and Principal. Since then many times the ceremony has been repeated. The College was affiliated to the Madras University in 1882 and the early reports say that from the beginning its students won a very good name for conduct and study. No wonder. It was the natural talent of the youth of Mangalore blossoming under the guidance of scholars like Frs J. Willy, Angelo Maffei, Denis Fernandes, Emmanuel Coelho, Urbun Stein, Hugh Ryan and J.B. Sergeant. The Mangalore Magazine that started its publication in 1897 has recorded the work of the College and its students.
By 1904 the College had made enormous progress in numbers and activities and there was Fr Paul Perini, who was to be the third bishop of Mangalore, was instrumental in carrying out the required improvements. The College took the second big step during his time between 1904 and 1910. The Boarding House was started (1907) for the benefit of the students hailing from rural areas. In 1908 a separate building was constructed for the college classes and one for the High School (the 'Red Building') and another for the primary and middle school. The numbers had almost doubled and the College was affiliated to the University for physics and chemistry.
There was another big step taken in 1928 when, with Fr Leo Proserpio as Rector and Principal, the College building was extended by the construction of two-storeyed buildings meant for science laboratories.
Even this was not enough. The students were ever on the increase and there was a need to add more courses, too.
In 1930 the College fittingly kept up its Golden Jubilee. At the call of their Alma Mater the Old Boys rallied round her to found prizes and scholarships. The non fresco parts of the paintings in the Chapel were renewed. In 1938 the white building was put up for the ever increasing number of high school students. At this time, too, Fr Boniface D'Souza bought the property on which now stands the mighty College Extension Building.
With the buying of this plot the way had been prepared for the big extension of the College and Fr Joseph Coelho took the leap. The foundation stone for the Extension building was laid in 1946. It was the vision of Fr Joseph Coelho. In 1948 the Arts Classes moved to the new building which runs in line with the Original building of 1885.
The next big leap in expansion may be termed the Centenary Leap. But in the years between there have been a few valuable changes. The teachers of the College had the quarters built for them by the Management and the small boys of the Middle and Primary School had a separate, imposing, three-storeyed building constructed for them. The original primary and middle school building was remodelled as quarters for the teachers of the Middle School.
The College Chapel
The most wonderful part of the building, however, is the College Church. In 1900 Br Anthony Moscheni, a skilled artist who had embellished many a church and chapel in Italy with his paintings, was sent to Mangalore for the specific purpose of painting the College church. The result of his palette and brush are best described to us by Fr J. Sewell of St Joseph's College, Trichy, who visited Mangalore in 1901:
The Church is a work of art to which it is difficult to do justice. It is a mass of colour in admirable taste from floor to ceiling. The pillars are painted to resemble coloured marble, but the walls are a series of frescoes representing scenes from the life of our Lord, while the ceiling is devoted to the life of the Patron Saint, and, between the orches, the spaces are filled in chiefly with the saints and blessed of the Society of Jesus The effect on entering the beautiful church in solemnizing. One's senses are hushed in awe and one's heart insensibly raised in prayer. One feels instinctively it is the House of God, the dwelling of the Most a High.
A similar tribute was paid to the church by the late Mr C. R. Rajagopalachari, once the Governor-General of India. He visited Mangalore as the Chief Minister of Madras, and on seeing the College chapel said: "I have seen temples in India were this, but not the like of your church. A visit to it is an education and an elevation. As you enter it, your heart is ennobled and you soar to higher things. No fanatic but would shed every drop of his fanaticism in the face of such humanizing glory".
Fr M. Lewis, who was Rector from 1966-1972 and had carried out several improvements vigorously was back again as Rector to plan out the Centenary years.
The Centenary Memorial Building is to be the continuation of the College Extension block- (the original plan has not yet been completed) to accommodate the library and vocationalised PUC Classes.
The extension of the building has been but a sign of the ever active life and growth on the academic level. In the High School unfortunately, because of the shifting policies of the Government, the well-established engineering and craft section had to be closed. But now the opening of vocationalised courses at the PUC level will compensate for its loss. The Night School which has been a boon to many who could not pursue their studies was opened in 1967 and was followed by the opening of the Evening College in 1969. The latter extends the benefits of higher education to talented working men and women.
The College that had begun with three classes in a rented house, has today 14,500 in its departments from the primary section to Degree Classes with a Postgraduate Course in Business Management added to it.
- Taken from the Karnataka Jesuit Centenary, Souvenir, 1878-1978
From
Venice to Mangalore
The
joy and anticipation of the people were understandable. For years, the Catholic
community of Mangalore had cherished the dream of providing their children with
the kind of education offered by the renowned “Schoolmasters of Europe.”
Inspired by their own experiences—or by accounts they had heard—of Jesuit
institutions in India and abroad, a few prominent Catholic leaders had taken it
upon themselves to invite the Jesuits to their land. After years of
correspondence with Rome, their efforts bore fruit when Pope Leo XIII directed
the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Peter Beckx, to send
missionaries to Mangalore.
The
first group to be dispatched comprised seven priests and two brothers: Fathers
Angelo Mutti, Quintinus Sani, and Angelo Maffei from the Venice Province; Fr.
Augustus Müller, a German from the Maryland Province of America; and Brothers
Francis Zamboni and Mathew Meneghetti from Italy. They set sail from Naples on
27 November 1878 and reached Bombay on 19 December. There they were joined by
two more German Jesuits from the Bombay Mission—Fathers Urban Stein and Otto
Ehrle. Together, the group travelled to
Goa to witness the grand exposition of the incorrupt body of St. Francis
Xavier. Leading them was Fr. Nicholas Pagani of the Naples Province, who had
served in Bombay for many years and had been appointed Pro-Vicar Apostolic of
Kanara and Superior of the Mangalore Mission. From Goa, they boarded the SS Khandalla and arrived at Mangalore’s port, known as
Bunder, at 11:30 a.m. on 31 December 1878.
The
sight that awaited them was overwhelming. A vast crowd, cutting across
religious lines, had gathered to receive them with warmth and reverence. After
a welcome address delivered by Mr. Alexander Vas, the Jesuits were escorted in
procession to the Cathedral. There, Fr. Victor, the Carmelite Pro-Administrator
of Canara, formally handed over charge of the Vicariate to Fr. Pagani.
Following the solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the missionaries
were taken to Jeppu, where a modest residence had been prepared for them. From
this humble beginning, the great saga of Jesuit service to the coastal region
of South India began.
St. Aloysius College – A Humble Beginning
The
dream of establishing an institution of higher education in Mangalore was
deeply cherished by the local community. The Jesuits, though eager to help
realize this vision, faced numerous challenges. They had neither abundant
financial resources from abroad nor prior experience in running a college.
It
was at this juncture that Fr. Joseph Willy, a Swiss-born Jesuit and noted
educationist serving in Bombay, entered the scene. Determined and visionary,
Fr. Willy took upon himself the task of founding a college in Mangalore. With
his arrival, the dream began to take shape.
The
generous contribution of Mrs. Mary Magdalene Coelho proved pivotal. She offered
her spacious house opposite the Kodialbail Church to serve as the cradle of the
nascent institution. A simple pandal
of coconut leaves supported by bamboo poles stood before the house, welcoming
the first students and teachers. Thus, St. Aloysius College came into being—an
institution that, a century and a half later, would rise to the status of a
university.
The
college was fittingly named after St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the Patron Saint of
Youth. On 12th January 1880, the first batch of 150 students—most of them from
Catholic families—embarked on their academic journey. The inaugural academic
year was solemnly opened with a High Mass to the Holy Spirit, celebrated by Fr.
Nicolas Pagani, the Mission Superior.
In
its earliest days, the college offered just three classes: the Lower Fourth,
the Upper Fourth, and the Fifth—equivalent to today’s VII, VIII, and IX
standards. By the following year, the institution had advanced to the
matriculation level with 35 students. In 1882, it achieved affiliation to the
University of Madras as a second-grade college—what we now know as the
Pre-University Course (PUC).
In Search of a New Site
The
coconut palm pandal had been only a temporary shelter. The Jesuits soon began
their search for a larger, more suitable location on which to build a permanent
institution. Their attention turned to Light House Hill (also known as Eidgah
Hill), a commanding site overlooking the ever-restless Arabian Sea.
The
land was a narrow strip, owned by Mr. Lawrence Lobo Prabhu, a prominent and
affluent Catholic of Mangalore. After much persuasion, Mr. Lobo Prabhu
reluctantly agreed to donate a portion of his property to the Jesuits. The
strip measured a little over 599 feet in length and about 150 feet in width,
bounded on three sides by steep precipices of 30 to 40 feet. At first glance,
it was neither spacious nor ideal for an educational institution. Yet
providence had marked it out: the land was composed of solid laterite rock,
providing a firm foundation.
Because
the site was long and narrow, the building had to be carefully designed to
utilize every inch of space. On June 29, 1882, the feast of Saints Peter and
Paul, Fr. Pagani laid the foundation stone. Fr. Mutti, the Mission Procurator,
was entrusted with raising funds. Construction began in earnest, relying
entirely on the providence of God. Over 200 workmen toiled day and night for
three years, until at last a majestic edifice rose—both architecturally grand
and aesthetically magnificent.
The
building stretched 496 feet end to end. At the northern extremity stood a hall
on the upper floor with classrooms below; at the southern end was a chapel,
large enough to accommodate 500 students. Between these two wings, classrooms
occupied the ground floor, while the Jesuit residence was housed above. At the
midpoint of the building was the tower that attempted to kiss the blue sky
above, and became a favourite place for the visitors to experience the sheer
height from where they could have a panoramic view of exquisite beauty of the
green hills and valleys stretching miles and miles to the East and to west, the
gleaming blue Arabian sea under the bright sun.
The
total cost of construction came to Rs. 1,50,000. Of this, Rs. 25,000 was
contributed by the Catholic community of Mangalore, Rs. 15,000 came as a
government grant, and the remaining funds were secured from benefactors abroad
and the Society of Jesus itself.
Inauguration of the New Building
The
college was formally inaugurated by Fr. Willy, Rector and Principal, on 15th
February 1885. Following the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the newly built chapel,
the building was officially declared open. At 10 o’clock, the students, filled
with joy and excitement, marched in procession from the temporary structure at
Kodialbail to the grand new edifice on Light House Hill.
For
three days, the classrooms of the new building were kept open to the public and
to students of other schools, who came to witness the impressive institution.
The celebrations, however, were tinged with sadness. Fr. Mutti, the architect
and visionary behind the magnificent structure, fell gravely ill and had to
return to Italy. He passed away the following year, at the young age of 42, a
victim of tuberculosis.
The
college building, nonetheless, stood tall and majestic—a lasting testament to
Fr. Mutti’s labour of love for the people of Mangalore. In recognition of this
milestone, the institution was soon elevated to the status of a First Grade
College, offering History, Political Science, and Economics as optional
subjects. For many years, St. Aloysius College remained the only First Grade
College along the entire West Coast.
In
1888, the first batch of students—just four in number—appeared for their final
examination and successfully completed their B.A. degree, marking the beginning
of a proud academic legacy.
The ‘Sistine’ of Mangalore
The
college chapel, once a modest and functional structure, was transformed in 1899
when Brother Anthony Moscheni, an Italian Jesuit and master of fresco painting,
arrived in Mangalore with a singular mission: to adorn its walls and ceiling in
the spirit of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
Having
already painted several churches in Italy and Albania, Bro. Moscheni brought
with him both skill and devotion. Over the course of two years, he covered the
chapel’s walls and ceiling with vivid murals depicting biblical scenes and the
life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. This labour of love reached completion on 29
December 1901, leaving behind a work of art that continues to inspire awe.
His
contributions extended beyond the chapel. He decorated the refectory of the
Jesuit residence and created the remarkable image of Saraswati, the Indian
goddess of learning, displayed prominently in the college hall. This painting
stands as a striking testament to the Jesuits’ reverence for religious
pluralism, long before the Second Vatican Council.
St.
Aloysius College Chapel
Bro.
Moscheni’s artistry also graced the altars of the Seminary Church at Jeppu, the
Cathedral of Bombay, and a chapel in Cochin. It was in Cochin, still engaged in
his work, that he passed away in 1905 at the age of 51. Tradition holds that
his untimely death was caused by prolonged exposure to paint fumes that had
damaged his lungs.
The
First Restoration
In
1928, a lightning strike severely damaged the chapel and its original
paintings. The repair of the building and the restoration of the artworks
amounted to Rs. 10,000, a sum raised largely through contributions from the
school’s and college’s alumni. To support the effort further, members of the
College Sodality staged a four-act comedy for the public. By 1930, the
restoration was completed. A special shrine, featuring an elegant marble altar,
was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The chapel itself was also
enhanced with an extended portico, giving it a renewed appearance.
In
preparation for the consecration of the new altar, a triduum was held from
October 6th to 8th. On the final day, the statue of the Sacred Heart was
carried in solemn procession to Eidgah Hill before being ceremoniously
installed on the new marble altar.
Painting of Chapel Pillars and
Replacement of the Cross
In 1965, the Chapel underwent significant maintenance work. The repainting of
the pillars and the wainscoting of the walls was entrusted to M/s Simon and
Co., who began the task on 16th May.
That
same year, on 28th May, the wooden Cross measuring 8’ x 4’ on the façade of the
Chapel was removed, as it had deteriorated under the extreme weather conditions
of Mangalore. It was replaced with a new teakwood Cross measuring 82” x 42” x
3”. Of this, 18 inches were embedded into the wall, while the exposed portion
was treated with seven coats of paint of various kinds to protect it against
the heavy monsoons and the summer heat. Notably, the wood for this new Cross
came from a teak tree grown within the college campus. The old Cross has since
been preserved in the Aloyseum.
The Second Restoration
Over
the years, the extreme weather conditions of Mangalore had taken their toll on
the chapel’s original paintings, which began showing visible signs of
deterioration. The situation called for urgent intervention to preserve these
priceless works before they were damaged beyond repair. Fr. Ronnie Prabhu, the then Rector of the
College, took the initiative to seek professional assistance for their
conservation. His efforts were ably continued by his successor, Fr. Aveline
D’Souza. The National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property
(NRLC), Lucknow—a premier institute under the Government of India—was
approached. Experts from NRLC carried out a detailed investigation and
submitted a comprehensive report. Based
on their findings, Dr. B. B. Lal, Chief Archaeological Chemist of the
Archaeological Survey of India, Dehradun, proposed a course of action. The
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Lucknow, then
came forward to undertake the restoration. The estimated budget for the project
was set at twelve lakh rupees.
The
formal inauguration of the restoration work took place on 26th November, 1990, at 6 p.m. in the High School
quadrangle, with the Vicar General Rev. Fr. Aloysius D’ Souza as the chief
guest, alongside Sri K.P. Krishnan, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada and
other dignitaries. A brief shower during the event prompted a shift of the
ceremony to the Chapel. Dr. O. P. Agarwal from INTACH, Lucknow, and Mr. Bosu
from Delhi were present for the occasion.
Soon after, a team of five painting specialists commenced the
painstaking work of restoration.
The Third Restoration
The
third restoration of the Chapel paintings was carried out over a span of 15
months, from November 2017 to January 2019, during the rectorship of Fr.
Dionysius Vaz. The project, costing ₹1.58 crore, was undertaken by the Indian
National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) under the directorship of
Mr. Nilabh Sinha.
Earlier,
on 12 January 2001, the Government of India had issued a commemorative postal
stamp featuring one of the Chapel’s paintings. The stamp was released by Mr.
George Fernandes, then Defence Minister of India and a distinguished alumnus of
the College, in the presence of Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, the Minister for
Communication. In the days leading up to the release, an exhibition of the
Chapel’s paintings and artefacts was organized at the High School Hall. On this
occasion, a bust of Bro. Moscheni—the artist behind the Chapel
paintings—sculpted by Mr. Anthony Fernandes, was unveiled by Fr. Victor
Piovesan from St. Joseph’s Seminary.
The New Extensions
As
the college population grew, the existing building soon proved inadequate to
accommodate the rising number of students. To address this, an extension was
planned, and in 1900 a new structure—later known as the Red Building for its distinctive colour wash—was
constructed at the northern end of the college grounds. The entire college
section was subsequently shifted to this new building during the tenure of Fr. J. Moore, an Irish-American Jesuit, who served
as rector and principal at the time.
In
1908, another building was erected on the northern slope of the hill to house
the Primary School. By 1926, the High School had taken over the entire old
building, while in later years the Middle and Primary Schools moved into
separate premises of their own.
The
college, affiliated with Madras University in 1882, initially offered History,
Mathematics, Logic, and Physiology as optional subjects in the Intermediate
course. Four years later, with the introduction of the B.A. programme, History
and Economics were added as optional subjects. These new academic offerings led
to a steady increase in student enrolment, which in turn created acute
shortages of space. To meet this demand, a reorganization of classrooms had to
be undertaken. The science laboratories were shifted to the newly constructed
science block. By 1930 the college had two physics laboratories, two chemistry
laboratories and a Natural Science laboratory, hence completing the first phase
of the college’s development in both academic programmes and infrastructure.
From Rented House to Hostel Complex
The
growing reputation of the college drew an increasing number of students, not
only from nearby towns and villages but also from Kerala (Malabar) across the
border. To accommodate these outstation students, Fr. Perini, the then rector
and principal, decided to establish a hostel. In 1907, he rented a spacious
house on the lower western slope, providing board and lodging for 47 students.
Within
two years, a new two-storeyed hostel was built above the rented house, allowing
for greater capacity. Eventually, the rented house was permanently acquired,
and the adjoining land was levelled to create a large playground. Fr. Gregory
Coelho, one of the first Indian Jesuits, was appointed Director of the hostels,
assisted by three fellow Jesuits. Over the next decade, Fr. Coelho transformed
the entire western slope into a hostel complex that stretched up to Kodialbail
Church.
In
1932, Fr. Boniface D’Souza took charge as hostel director. He oversaw the
construction of a two-storey building with 40 rooms for non-Catholic students,
while the original Sacred Heart Hostel was reserved for Catholic students. Soon
after, Anand Bhavan, a building along Court Road, was acquired and converted
into a hostel. Additional land at the far corner of the property was also
purchased for another hostel. With these developments, the entire stretch below
the science block, bordering Kodialbail Church and Court Road, evolved into a
full-fledged hostel complex.
The Second Phase of Development (1937 onwards)
In
1937, Fr. Boniface D’Souza became the first Indian Jesuit to be appointed
rector of St. Aloysius College. During his tenure, the High School
building—later known as the White Building
(to distinguish it from the Red Building
constructed 39 years earlier)—was completed at a lower level on the eastern
side of the main structure. An adjoining one-acre plot at a still lower level
was also acquired and converted into a playground.
In
1941, the Jesuits purchased another piece of land known as the Judge’s Bungalow. Interestingly, this plot had been
denied to them during the initial construction of the college building, as the
Anglican judge then occupying the bungalow had refused to vacate. When he
eventually did so, the Jesuits acquired the property at a reasonable price from
the Lobo Prabhu family.
Fr.
Boniface stepped down in 1943, and Fr. Joseph Coelho—formerly the Headmaster of
St. Joseph’s Indian High School, Bangalore—was appointed rector. Under his
leadership, the college kept pace with academic developments. The B.Sc. course
in Physics and Chemistry replaced the earlier B.A. program, and a B.Com. course
was also introduced.
One
of Fr. Coelho’s most significant achievements was the construction of a
dedicated College Department on the site of the former Judge’s Bungalow.
Completed in 1949, this new building housed the entire Arts Department. That
same year, the Jesuits acquired an additional eight acres of land adjoining the
site, bringing almost the entire upper portion of Eidgah Hill under their
possession. This expansion made it possible to create a large playground and to
plan for future buildings to serve the growing needs of the college.
In
addition to these infrastructure milestones, Fr. Coelho left a lasting legacy
through his focus on social engagement. He founded the Social Service League to encourage students to reach
out to the underprivileged and share the benefits of their education. Adult
education was also an important part of this initiative. Fr. Coelho retired in
1949, leaving behind both physical and social foundations that would shape the
college’s future.
RECTORS
|
No |
Name |
Year |
|
1. |
Fr. Joseph Antony Willy SJ |
1880 – 1885 |
|
2.
|
Fr. Abundius
Cavadini SJ |
1885 – 1891 |
|
3.
|
Fr. Angelo Maffei SJ |
1891 – 1896 |
|
4.
|
Fr. Aegidius
Frachetti SJ |
1896 – 1900 |
|
5. |
Fr. John Moore SJ |
1900 – 1904 |
|
6. |
Fr. Paul
Perini SJ |
1904 – 1910 |
|
7. |
Fr. Aegidius Frachetti SJ |
1911 – 1913 |
|
8. |
Fr. C.
Perazzi SJ |
1913 – 1921 |
|
9.
|
Fr. Leo Proserpio SJ |
1921 – 1928 |
|
10. |
Fr. Aloysius
Ambrozzi SJ |
1928 – 1937 |
|
11. |
Fr. Boniface D’ Souza SJ |
1937 – 1943 |
|
12. |
Fr. Joseph
Coelho SJ |
1943 – 1949 |
|
13. |
Fr. Emmanuel J. Jacques SJ |
1949 – 1955 |
|
14.
|
Fr. Albert
J. Saldanha SJ |
1955 – 1959 |
|
15. |
Fr. Sylvester Monteiro SJ |
1959 – 1961 |
|
16. |
Fr. Alexis
P. Menezes SJ |
1961 – 1966 |
|
17. |
Fr. Mathew Lewis SJ |
1966 – 1972 |
|
18. |
Fr. Stany F.
Vas SJ |
1972 – 1974 |
|
19. |
Fr. Lawrence F. Rasquinha SJ |
1974 – 1977 |
|
20. |
Fr. Mathew
Lewis SJ |
1977 – 1980 |
|
21. |
Fr. Ronnie Prabhu SJ |
1980 – 1986 |
|
22. |
Fr. Aveline
D’ Souza SJ |
1986 – 1992 |
|
23. |
Fr. Leo D’ Souza SJ |
1992 – 1998 |
|
24. |
Fr. Ralph Da
Costa SJ |
1998 – 2001 |
|
25. |
Fr. Vijaykumar Prabhu SJ |
2001 – 2004 |
|
26. |
Fr. Francis
Serrao SJ |
2004 – 2010 |
|
27. |
Fr. Joseph Rodrigues SJ |
2010 – 2013 |
|
28. |
Fr. Denzil
Lobo SJ |
2013 – 2016 |
|
29. |
Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ |
2016 – 2020 |
|
30. |
Fr. Melwin
J. Pinto SJ |
2020 - |
Courtesy: Province Archives
Further Development (1949–1980)
The
next three decades in the history of St. Aloysius College marked a phase of
significant structural expansion and academic consolidation.
Fr.
Emmanuel Jaques, who succeeded Fr. Joseph Coelho as rector, worked tirelessly
to upgrade the college facilities. During his tenure, the science laboratories
were modernized, a gas plant was constructed, and the Social Service League was
elevated into a diploma course with regular outreach programmes.
In
1955, Fr. Jaques was succeeded by Fr. Albert Saldanha, who served as both
rector and principal. Two years later, in 1957, the existing two-year
Intermediate Course was restructured into the Pre-University Course (PUC). The
new academic scheme, introduced by Madras University, comprised a two-year PUC
followed by a three-year degree programme. With the reorganization of Indian
states in 1956, the college first came under Karnataka University (Dharwad) and
later under Mysore University.
Fr.
Sylvester Monteiro succeeded Fr. Albert in 1959 as rector and principal.
Despite his brief tenure of only two years, he left a lasting impact: Botany
and Zoology were elevated to major subjects in the B.Sc. programme, a
mini-auditorium was constructed, and various facilities were improved in both
the college and the school. In 1961, when the Mangalore Mission was elevated
into a vice-province and named Karnataka Province, Fr. Monteiro became its
first vice-provincial, ending his rectorship prematurely.
Fr.
Alexis P. Menezes then assumed leadership as rector and principal. He expanded
the Social Service League by opening it to the public as a Diploma Course. In
response to the Chinese invasion of India, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was
made compulsory for all students. This, however, created a shortage of space,
as NCC training occupied a large portion of the grounds, restricting sports and
games. To address this, Fr. Alexis envisioned converting the slope behind the
main building into a stadium—a monumental task that began with Shramadana (voluntary student work) and took over five
years to complete. Another notable contribution during his tenure was the
founding of the Evening School in 1963 for working boys. Classes VIII, IX, and
X were launched simultaneously, and the first batch of SSLC students—all four
of them—passed the board examinations successfully.
In
1966, Fr. Mathew Lewis, previously warden of Sacred Heart Hostel and Director
of Gonzaga House, succeeded Fr. Alexis. Collaborating closely with Fr. Stany
Coelho, Headmaster of the High School, Fr. Mathew worked relentlessly to raise
both the college and school to new heights. He oversaw the construction of
staff quarters on the northern slope of the property and continued to expand
campus amenities. Fr. Coelho, meanwhile, pioneered the first Parent-Teacher
Association in Mangalore and introduced the Work Experience scheme, which
included woodwork, bookbinding, drawing, painting, music, and dramatics—skills
that offered pathways to advanced courses. Fr. Mathew also established the
Evening College, an extension of the Evening School, which soon attracted
hundreds of working men and women. It was during this period that the college
welcomed women for the first time, both as students and teachers. The science
department also benefitted significantly from University Grants Commission
(UGC) funding under the College Science Improvement Programme.
In
1972, Fr. Stanislaus Vas became rector, though his tenure lasted only two years
before he was transferred to St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, in 1974. A Ph.D.
holder in Chemistry from Loyola University, Chicago, Fr. Vas introduced
academic innovations while continuing to teach. He ensured that UGC grants were
channelled into strengthening the science laboratories, library, and in-service
training programmes for lecturers. With the centenary celebrations of the
college approaching, he also established a Centenary Cell to plan and
coordinate the festivities.
Preparing for the Centenary Celebrations
When
Fr. Lawrence F. Rasquinha (fondly known as Fr. LF) assumed office as rector and
principal of the college in 1974, his foremost concern was to initiate
preparations for the institution’s centenary celebrations. To this end, he
constituted the Centenary Planning Committee, which began its work by raising
funds for the grand event.
During
his tenure, a new building was constructed to house the Primary and Middle
Schools. Balancing the dual responsibility of preparing for the centenary while
relocating these schools proved a considerable challenge, especially alongside
his duties as principal. In 1978, the provincial found a fitting successor in
the veteran Fr. Mathew Lewis, who was persuaded to return as the “Centenary
Rector.” Relieved of this major responsibility, Fr. LF devoted himself fully to
the principalship, which he held with distinction for 14 years. He is
remembered as perhaps the most loved—and at times the most feared—principal in
the college’s history.
With
Fr. Mathew Lewis at the helm, preparations for the centenary gained momentum.
In addition to strengthening the financial resources, he oversaw every detail
of the celebrations. The Centenary Memorial Building was planned, and its
foundation stone was laid on 21st June 1978 by Sri Govinda Narain, Governor of
Karnataka. Fr. Mathew not only managed the centenary programmes to universal
satisfaction but also safeguarded funds for the college’s future
development. His second tenure as rector
was also marked by significant achievements: the revival of the Evening
College’s identity; improved housing for resident staff; the renovation of the
old Academy Hall with a modern stage; the addition of an auditorium to the
Administrative Block; and the acquisition of new land to enable future
expansion.
A Hundred Years of Service to the Youth
The
Centenary Year of St Aloysius College was inaugurated on 12th January 1979 with
the opening of the Centenary Building by His Excellency Sri C. M. Poonacha,
Governor of Madhya Pradesh. The celebrations culminated in January 1980 with a
series of memorable events.
The
rejuvenated Old Boys’ Association (later renamed the St Aloysius College Alumni
Association – SACAA), under the dynamic leadership of its secretary, Mr.
Santosh Kumar Kadri, played a pivotal role in organizing the festivities. On
Benefactors’ Day, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Rev. Fr Pedro
Arrupe, was the chief guest. He also preached at the Thanksgiving Mass, which
was presided over by His Lordship Basil D’Souza. In his message, Fr Arrupe
reaffirmed the Jesuits’ commitment to the mission of educating the youth of
Mangalore and Karnataka.
Several
enduring memorials were established to mark the Centenary, the most significant
being: (1) The Aloysian Boys’ Home at Nehru Nagar, Kotekar; (2) The St Aloysius
Technical Training Institute within the college campus; (3) An extension to the
college building, inaugurated in 1980 by the President of India, Sri Neelam
Sanjeeva Reddy; (4) A comprehensive Souvenir documenting the history, growth,
and development of St Aloysius College.
The Edifice Brick by Brick
Having
successfully organized the grand centenary celebrations of the College, Fr. Mathew Lewis sought relief from his
responsibilities as Rector. He was succeeded by Fr.
Ronnie Prabhu, while Fr. Leo D’Souza
assumed office as Principal, taking over from Fr.
Julian Fernandes, who, after a brief tenure as Principal, was
appointed Provincial of the Karnataka Province.
The
young and dynamic Fr. Ronnie Prabhu
revitalized both the Jesuit community and the Aloysian institutions. During his
tenure, the College systematized its social outreach programs through the
Aloysian Boys’ Home at Nehrunagar and launched the St. Aloysius Technical Training Courses. A
specialist in Inter-Religious Dialogue, Fr. Ronnie also reached out to other
Christian denominations and engaged meaningfully with people of different
faiths.
Fr.
Ronnie’s tenure as Rector ended with the appointment of Fr. Aveline D’Souza on 30th April 1986. He formally
took charge on 2nd June. An alumnus of both St. Aloysius School and College,
Fr. Aveline brought deep enthusiasm and commitment to his alma mater. He
spearheaded the renovation of old buildings, upgraded campus facilities, and,
most significantly, oversaw the restoration of the historic College Chapel
paintings with support from the Government of Karnataka. The century-old Jesuit
Residence was also restructured and given a new look. The residence which was
facing the East now faced the West. The large steps that led to the huge wooden
door leading towards the entrance of the residence were removed and the Office
of the Headmaster of the High School found its place there. Loyola Block on the College campus and the Aloysian Boys’ Home at Kotekar were modernized as
well.
Under
his leadership, new academic programs were introduced, and the Evening College
was brought under the Grant-in-Aid scheme. In 1988, plans for a multi-storey
block were finalized. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. Janardhana Poojary, Union Minister of State for
Rural Development, on 15th February 1989, and blessed by Rev. Dr. Basil D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. The
building, inaugurated in June 1990, housed the Botany,
Zoology, and Microbiology Departments, along with spacious
classrooms and a women’s room.
Fr.
Dr. Leo D’Souza, an
eminent botanist, guided the College as Principal for a decade (1980–1990). A
man of vision with a heart for the underprivileged, he introduced several
innovative and career-oriented courses, including Secretarial Practice, English and Kannada Majors, Physical
Education, Electronics, Computer Applications, and Business Administration.
He took the historic step of admitting women students, transforming the College
into a co-educational institution. Fr. Leo also reformed the examination
system, improved discipline, facilitated faculty development, and encouraged
research.
In
1992, Fr. Leo was additionally entrusted with the rectorship, giving him the
opportunity to extend his vision across the campus. Leveraging his
international contacts, he secured funds for several initiatives, including the
St. Aloysius Industrial Training Centre (SAITC)
and the Aloysian Boys’ Home at Nehrunagar. As technical programs expanded, a
new block with advanced facilities was constructed in 1996, followed by an
extension in 2004 when the old primary school building was replaced.
The
Academy Hall, formerly known as
the OBA Hall, had grown unsafe and
inadequate for the High School’s needs. A new multipurpose hall was therefore
planned behind the Main Block. Its foundation was laid during Fr. Leo’s tenure,
and the completed structure was inaugurated on 1st November 1998, during the
rectorship of his successor, Fr. Ralph Da Costa.
Later, the old OBA Hall was renovated and annexed to the Jesuit Residence,
converted into a dining hall, kitchen, chapel, and
recreation room.
During
this period, the Aloysian Boys’ Home was strengthened financially, and
additional cottages were built for the comfort of its residents. On campus, a Computer Centre was established, and a Laboratory for Applied Biology was built, earning
national recognition as a centre for doctoral research.
When
his tenure as Rector concluded in 1998, Fr. Leo D’Souza
gracefully handed over leadership to Fr. Ralph Da Costa,
continuing the proud tradition of service and vision.
Fr.
Joseph Nelapati succeeded Fr. Leo as Principal of the College in 1990. A
dynamic and resourceful leader, Fr. Nelapati transformed the campus within just
four years. He introduced several new courses, including Microbiology, Business
Management, and Journalism. The computer facilities were expanded with multiple
laboratories, while new labs in Electronics, Microbiology, and TV Technology
were also established. The library doubled in both space and volumes,
significantly enhancing academic resources. To prepare the institution for
Autonomous status, systematic orientation programmes were organized for the
faculty. Despite Telugu being his mother tongue, Fr. Nelapati also introduced a
Diploma course in Konkani, reflecting his inclusive vision.
Fr.
Nelapati retired on 1 March 1994, handing over charge to his successor, Fr.
Prashant Madtha. Though modest in stature, Fr. Prashant was a visionary with
ambitious plans for the holistic growth of the College. Between 1994 and 2003,
the institution witnessed remarkable infrastructural development. Coelho Block
was constructed in 1998, completing the original E-shaped Administrative Block.
Gonzaga Block followed in 2000, and both the IT Block and Xavier Block were
completed in 2002. Academically, the College launched several postgraduate
programmes, including Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Social
Work (MSW), MSc in Biotechnology, a Postgraduate Correspondence Course in
Konkani, and many more.
During
Fr. Prashant’s tenure, the faculty system was introduced, with Deans heading
individual Faculties, each allocated a dedicated floor with staff rooms
accordingly reorganized. The Class Guide or Mentor system was also launched to
ensure students’ holistic development. Outreach initiatives such as Sahodaya and Sangaati
were introduced, fostering community engagement. Student-driven publications,
including Dhwani, Ripples, and Al-news,
gave voice to student creativity and opinion.
Significant
campus enhancements also took shape during this period: Altorium, Praetorium,
Sopangana, and a parking facility near the IT Block were constructed; Al-Vana, a biodiversity park, along with a greenhouse,
was established. The Aloyseum—the College Museum—was revitalized in the
historic Red Building. With lush gardens, landscaped greenery, and vibrant new
facilities, the campus came alive with fresh energy, attracting an increasing
number of visitors. These initiatives also positioned the College strongly for
NAAC accreditation, cementing its reputation for academic and infrastructural
excellence.
When
Fr. Eugene Lobo succeeded Fr. Prashant as Principal on 1st August 2003, Fr.
Vijay Prabhu had already completed three years of his rectorship. He had taken
over from Fr. Ralph, who served as Rector between 1998 and 2001. Though Fr.
Ralph’s tenure lasted only three years, he continued the tradition of
developmental work on campus. During his leadership, the Gonzaga Block was
inaugurated, the foundation stone for the IT Block was laid, new hostel toilets
were constructed, and the Old Science Block was linked to the New Loyola Block
by a pedestrian bridge. He also played a pivotal role in the release of a
commemorative postal stamp and envelope by the Government of India, marking the
centenary celebrations of Brother Moscheni’s paintings in the College Chapel.
As
the institution entered its 125th year, Fr. Vijay Prabhu welcomed Fr. Eugene
Lobo as the 25th Principal of the College on 1st August 2003. Under their
leadership, the campus saw significant expansion with the addition of the IT
Block and Xavier Block. The Jubilee Block of the Hostel and a new Ladies’
Hostel were completed and inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for
the PUC Auditorium and the Middle School Extension Block. In 2004, Fr. Vijay
Prabhu was appointed Provincial of Karnataka and moved to Bangalore to serve
the Province at a wider level.
That
same year, Fr. Francis Serrao, a young and dynamic Jesuit with considerable
experience in social work, succeeded him as Rector. His background greatly
benefited students from marginalized communities, enabling many to pursue
higher education at the College. Meanwhile, Fr. Eugene, with his approachable
and congenial style, nurtured a warm and friendly atmosphere on campus. He
established an Observatory on top of Xavier Block, providing a significant
boost to the Science Department. The Observatory, the only one of its kind in
South Kanara, quickly became a landmark. In 2004, the College also introduced
the MBA program and secured approval to begin an M.Sc. in Bioinformatics.
Together,
under the leadership of Frs. Francis and Eugene, the College prepared to
celebrate its Post-Centennial Silver Jubilee.
The Autonomous Status – A Newfound Freedom
St
Aloysius College attained the coveted status of an autonomous institution on
June 7, 2007, marking a turning point in its journey. With autonomy came
accelerated growth—both academically and in terms of infrastructure. After five
years of dedicated service, Principal Fr. Eugene stepped down on May 1, 2007,
handing over leadership to a younger successor, Fr. Swebert D’Silva, who until
then had been serving as the Principal of the PU College.
A
significant addition during this period was the Arrupe
Block, constructed behind the IT Block to provide ample space
for the BBM, M.Com., and MSW programs. The new facility was blessed and
inaugurated on July 3, 2008. By this time, the college had expanded to four
sections of Commerce, three of BBM, and two of BCA, with a student strength of
2,860. Five new disciplines were also introduced, including M.Sc. in Biochemistry, M.A. in English Literature, and Applied Economics, expanding the academic offerings
from nine to fourteen programs. In 2012,
the UGC Autonomy Review Team
visited the college. Impressed by the progress made, the team recommended
extending the autonomous status for another six years.
Leadership
transitions continued with Fr. Denzil E. Lobo
assuming office as Rector on May 3, 2013, following Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, who stepped down at short
notice to proceed to the USA for a sabbatical. Around the same time, Fr. Walter Albuquerque received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Konkani Music from
Konkani Mandd Sobhann, along with a citation and a cheque for ₹1 lakh. In a
generous gesture, he donated the entire amount to St Aloysius High School,
establishing a fund to support deserving students gifted in music.
After
three years as Rector, Fr. Denzil handed over charge to Fr. Dionysius Vaz in 2016 and resumed his role as
full-time Director at AIMIT. That same year, on the occasion of the
canonisation of Mother Teresa of Kolkata,
two landmarks on campus were renamed: the popular student gathering spot, the Katte, became Mother Teresa Park,
and the Arrupe Hall was renamed Mother Teresa Hall.
Another
milestone in infrastructure was the completion of a state-of-the-art Olympic-standard swimming pool,
equipped with an advanced ozone purification system. The Swimming Pool Complex,
built at a cost of ₹8 crore (with ₹1 crore granted by the UGC), was blessed by
Provincial Fr. Stany D’Souza on
December 19, 2016.
Technology in Education – A Campus Revolution
Fr.
Praveen Martis succeeded Fr. Swebert D’Silva as Principal of St. Aloysius
College in 2017. A scholar, scientist, and visionary, Fr. Praveen aspired to
elevate the institution to its next logical milestone—a university. From the
very outset, he dedicated himself to realizing this dream, leaving no stone
unturned. His numerous visits to the corridors of power in New Delhi not only
familiarized him with the intricacies of academic policy and administrative
diplomacy but also acquainted him with twists and turns on the roads to the
power that be.
While
modernizing the college’s infrastructure, Fr. Praveen simultaneously focused on
enhancing academic standards. A historic moment arrived on February 28, 2018,
when Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, visited the
campus along with his team. They expressed deep admiration for the generations
of Jesuits whose tireless dedication had shaped the century-old institution
into one of repute and glory. Though the college’s Gothic façade evoked a sense
of antiquity, its inner workings reflected a forward-looking, technology-driven
ethos.
In
2018–19, for the first time in the college’s history, the entire admission
process was conducted online. The same year also saw the launch of three new
postgraduate programmes—M.Sc. in Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics; M.Sc.
in Big Data Analytics; and M.Com. in Finance and Analytics—raising the total
number of PG courses to 21.
The
450th birth anniversary of St. Aloysius Gonzaga was commemorated with a
week-long celebration, Seva Sapthah (20–25 August
2018). During this period, several delegations from overseas universities
visited the campus to explore avenues for academic collaboration and
student–faculty exchanges. Notable among these were Creighton University,
Harrisburg University, Ottawa University, and the College of Saint Rose.
Meanwhile, the complex and demanding process of securing
Deemed-to-be-University status was pursued with persistence and eventually
brought to fruition.
The
Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES) also invested significantly in
campus development. The road leading to the PU block was asphalted, while those
to the MJES office and High School were laid with interlocks. The compound wall
from the Lighthouse entrance to the Chapel was redesigned, and restoration of
the chapel was completed. The college museum was relocated to a newly designed
hall in the PUC Science Block and inaugurated on February 16, 2019. The
occasion was graced by Ms. Silvana Rizzi, grandniece of the renowned Jesuit
artist Bro. Antonio Moscheni, in the presence of Bishop Francis Serrao, former
rector and currently the Bishop of Shimoga.
COVID-19 Relief Work – From the Classrooms to the Streets
The
outbreak of COVID-19 cast a shadow over the entire campus of St Aloysius
Institutions. With classes suspended and institutions closed, the academic
community, including the Jesuits, remained indoors. During this time, Frs. Dion
Vaz, Vinod Paul, and Clifford Sequeira contracted the virus and were admitted
to Fr. Muller’s Hospital. While Frs. Dion and Vinod recovered within a couple
of weeks, Fr. Clifford’s condition caused grave concern among his confreres and
the walls and the corridors of the Jesuit Residence echoed the cautious
whispers. Thankfully, though his recovery took longer, he eventually returned
to the community, bringing relief and gratitude to his fellow Jesuits.
Rising
to the challenges of the pandemic, the Jesuit community extended its support
beyond the campus walls. They directed their efforts towards assisting the poor
and marginalized in and around Dakshina Kannada, distributing essential food
grains and supplies. Considerable resources were mobilized to reach those most
in need, reflecting the community’s commitment to service during this crisis.
Meanwhile,
administrative transitions also took place as scheduled. On August 25, 2020,
Fr. Dionysius Vaz, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, was appointed Provincial
of the Karnataka Province. His place was taken by Fr. Melwin J. Pinto, an
alumnus of the institution, who assumed office as Rector on September 22, 2020.
In the midst of these changes, the community joyfully celebrated a
milestone—Fr. Leo D’Souza’s 70 years as a Jesuit—on July 25, 2020.
Yet
the pandemic continued to test the resilience of the community. On April 17,
2021, Fr. Melwin, along with Frs. Praveen Martis and Sujay Daniel, tested
positive for COVID-19. While Frs. Praveen and Sujay recovered in isolation, Fr.
Melwin required hospitalization at Fr. Muller’s, where he spent ten days
battling the virus. Though his health reached a critical stage, he eventually
recovered, returning with renewed strength for his mission. The Heavens did not
open to him as he stood knocking at the door. He was turned back as much to be
accomplished in St. Aloysius Institutions.
Further
transitions followed. On June 19, 2021, Fr. John D’Souza succeeded Fr. Denzil
W. Lobo as House Minister and also took charge as Director of St Aloysius
Industrial Training Institute (SAITI). Fr. Cyril D’Mello, meanwhile, moved to
the MJES Office as its Secretary and Treasurer and handed over his
responsibilities at SAITI to Fr. John.
The Sky is the Limit
Despite Principal Fr. Praveen Martis’s
frequent visits to Delhi regarding the college’s pursuit of university status,
academic and infrastructural progress continued unhindered. In 2021, twenty
postgraduate departments of the college were recognized as Research Centres for
Ph.D. programmes under Mangalore University. The institution was also selected
to undertake 14 research projects highlighting the cultural diversity of
coastal Karnataka.
That
same year, the college achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 95th
rank in the NIRF India Rankings among 6,000 institutions nationwide and stood
3rd in Karnataka. Adding one more feather to his cap, Fr. Praveen Martis was
nominated for the Outstanding Community Leaders of
Mangalore Award 2021 by the International Institute for Public
Policy (IIPP).
On
August 6, 2021, Fr. Joseph Willy Hall and a state-of-the-art Computer Lab were
inaugurated with funds sanctioned by the Government of India, facilitated
through the efforts of Mr. Oscar Fernandes. Another landmark achievement was
the commissioning of a 605 KW Rooftop Solar Power Plant across the college’s
four campuses, inaugurated on September 24, 2021.
The
college also launched its own publication unit, St.
Aloysius Prakashana, inaugurated on October 7, 2021. Further
enriching its cultural and artistic endeavours, the dramatics association St. Aloysius Ranga Adhyayana Kendra was established on
March 3, 2022 — a new platform for fostering theatrical talent.
The Dream Realized: St. Aloysius Deemed to be University
As
the long-cherished dream of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) transforming into
a university drew closer, Principal Fr. Praveen Martis
(soon to assume office as the first Vice-Chancellor) spent ten days at Oxford
University, UK. There, he engaged in interactive sessions with officials of the
renowned Saïd Business School on
the establishment and operations of a premier institution. He was accompanied
by the college registrars, Dr. Alwyn D’Sa
and Dr. Ronald Nazareth, along with
Dr. Denis Fernandes, Director
of the Arrupe Block.
Finally,
the historic day arrived. On January 19, 2024,
St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) was formally declared St. Aloysius Deemed to be University (as per the
Ministry of Education, Government of India, Notification No. 9-27/2017-U.3(A),
dated 19.01.2024). The notification read:
‘The
University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Education, Government of
India, has approved the proposal for the status of Deemed to be University by
the well-known St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru and granted
university status. With this coveted status the institution will from now on be
called St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru vide Education
Ministry, Government of India – Notification No. 9-27/2017-U.3 (A) dated
19.01.2024 declaring St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru as an
institution Deemed to be University.
The
UGC and the Ministry of Education, after making a thorough study of the College
proposal on various parameters like physical and digital infrastructure,
curricular design, research and innovation, graduate outcomes, student
attainment levels, placements, vision and mission of the institution and its
impact on the society along with the considerations of the higher levels of
successive NAAC accreditations, NIRF and distinctive rankings and achievements,
has granted the university status to the College…”
To
commemorate this milestone, a solemn Thanksgiving
Eucharist was celebrated in front of the University’s
Administrative Block on Wednesday, February
28, 2024. The celebration brought together all stakeholders to
express gratitude for this historic achievement. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore,
was the main celebrant, while Most Rev. Dr.
Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga, delivered the homily.
Also present were Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo
(Bishop of Udupi), Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda
(Bishop of Gulbarga), Most Rev. Dr.
Aloysius Paul D’Souza (Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese),
and Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz,
Provincial of Karnataka. Over 200 priests,
religious men and women, along with a large gathering of Jesuits, students, alumni, benefactors, and well-wishers,
added to the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion.
The
felicitation that followed recognized leaders who had played a pivotal role in
securing university status. Among those specially honoured were Sri Nalin Kumar Kateel, local MP, and Fr. Xavier Gomes of the Diocese of Mangalore.
Indeed,
it was a proud and historic moment for the entire Aloysian family, marking the
realization of a dream nurtured for generations.
PRINCIPALS
|
NO |
Name |
Year |
|
1 |
Fr. Joseph Antony Willy SJ |
1879 – 1885 |
|
2 |
Fr. Joseph Hoene SJ |
1885 – 1889 |
|
3. |
Fr. Henry Kemp SJ |
1889 – 1891 |
|
4. |
Fr. Angelo Maffei SJ |
1891 – 1898 |
|
5. |
Fr. John Moore SJ |
1898 – 1904 |
|
6. |
Fr. Paul Perini SJ |
1904 – 1910 |
|
7. |
Fr. C. Ghezzi SJ |
1911 – 1913 |
|
8. |
Fr. C. Perazzi SJ |
1913 – 1921 |
|
9. |
Fr. Leo Proserpio SJ |
1921 – 1928 |
|
10. |
Fr. Aloysius Ambruzzi SJ |
1928 – 32, 1935 – 1937 |
|
11. |
Fr. Thomas Gonsalves SJ |
1932 – 1935 |
|
12. |
Fr. Thomas Gonsalves SJ |
1937 – 1939 |
|
13. |
Fr. Boniface D’ Souza SJ |
1939 – 1943 |
|
14. |
Fr. Joseph A. B. Coelho SJ |
1943 – 1949 |
|
15. |
Fr. Emmaneul J. Jacques SJ |
1949 – 1955 |
|
16. |
Fr. Albert J. Saldanha SJ |
1955 – 1959 |
|
17. |
Fr. Sylvester Monteiro SJ |
1959 – 1961 |
|
18. |
Fr. Alexis P. Menezes SJ |
1961 – 1966 |
|
19. |
Fr. Lawrence F. Rasquinha SJ |
1966 – 1980 |
|
20. |
Fr. Julian Fernandes SJ |
1980 – 1980 |
|
21. |
Fr. Leo D’ Souza SJ |
1980 – 1990 |
|
22. |
Fr. Joseph C. Nelapaty SJ |
1990 – 1994 |
|
23. |
Fr. Prashant Madtha SJ |
1994 – 2003 |
|
24. |
Fr. Eugene Lobo SJ |
2003 – 2007 |
|
25. |
Fr. Swebert D’ Silva SJ |
2007 – 2017 |
|
26. |
Fr. Praveen Martis SJ
(Vice-Chancellor) |
2017 - |
Courtesy: Province Archives
Aloysius
Institute of Management and
Information
Technology (AIMIT)
Aloysius
Institute of Management and Information Technology (AIMIT)
The
Departments of Information Technology and Business Administration were
relocated to a newly acquired 18-acre campus at Beeri–Kotekar, 13 km from the
city. The foundation stone for AIMIT was laid on October 20, 2007, marking the
beginning of a state-of-the-art complex designed to include the Administrative
Block, Academic Block, Ladies’ Hostel, and Food Court.
Construction
of these facilities, estimated at a cost of ₹20 crore, progressed
simultaneously and was completed within two years. The new campus was
envisioned to house the departments of MBA, MCA, M.Sc. (Bioinformatics), M.Sc.
(Software Technology), and Computer Science. This architectural landmark,
featuring spacious classrooms and well-equipped computer laboratories, was
inaugurated in early June 2009.
The
influence of Fr. Denzil E. Lobo’s visits to universities in India and abroad
was clearly reflected in the campus’s design and infrastructure. AIMIT stands
as his brainchild, leaving a lasting impression on staff, students, and
visitors alike.
A
small Jesuit community—an extension of the St Aloysius College Jesuit
Community—was also established on campus. Comprising Fr. Jeevan Prabhu, Sch.
Derick Mascarenhas, and Fr. Denzil himself, the community resided in an old
residential house purchased for this purpose on the eastern boundary of the
campus.
Gonzaga Nivas – A Jesuit Nest
In
2012, the residence of the extended Jesuit community at AIMIT was formally
named Gonzaga Nivas. Its first members
were Fr. Denzil Lobo, Fr. Ozzie Mascarenhas, and Fr. Ambrose D’Souza.
In
2013, when Fr. Denzil Lobo was appointed Rector of St Aloysius College, he
moved to the parent community but continued to serve as Director of AIMIT. Fr.
Pradeep Sequeira then joined Gonzaga Nivas as its Coordinator. Despite his new
responsibilities as Rector of the main campus, Fr. Denzil remained deeply
committed to AIMIT—his “first love.” However, balancing both roles proved
challenging as the main campus was deprived of his adequate attention. After
completing a three-year term, he thought it was wise to request to be relieved
of the rectorship, and Fr. Dionysius Vaz succeeded him.
Subsequently,
Fr. Melwyn S. Pinto was appointed Director of AIMIT and Coordinator of Gonzaga
Nivas, while Fr. Denzil was transferred to St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore.
With the arrival of Fr. Freddie Menezes, the Jesuit community at Gonzaga Nivas
grew to four members.
In
November 2021, a 150 KW rooftop solar power unit was inaugurated at AIMIT. More
than 700 trees were planted in the Miyawaki-style Urban Forest, further
enhancing the green campus. The establishment of the Fr. Stan Swamy Peace Park—which inadvertently received
free publicity after being criticized by a small group of local
fundamentalists—added to the institution’s reputation for social commitment and
ecological consciousness.
Under
the leadership of Fr. Melwyn Pinto, and later Fr. Kiran Kotha, AIMIT gained
recognition for its innovative approach to education. This progress was
highlighted in The New Indian Express (May
2024) in an article titled “Beyond Textbooks –
Practical Skills and Industry Readiness at AIMIT.”
St. Aloysius High School, Mangalore
St. Aloysius High School – the original “college”
The
history of St. Aloysius High School is closely intertwined with that of St.
Aloysius College. In fact, the College itself began with high school classes.
On January 12, 1880, the first three classes were inaugurated: Standards VIII,
IX, and X, then known as Lower IV, Upper IV, and Upper V respectively.
The
school and college were formally opened with a solemn High Mass presided over
by Mgr. Pagani, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit. The first batch
comprised 150 students. The following year, Matriculation - equivalent to
today’s Class XI - was introduced. The fledgling institution initially
functioned from Mrs. Mary Magdalene Coelho’s bungalow at Kodialbail. In 1881,
fifteen boys appeared for the Matriculation Examination; notably, five of them
later joined the Jesuits.
Soon
after, lower classes from I to VII were added, giving the institution the
character of a full-fledged high school. In 1922, these lower classes, then
referred to as the Middle School, were shifted to Milagres to serve as a feeder
school for St. Aloysius High School. This move allowed the main building to be
used exclusively for the high school. Eventually, the Milagres branch was
entrusted to the Diocesan Board.
The High School in Its Own Right
In
January 1890, the High School was officially recognized as an “Ordinary” school
for the Upper Secondary Examination, thus becoming an independent entity. The
high school classes were then referred to as “forms.” From that point onward,
Lower Class III became the First Form, while Classes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII
were renamed the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms, respectively.
The lower classes remained attached to the High School, though without a
separate building.
By
1904, due to increasing demand for admission, both the First and Second Forms
were divided into three sections each. In 1905, all six Forms were established,
some with multiple sections. In 1907, alongside the regular secular and
religious subjects, commercial subjects such as Bookkeeping, Typewriting, and
Shorthand were added to the curriculum. In the following years, additional
languages—Malayalam, Marathi, and Hindi—were introduced.
A
significant administrative milestone came in 1935, when Fr. Joseph Coelho
succeeded Fr. Ignatius Fernandes as headmaster. He introduced major reforms,
including shifting the academic year—which since 1880 had run from January to
December with May and June as summer holidays—to a new cycle beginning in June
and ending in May. The weekly holiday was also moved from Thursday to Saturday.
With a vision of fostering self-reliance and thrift, he established a student
cooperative society that allowed pupils to purchase books and stationery at
cost price.
In
1937, Fr. Boniface D’Souza became the first Indian appointed rector of the
college. Under strong leadership, the school maintained a reputation for
excellence and was consistently rated the best in the district. The District
Educational Officer’s report of 1944–45 praised the institution: “Under the guidance of the headmaster,
assisted by a set of experienced, earnest and painstaking teachers, the school
successfully maintains its high tradition of efficiency. For two successive
years it has produced the best results in the District in the SSLC Examination.
Out of 131 candidates presented, as many as 120 were successful, giving a pass
percentage of 91.6.”
As
enrolment grew, the need for additional space became acute. A new structure—the
“White Building”—was constructed on the eastern side of the main building to
house the high school students. Although the high school was still technically
part of the college, it finally became independent in 1957. On January 9 of
that year, it celebrated its first Prize Distribution Day, with Sri K.
Manjappa, then Minister for Education in Mysore State, as chief guest.
Up
to the Third Form, instruction was primarily in Kannada, though one of the four
sections used English as the medium. Hindi continued to be offered as the third
language. In January 1958, the headmaster proposed opening an English-medium
section starting from Standard I. However, the plan was never implemented, due
partly to inadequate infrastructure and largely to the Department of
Education’s uncertain stance on the issue. The headmaster ultimately settled
for applying to introduce English as a medium of instruction beginning with the
Fifth Standard.
St. Aloysius Night School: A Boon for Working Boys
In
1959, Fr. Stany Coelho was appointed Headmaster of St. Aloysius High School.
With the encouragement of Bishop Basil D’Souza, he went on to establish St. Aloysius Night High School on August 2, 1963.
Bishop Basil generously supported the initiative by covering the school’s
first-year expenses.
The
Night School was founded with a clear purpose: to give working boys—who
laboured during the day to support themselves—the opportunity to attend classes
in the evening and prepare for their matriculation examinations. Mr. Alexander
D’Souza, an experienced teacher from the day school, was appointed the first
headmaster of this institution, often referred to as the Evening School.
Another
of Fr. Coelho’s aspirations was to establish an English-medium
school, primarily to serve the children of Mangalore’s elite
community. Though he initially faced strong resistance from fellow Jesuits, his
persistence eventually prevailed. On May 23, 1966, at 9:30 a.m., in a modest
yet significant ceremony, the New English School
(or “Section”) was inaugurated at the old Boarding House, which
had by then been phased out. Nearly all the Jesuits of the community attended,
lending the event an air of official endorsement.
After
his retirement as Headmaster, Fr. Coelho was transferred to Nagaland as a
pioneer missionary. He left Mangalore on May 7, 1970, and was succeeded by Fr. Denis Rasquinha. During Fr. Rasquinha’s tenure,
the school launched several programs and activities aimed at empowering
students.
By
this time, however, the Kannada-medium primary section faced challenges.
Enrolment had sharply declined, and with the government no longer appointing
replacements for retiring teachers, the proposal to close the section gained
momentum.
At
the end of the 1974 academic year, Fr. Rasquinha was transferred to St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Bangalore, and
Fr. Lawrence Pinto was
appointed as the new Headmaster of St. Aloysius High School.
Kannada or English Medium? An Ideological Controversy
The
building of the Middle School (Upper Primary: Standards V to VII), whose
foundation stone was laid on May 2, 1974, was inaugurated on October 17, 1975.
Fr. Lawrence Pinto, the Headmaster, was known for his strong opposition to
English as a medium of instruction—whether at the primary, middle, or high
school level. After closing the unaided section of Standard V, he informed the
Education Department, in his capacity as Headmaster of the composite school,
that the unaided section of Standard VI would also be closed from June 1978.
This move, along with the rumours that followed, sparked apprehension among the
Catholics of Mangalore. Many feared that eventually all English-medium
sections—both aided and unaided, across primary, middle, and high school—would
be shut down.
Letters
of protest were soon sent to the Provincial, objecting strongly to any
decision, real or anticipated, to convert the entire school into a
Kannada-medium institution. The Rector and the Jesuit community also expressed
their disagreement with such a move. Yet, despite being isolated in his stance,
Fr. Lawrence Pinto persisted. In 1981, he sought permission to open an
additional Kannada-medium section in Standard VIII. The Provincial, however,
declined the request, noting the steady decline in enrolment in Kannada-medium
sections. On the contrary, there was a growing demand from the public for more
English-medium sections.
Even
so, the Province’s education policy—rooted in the Society’s preferential option
for the less privileged—clearly stated that no new English-medium schools or
sections would be started, since these primarily served the elite. As a result,
the Kannada-versus-English controversy lingered year after year, until it
concluded with the transfer of Fr. Lawrence Pinto. By a letter dated March 25,
1987, the Provincial appointed Fr. J. B. Mendonca as Headmaster of St. Aloysius
High School and transferred Fr. Pinto to Bangalore to serve as Headmaster of
St. Joseph’s Indian High School.
The
issue, however, resurfaced in 1990, when Fr. J. B. Mendonca, facing mounting
pressure for admissions into the Standard VIII English-medium section,
submitted a memorandum to MJES requesting permission to open an additional
section. The Provincial, once again consistent with the Province’s policy on
apostolic priorities, refused.
On
June 3, 1996, Fr. Celestine Sera succeeded Fr. J. B. Mendonca as Headmaster of
St. Aloysius High School.
Vocational Courses – Hands-on Experience for School Boys
In
1947, the Government introduced the Reorganized Scheme
of Education, which encouraged schools to offer vocational courses
at the high school level. Under this scheme, the curriculum was bifurcated at
the end of the IV Form, giving it a vocational orientation. The objective was
to equip boys, upon completing high school, either for clerical appointments or
for employment as skilled workers in factories, workshops, and small-scale
industries.
Responding
to this initiative, St. Aloysius High School, under the leadership of
Headmaster Fr. William Sequeira, launched two vocational streams: 1. Secretarial Course – covering commercial
arithmetic, typing, shorthand, and related subjects; 2. Engineering Course – providing practical
training in electricity, engineering drawing, wiring, and similar fields.
These
courses were housed in the Red Building, which was no longer in use by the
College. Initially managed by Brother Germek and later by Brother J.B.
Fernandes, the vocational program continued to expand. In 1950, a craft section
was introduced, offering facilities for designing and painting wooden toys. To
further enhance practical learning, a stapling machine was installed so
students could stitch their own books, and a small printing press was set up to
train them in printing. This initiative also enabled students, in the same
year, to qualify for the SSLC examination.
By
1956, the vocational wing had grown considerably, offering hands-on training in
Gardening, Book-binding, Painting, Bee-keeping,
Carpentry, Smithy, Composing, Printing, Aquarium Maintenance, Photography, and
Clay Modelling. These activities enriched students’ education
with practical skills, under the dedicated guidance of Brother Nalato, who
served the institution with commitment for more than three decades.
Moral Values through Education
As
headmaster, Fr. Stany Coelho
introduced an innovative educational scheme called Formation
in Responsibility. In addition to strengthening the vocational
stream and preparing students for career opportunities, this initiative
emphasized moral education, with the goal of shaping students into responsible
citizens.
Fr.
Stany also founded the Parent-Teacher
Association, the first of its kind in Mangalore, and
established the Old Boys’ Association,
which served as a vital channel of communication between the school and its
alumni. However, his attempt to start a parallel English-medium school,
modelled on the public school system, faced considerable opposition. It was
widely perceived as catering to the affluent and as conflicting with the stated
policy of the Karnataka Province.
In
1974, following the transfer of Fr. Stany Vas
to Bangalore, Fr. L.F. Rasquinha, then
principal of the college, was entrusted with the additional responsibility of
rector. Around this time, Fr. Dennis Rasquinha,
headmaster of the High School, oversaw the construction of a new building for
the primary and middle schools on the eastern side of the campus, facing the
road, which became popularly known as the Down College.
In
1976, Fr. Lawrence Pinto
succeeded Fr. Denis as headmaster of the High School. His tenure was marked by
renewed debate over the medium of instruction, a controversy he kept alive for
several years until it was finally resolved by the acting provincial, Fr. A.P. Menezes.
Post-Centenary Developments
The
Centenary Year of St Aloysius Institutions (1979), culminating in 1980, left a
lasting legacy through several significant developments. Significant among
these was the rejuvenation of the Old Boys’ Association, led by its dedicated
Secretary, Mr. Santosh Kumar Kadri. With encouragement from the Rector, Mr.
Kadri worked tirelessly to prepare for and organize the Centenary Celebrations,
mobilizing generous donations and ensuring their judicious use. Most of the
centenary memorials envisioned at this time were not mere monuments of stone,
but living institutions that continued to serve future generations.
In
1984, the formation of a Management Committee in the High School marked a new
step towards lay collaboration. That same year, Mr. Mark Menezes was appointed
Assistant Headmaster—the first lay person to hold this post. Around this time,
the headmaster’s office, previously located near the main entrance and portico,
was shifted to a more spacious room at the far end of the entrance lobby. After
the untimely passing of Mr. Menezes in 1988, Mr. Shanker Shetty succeeded him
as Assistant Headmaster.
St
Aloysius High School, long distinguished in sports, was further recognized when
the Sports Authority of India (SAI) presented a grant of ₹20,000. Leadership
transitions also shaped the school’s journey: in 2002, Fr. Gilbert Saldanha
succeeded Fr. Celestine Sera as Headmaster, and in 2007, Fr. Melwin Pinto—an
alumnus of the school—took over from Fr. Gilbert.
Fr.
Melwin dedicated himself to raising the school to new heights. Alongside
improving academic standards, he ushered in modern technology: he established
an audio-visual room with an LCD projector and specialized software for
teaching science and mathematics. Classrooms were renovated, the staff room
expanded, and the quadrangle paved with interlock tiles. In a historic
milestone, the school admitted girls for the first time in 2007, with 31
students joining Class VIII. The headmaster’s chamber was redesigned with a
blend of utility and aesthetics, including the installation of
air-conditioning—a move that drew mixed reactions within the Jesuit community.
Under
his leadership, digital technology (Digi-Class electronic boards) was
introduced in classrooms, and CCTV cameras were installed both inside and
around the school. While his initiatives won widespread praise, they also
provoked envy in some quarters. In 2011, midway through the academic year, Fr.
Melwin was asked by the Provincial to take a sabbatical. Fr. Gilbert briefly
returned as Headmaster until 2012, when Fr. Edward Rodrigues assumed charge. He
was succeeded in 2018 by Fr. Gerald Furtado, who in turn handed over leadership
in 2024 to Fr. Johnson Pinto, previously the Headmaster of Loyola School,
Mundgod, where he had served for nearly 25 years.
St. Aloysius Primary and Middle School
Until
1907, the Primary and Middle Schools functioned as an integral part of St.
Aloysius College. On February 2, 1907, the foundation stone for a new building
was laid by the Rector, Fr. Paul Perini, to house these two sections. The
completed building was inaugurated on January 2, 1908, and the students moved
into their new classrooms.
Prior
to this, the school was known as St. Joseph’s School
(often referred to as the Codialbail Branch).
In 1909, by order of the Director of Public Instruction (OEW 131–132), St.
Joseph’s School, Codialbail, was amalgamated with the College, forming the
Primary Department of the institution. The Middle School, meanwhile, was
designated as the Lower Secondary Department in 1905. By 1908, the Primary
Department had 130 students, while the Lower Secondary Department enrolled 416.
In 1910, a landmark appointment was made when a lady teacher joined the
staff—the first and only female teacher in the entire Aloysian institution at
the time.
For
several years, the three divisions—Middle School, High School, and College—were
treated as a single integrated entity. The Primary Department was popularly
known as the Down College. It was only in
1949 that the High School and Primary School became independent units.
The
ever-innovative and dynamic Fr. Stany Coelho later envisioned an elite
English-medium school named Navayuga Vidyalaya
(possibly the prototype of Navodaya Vidyalaya).
Designed to be “a school with a difference,” it aimed to serve the children of
Mangalore’s elite, while reserving a few seats for talented students from less
privileged backgrounds. The school was inaugurated on May 23, 1966, but
unfortunately had to close just two years later, primarily due to financial
constraints.
Every Problem Comes with a Solution:
In
1978, St. Aloysius Primary School comprised of three sections each in classes
I-IV. Of them, one was Kannada medium and the other two were English
medium. The total strength was 483. The
Kannada medium section was struggling to survive as the admissions were hard to
come. To increase the number in the Kannada medium classes girls were admitted
thereby co-education was introduced in 2003. In 2006 the middle and primary
schools were merged together into one single unit as St. Aloysius Higher
Primary School. Ms. Mary D’ Souza who nurtured the primary school for several
years as handed over the responsibility to Ms. Philomena Lewis who was
appointed headmistress of Higher Primary School in 2006. The school strength
rose to 1119 students with 28 teaching and 8 non-teaching staff. The school had classes in both the mediums.
In 2011, Fr. Clifford Sequeira as the correspondent of the school took a lot of
interest in beautifying the school campus and enhancing the facilities in the
school. The approach road was laid with interlocks and a new gate was erected
at the entrance.
Fr.
Eric Mathias succeeded Fr. Clifford in 2013. In 2018 Fr. Gerald Furtado took
over the reins of the school as its correspondent. The school was physically
shut down almost for two years during the COVID pandemic. When the school
reopened on 16th May, 2022, Ms. Philomena Lewis was due for her
retirement. After serving the school for 16 years as headmistress Ms. Philomena
handed over the baton to Ms. Josita Iveera Noronha on April 10, 2022.
St. Aloysius Evening College
In
1966, with the appointment of Fr. Mathew Lewis as Rector, St. Aloysius College
entered a phase of remarkable innovation. Among his many pioneering
initiatives, the establishment of St. Aloysius Evening
College stands out as a visionary and transformative endeavour. It
was the first co-educational institution on campus—a bold and progressive step
for its time. For the first time, women were not only admitted as students but
also recruited as lecturers.
The
Evening College created new academic opportunities for hundreds of young men
and women who worked during the day to earn their livelihood. It enabled them
to pursue the dreams of higher education, earn a degree, and improve their
future prospects. While Fr. Mathew deserves the lion’s share of credit, several
others played key roles in realizing this dream. Among them was Mr. K.
Suryanarayana Adiga, a member of the Syndicate of Mysore University, who worked
tirelessly to overcome the many initial hurdles. Fr. L.F. Rasquinha, Principal
of the Day College, generously extended the facilities of the main institution
to the fledgling Evening College. The responsibility of organizing and managing
the new college fell to the capable shoulders of Fr. Stany Vas, who served as
its first Principal.
Eager
to begin their mission, these determined men inaugurated the college
unofficially on November 1, 1966, ahead of the formal ceremony held on December
18 of the same year. The inaugural function was presided over by Mr. B.C.
Wesley, M.A., Principal of Government College, Mangalore. Classes were held
from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with many of the Day College’s
experienced lecturers also teaching in the Evening College. Students enjoyed
nearly all the facilities and privileges available to their counterparts in the
Day College.
In
1968, Fr. Hilary Pereira assumed the principalship of the Evening College.
Through his dedicated efforts, especially during its formative years, the
college expanded steadily. What began with just two PUC batches—one in Arts and
one in Commerce—soon grew to include degree courses. Despite the limitation of
less than three hours of class time per day, the college went beyond academics,
fostering all-round development through various extracurricular programmes. A
review of its Annual Magazines clearly reflects this vibrant spirit.
In
its first year, the Evening College enrolled 160 students; by 1976, the number
had risen to 777. Within a decade, a total of 2,503 students graduated from its
portals with bachelor’s degrees—a testament to the vision, perseverance, and
commitment of its founders.
Dark Clouds Followed by Showers of Blessings
The
following decade marked both remarkable growth and serious trials for the
Evening College. By the mid-1980s, however, storm clouds began to gather. In
1985, the College faced a series of setbacks beginning with growing
indiscipline among students—largely attributed to the permissive attitudes of
certain part-time lecturers. Some of these lecturers even went so far as to
file lawsuits, demanding salaries and arrears equivalent to those paid in aided
colleges.
Financial
constraints soon deepened the crisis. To cope with dwindling resources, the
College experimented with combined classes, but this only aggravated the unrest
among students. At the root of these troubles lay a chronic lack of funds.
Repeated appeals to the Government for grants were met with bureaucratic
indifference, and the College’s future appeared uncertain.
After
prolonged discussions, the Jesuit administration sought permission from the
Provincial to phase out the Evening College. The Provincial, however, urged the
management to first consult eminent educationists and seasoned advisers before
making a final decision. Despite this counsel, the Management felt it had no
viable alternative but to begin phasing out the College from the academic year
1991–92, holding out hope only for a last-minute government grant.
Consequently, admissions to I PUC and I Degree were suspended in June 1991.
This
decision sparked unrest. Both the media and senior students strongly opposed
the closure. What began as a peaceful protest soon escalated into violence:
firecrackers were set off in the campus powerhouse, and miscreants set fire to
the science lab, a fragile wooden structure. The fire was quickly contained by
members of the Jesuit community and their collaborators, but the incident drew
national media attention.
The
coverage galvanized the Government of Karnataka into action. Education Minister
Mr. Veerappa Moily summoned Principal Ms. Leena Fernandes and Rector Fr.
Aveline D’Souza to a meeting with Law Minister Mr. Blasius D’Souza at the
Circuit House. After lengthy deliberations, the Minister agreed to sanction the
long-awaited grant-in-aid on August 17, 1991. With the condition that staff
withdraw their salary claims, the Management reopened admissions on August 20.
Thus, a grave crisis was resolved, thanks to the perseverance of the Jesuit
community and their collaborators.
Renewal
soon followed. In 1997, as Principal, Fr. Aveline D’Souza introduced an
innovative student-friendly financial scheme, made possible by a permanent
corpus of Rs. 1 lakh donated by the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception. The
fund provided interest-free loans to poor and deserving students. Complementary
initiatives such as evening meals and need-cum-merit scholarships were also
introduced.
The
College steadily embraced modernization, offering new courses and incorporating
the latest instructional technologies. In 2004, the Evening PUC was separated
from the Degree College and shifted to the Gonzaga Block. That same year, St.
Aloysius Evening College was awarded a B+ grade
by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), marking a fresh
chapter of hope and progress.
Fifty
Golden Years of Service
As
admissions to traditional courses in the Evening College began to decline,
Principal Fr. Vincent Pinto introduced the BBM programme in 2008. This new
addition, alongside B.Com, quickly revived student interest. In 2013–14, the
College expanded further with the launch of the M.Com programme, inaugurated on
July 27 by the Deputy Registrar of Mangalore University.
The
Evening College proudly entered its Golden Jubilee year in 2015. The
celebrations were formally inaugurated on July 11 by Prof. K. Byrappa,
Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University. Distinguished guests included Mr. J.R.
Lobo, MLA of Mangalore South Constituency, Fr. Denzil Lobo, Rector, and Fr.
Stany D’Souza, Provincial. The inauguration marked the beginning of a series of
yearlong Jubilee programmes, celebrating fifty years of dedicated service in
education.
St. Aloysius Evening School
St.
Aloysius Evening School, the brainchild of Fr. Stany Coelho, was established in
August 1963 with the primary purpose of helping boys who, for various reasons,
had been deprived of the opportunity to complete their matriculation. Bishop
Basil D’Souza joined Fr. Coelho as the co-sponsor of this noble initiative.
The
school’s first headmaster, Mr. Alexander D’Souza, a dedicated teacher from the
High School, served with wholehearted commitment for 17 years until his
retirement in 1979. He was succeeded by Fr. A. S. Rodrigues, who led the
institution for the next two decades, from 1980 to 2000.
What
began with just four students gradually grew into a vibrant school community of
300 by the year 2000. Most of the students came from humble backgrounds,
working long hours in tedious or menial jobs during the day and pursuing their
education in the evening. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the teachers, many
of them successfully completed their SSLC, while some went on to graduate and
secure better employment, building brighter futures for themselves. The Evening School also takes pride in the
achievements of its alumni. Among them is Mr. Sai Krishna, who rose to
prominence as an actor in Kannada and Tulu films and later made his mark as a
producer and director.
The
school celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2012–13 under the leadership of the
headmaster Fr. John Crasta. The celebrations were inaugurated in the High
School Hall on August 22, 2012, and concluded on March 9, 2014, with Mr. A. C.
Vinayaraj, Corporator of Court Ward, as the chief guest.
St.
Aloysius Pre-University College (1946):
St.
Aloysius PU College, Mangalore
ST.
ALOYSIUS PRE-UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
When
it was first established, St Aloysius College offered only high school classes.
Over time, it expanded into a comprehensive institution with an Elementary
School, Primary School, High School, Intermediate, and Degree sections. In 1946, the Junior Intermediate course
evolved into what is now known as the Pre-University Course (PUC), offering
three streams: Arts, Science, and Commerce. At that time, the Junior
Intermediate had 273 students.
A
decade later, in 1956, under the leadership of Principal Fr. Albert Saldanha,
the University of Madras—to which St. Aloysius College was then affiliated —
replaced the two-year Intermediate with a one-year Pre-University Course,
followed by a three-year Degree program. This model soon became the norm across
India. However, the 1956 linguistic reorganization of states posed challenges.
South Kanara, which had belonged to Madras State, was merged into Mysore (now
Karnataka). As a result, institutions in the region were disaffiliated from
Madras University and temporarily affiliated first with Karnataka University,
Dharwad, and later with Mysore University. The differing administrative systems
caused much confusion before stability was achieved.
From
1960 onward, PUC enrolment steadily grew, while admissions to degree courses
declined. Many students began prioritizing entry into professional colleges. By
1965, the degree section had only 410 students, with a teacher–pupil ratio of
1:19, raising concerns for the management.
To
address growing needs, a new building, the Gonzaga
Block, was constructed in 1999 on the northern slope of the
campus to house the PUC section. Prof. Victor, Head of the English Department
in the degree college, was appointed Vice-Principal of the section. On June 4,
2001, following a government directive, the PUC was officially separated from
the degree college and recognized as St Aloysius
Pre-University College, with Fr. Swebert D’Silva as its
first principal. As enrolment increased, the curriculum expanded to include new
courses, CET coaching, and computer education. A modern auditorium was
inaugurated on July 31, 2003 and was named Loyola Hall, and the following year
Defence Minister George Fernandes visited the campus, receiving a Guard of
Honour from NCC cadets.
In
2006–07, the PU College made history when the Management appointed its first
lay principal, Mr. John D’Silva, from
the Mathematics Department of the degree college. He succeeded Fr. Swebert
D’Silva, who returned to the degree college as principal.
The
academic year 2008–09 brought further changes: Fr. Francis Serrao, Rector of St
Aloysius Institutions, was appointed Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit
Province, with Fr. Joseph Rodrigues succeeding him as Rector. Fr. Jeevan Prabu
became Administrator of the PU College as well as AIMIT, Beeri. That same year,
a uniform was introduced to enhance campus security. Admission demand soared,
and student strength peaked at 3,873.
In
2010, Fr. Elvis Lewis succeeded Fr. Jeevan as Administrator and later became
Principal when Mr. John D’Silva returned to the degree section. The Finance
Office saw changes too: Fr. Archibald Fernandes (2011), followed by Fr. Joseph
D’Souza (2012). In 2014, Fr. Melwin Mendonca
became Principal, while Fr. Denzil E. Lobo
replaced Fr. Rodrigues as Rector.
A
landmark development came on July 31, 2015, with the inauguration of a
state-of-the-art science block. The building—whose foundation had been laid by
Fr. Francis Serrao in 2012—featured 25 spacious classrooms, two galleried
audio-visual rooms, and six advanced laboratories for Chemistry, Physics,
Biology, Home Science, Electronics, and Computer Science.
In
May 2019, Fr. Clifford Sequeira
assumed charge as Principal, with Fr. Vinod Paul A
as Finance Officer. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the college to
transition to online learning. Innovative short-term courses were introduced in
French, Communication Skills, IT, Ecology, and more. By 2022, post-pandemic,
the college recorded its highest-ever strength of 4,357 students.
Over
the years, St Aloysius PU College has become renowned for excellence in
academics and infrastructure. The campus now boasts audio-visual and
air-conditioned classrooms, modern laboratories, libraries, a language lab, an
indoor sports complex, prayer and conference rooms, an auditorium, CCTV
security, canteen and food counters, water coolers, elevators, playgrounds, a
gym, and a bookstore—facilities that continue to enrich student life.
On
July 5, 2021, Fr. Pradeep Sequeira
succeeded Fr. Vinod Paul as Finance Officer, ensuring the continued growth and
efficient administration of the college.
ST.
ALOYSIUS TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (1980)
St.
Aloysius ITI, Mangalore
The
establishment of the Technical Training Institute by the Jesuits in Mangalore
marked a significant shift from their traditional focus on elite education to
empowering disadvantaged youth. Together with the Aloysian Boys’ Home, which
cared for socially marginalized children, the Institute became a fitting
tribute to the Jesuits’ century-long service to the youth of Mangalore. With
just one year of structured training, students were able to establish
themselves as skilled artisans.
Technical
education at St. Aloysius had its roots in 1947, when a workshop managed by
Bro. Germek and later by Bro. J.B. Fernandes near the lower playground
(popularly known as Patala ground) gained wide recognition. Nicknamed the
“Engineering Department,” it was declared by the Government of Mysore’s
Technical Education Department as the best ITI in the state, thanks to its
well-equipped facilities. Students received practical training in physics,
chemistry, geometry, machine drawing, electricity, blacksmithy, and machine
fitting, ensuring steady admission into higher technical institutes and
industries across India.
The
craft section, introduced in 1950, offered training in wooden toy design,
bookbinding, printing, and journalism. A secretarial course also gained
popularity. That same year, the first batch of engineering students appeared
for the SSLC examination with promising results. In 1956, the engineering
workshop was shifted to the Red Building, and new courses such as gardening,
bookkeeping, painting, beekeeping, carpentry, smithy, photography, clay
modelling, and aquarium management were added. Br. J. Nalato served the
Institute with dedication for over three decades before being succeeded by Br.
Sampson.
The
Degree College later experimented with vocational courses on pesticides,
weedicides, and fertilizers, though these were discontinued for technical
reasons. However, practical courses like electrical wiring and appliance
servicing became popular for their self-employment potential and were
integrated into the general curriculum.
On
August 1, 1980, the Technical School formally became the independent St. Aloysius Technical Training Institute (SAITC)
recognized by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The first four trades offered were plumbing,
carpentry, tailoring and cutting, with Mr. Currie and Br. J.B. Fernandes as
instructors. Over time, new courses such as welding, electricity, electronics,
refrigeration and air conditioning, motor mechanics, and computer programming
were added. In 1990, Br. Fernandes handed over charge as principal to Sri Raju
Sherigar, while Fr. Leo D’Souza became Director. In 1993, two students earned
national ranks in the NCVT examinations.
In
1997, the Institute was renamed St. Aloysius
Industrial Training Centre (SAITC), in line with
government regulations. That year, welding, plumbing, and tailoring came under
the Grant-in-Aid scheme, while air conditioning and computer programming were
introduced. With growing popularity, the Centre shifted to a new, spacious
building on Kudmul Ranga Rao Road in 1998, and began admitting female students.
By 2002, motor driving and a welding production unit were added.
The
Silver Jubilee celebrations in
2005–06 featured inter-ITI programmes, and a commemorative bulletin, Kaushalya, was published. By 2007–08, SAITC offered 14
courses, 8 of them NCVT-approved, producing graduates highly sought after in
industries nationwide.
Under
the leadership of successive directors, including Fr. Leo Pereira (2008), Fr.
Cyril D’Mello (2012), Fr. Eric Mathias (2014), and later Fr. Melwyn Lobo
(2018), SAITC expanded its facilities, strengthened discipline, and modernized
infrastructure. Every trade acquired dedicated labs with advanced technology,
the library grew to over 4,000 volumes, and campus placements by national and
multinational companies reached over 90%.
In
2019, benefactor Ms. Silvana Rizzi from Italy inaugurated a renovated welding
workshop, followed by an upgraded electrical wiring room in 2020. That same
year, German benefactors inaugurated the new Diesel Mechanical Workshop. During
the Covid-19 pandemic, SAITC produced 4,000 masks for distribution, designed
sanitizer stands, and undertook renovations worth nearly Rs. 1 Crore.
Fr.
John D’Souza assumed charge in 2021, overseeing peak enrolment of 194 students,
including 16 girls. The Centre also received NIOS affiliation, enabling
students to appear for PU Board exams. In December 2022, a Beautician Lab was inaugurated, offering training
in bridal and professional make-up, marking SAITC’s continued commitment to
skill development for the future.
Directors of St. Aloysisus Industrial
Training Institue
|
Sl.No. |
Director |
Years |
|
1 |
Br. J.B. Fernandes SJ |
1982-1986 |
|
2 |
Fr. Herbert Noronha SJ |
1986-1990 |
|
3 |
Fr. Leo D’ Souza SJ |
1990 – 2006 |
|
4 |
Fr. Leo Pereira SJ |
2006 – 2011 |
|
5 |
Fr. Joseph Monteiro SJ |
2011 – 2012 |
|
6 |
Fr. Cyril D’ Mello SJ |
2012 – 2014 |
|
7 |
Fr. Eric Mathias SJ |
2014 – 2018 |
|
8 |
Fr. Melwin Lobo SJ |
2018 – 2021 |
|
9 |
Fr. John D’ Souza SJ |
2021 - |
The Aloysian Boys' Home, Nehrunagar (1981)
In
1981, as part of its centenary celebration, St. Aloysius College founded the
Aloysian Boys' Home (ABH). This institution was established to provide a home
for socially and economically disadvantaged children, regardless of their
religious background. The home was built on a seven-acre plot in Nehrunagar,
Kotekar, land that was originally acquired in the 1960s by the college.
Originally, this land measuring about seventeen acres was purchased by Fr. A.P.
Menezes to construct houses for the college and the high school staff. Ten
acres of land was already utilized for the purpose. The Aloysian Boys' Home was
designed to be a "home-away-from-home" for orphans and children of
single parents from across Karnataka. It was inaugurated in 1981 and managed by
the Sisters of Charity of the Mangalore Province, under the supervision of the
Rector of St. Aloysius College.
Starting
with just a few young boys, the home soon expanded to include girls and even
took in "delinquent" boys who otherwise would have been sent to
reformatories. Under the loving care of Sister Augustine and her community,
these children received a nurturing environment that helped transform them into
responsible individuals and patriotic citizens. The ABH provided a unique,
natural setting that gave its residents a true sense of belonging. The property
included open spaces for play, an orchard, and various farm animals, including
cows, pigs, rabbits, and chickens. This environment allowed the children to
learn valuable life skills, from farming and domestic chores to marketing the
farm's produce.
To
foster a sense of family, the home adopted a "cottage system." Boys
and girls were housed in eight separate cottages, each overseen by a
"house mother." The children attended local government and private
schools, with older boys also attending St. Aloysius ITI to learn a trade. The
home also encouraged the development of talents in music, public speaking, and
drama. The children who entered the Home with various derogative labels, grew
up a responsible and useful citizens of the country.
The
names of former rectors - Fathers Mathew Lewis, Ronnie Prabhu, Aveline D’
Souza, and Leo D’Souza - are deeply embedded in the history of the ABH for
their generous support, unreserved affection and unlimited care for the
children. Their dedication, along with Sister Augustine's tireless efforts,
helped the home gain recognition and financial aid from organizations like
OXFAM and the government.
In
1996, Sister Shaila succeeded Sister Augustine, and in 2001, Sister Albert
D’Silva took over as Superior and Correspondent. The Sisters of Charity
established St. Aloysius Convent within the institution, solidifying their
commitment to the children they served.
In
2004, a new project was initiated: a temporary housing colony named Augustine
Nagar was built for boys who "graduated" from the home after
completing their education. The colony was named after Sr. Augustine. By 2008,
the home was sheltering 120 boys.
Under
the leadership of subsequent superiors, including Sister Ida Mendonca (2008)
and Sister Benedicta Baretto (2014), the home continued to improve its
facilities. The approach road was paved, cottages were tiled to improve
cleanliness, and a new library and reading room were added.
The
home's success was highlighted when a former resident, Austin Paul, was
selected for a year of study in the USA with the help of the Make A Difference
(MAD) group. MAD volunteers regularly visited the home to train children in
spoken English and other soft skills.
The
year 2020 marked a significant turning point. Due to new government regulations
that prohibited privately run homes from admitting minors, the Aloysian Boys'
Home had to close its doors. The institution was renamed the St. Aloysius
College Students' Hostel (ASH) and was repurposed to provide accommodation for
economically disadvantaged female students from North Karnataka. The Sisters of
Charity, who had lovingly managed the ABH for four decades, handed over the
administration to the Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (SRA) on April 23,
2021.
This
transition marked the end of the Aloysian Boys' Home’s 40-year legacy and the
beginning of a promising new chapter as the St. Aloysius College Students'
Hostel.
St.
Aloysius Gonzaga School - CBSE: (2012)
St.
Aloysius Gonzaga CBSE School, Mangalore
Although
St. Aloysius Primary and High Schools had a legacy of more than a century, they
began losing their prominence in the changing landscape of school education.
With centrally affiliated institutions like CBSE and ICSE schools gaining
popularity in Mangalore and beyond, student strength at St. Aloysius Schools
declined steadily.
The
idea of establishing a CBSE school within the campus had been discussed among
the Jesuits for decades. However, true to tradition, the discernment process
took time before a final decision was made. Under the leadership of Rector Fr.
Joseph Rodrigues, the long-cherished dream became a reality. St. Aloysius
Gonzaga School (SAGS), soon to be affiliated with the Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE), opened its doors on June 1, 2012.
The
school began modestly in the old St. Aloysius College Hostel building with 83
students spread across Classes I to V. As enrolment grew and the school reached
Class VIII, space constraints required a shift to the PU College building.
During this time, Fr. Elvis Lewis, Principal of St. Aloysius PU College, also
served as the first Manager of SAGS, while Ms. Grace Noronha became its first
Principal. To complement the growing institution, a Kindergarten section was
introduced on July 1, 2013, operating out of Faber Hall adjacent to the hostel.
In
2014, the responsibility of Manager passed from Fr. Elvis to Fr. Joseph
D’Souza, and in 2015, to Fr. Ivan Mendonca. Rector Fr. Denzil E. Lobo lent his
strong support and guidance. On January 14, 2016, the foundation stone for the
new school building was blessed by Fr. Leo D’Souza and laid by Mr. J. R. Lobo
(MLA, Govt. of Karnataka), in the presence of dignitaries such as Mr. Ivan
D’Souza and Mr. Ganesh Karnik. The school received its CBSE affiliation on
April 22, 2016.
The
new building project was overseen by Rector Fr. Dionysius Vaz, who succeeded
Fr. Denzil in May 2016. During this phase, Fr. Melwin Mendonca, Principal of PU
College, took on the additional responsibility of Manager of SAGS. While
construction was underway, completed portions of the building were already in
use for classes.
In
2018, the first batch of Class X students appeared for their CBSE Board
Examinations, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate. By the end of that year,
the five-storey school building was ready. On December 5, 2018, Fr. Stany
D’Souza, Provincial, inaugurated the building, and Most Rev. Peter Paul
Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, blessed it. The new facility featured 52
ultra-modern classrooms, a spacious library, computer labs, and other
state-of-the-art amenities.
Leadership
transitions continued to shape the school’s journey. On May 6, 2019, Ms. Grace
Noronha handed over the principalship to Fr. Melwyn Anil Lobo. In 2020, Fr.
Melwin J. Pinto became Rector of St. Aloysius College. Around this time, Fr.
Pradeep Sequeira briefly served as Finance Officer of SAGS before moving to
Harihar.
The
school reached another milestone in 2022-23, when it was upgraded to the Senior
Secondary level. Class XI commenced in June 2022. This upgradation fittingly
coincided with the Decennial Celebration of St. Aloysius Gonzaga School,
joyfully observed on December 19–20, 2023.
St. Aloysius Institute of Education – B. Ed College (2007)
The
St. Aloysius Institute of Education was a long-held dream for the Jesuits at
St. Aloysius. This dream became a reality in 2007 when the B.Ed. College was
established with 14 students. Despite a significant delay in receiving
government permission, which shortened the academic year to just five months,
all students passed their final examinations with first-class marks, and seven
of them passed with distinction. The success of this first batch was a
testament to the dedication of the college's first principal, Ms. Farita
Viegas, and her staff. Fr Leo Pereira was the Director of the college.
Thereafter
the college grew quickly, with the 2008 B.Ed. batch enrolling 72 students. For
its first five years, the college operated out of a modified building at the
St. Aloysius ITI. In November 2012, it moved to its own new building near the
Xavier Block. This new facility provided more space and rooms, aligning with
the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
The
institute suffered a major setback in 2014 when the NCTE de-recognized the
college owing to six specific shortcomings, including land ownership issues.
The NCTE's objection stemmed from the fact that the land belonged to Karnataka
Jesuit Educational Society (KJES), while the permission to start the college
was granted to the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES). The college
challenged this order in the Karnataka High Court and was granted an immediate
stay.
Beginning
from the academic year 2015-16, the one-year B.Ed. course was converted into a
two-year, four-semester program in compliance with the new government
regulations. The change initially had a negative impact on admissions, with
enrolment dropping to 50 students and then further to 44 the following year.
However, the college, led by the principal and her well-qualified staff,
maintained its commitment to professionalism and disciplined training for
future teachers. The college continued its operations even throughout the
Covid-19 pandemic. By 2021, enrolment had recovered, with 50 students in the
first semester and 46 in the third semester.
Conclusion
The
long history of St Aloysius College has been, by and large, a successful
attempt to meet the expectations of the people outside and of the men inside,
both of the past and of the present. The expectations of the Christian
Mangalorean community were rather modest from a later point of view, though
most urgent being a higher, Western education, locally provided, mainly to
better their socio-economic status. The early Jesuits who undertook to provide
them, generally confined themselves to the expectations, though never
forgetting to communicate the religious and moral values along with what was
required to get on in life. The achievements over the years, of course, were
stupendous – all the more so as they laboured perennially under dearth of men
and resources. However, the courses in the College Department kept increasing
as also the strength of the student body, necessitating more buildings to
accommodate the students both in classrooms and in hostels. The growth was seen
at the school level too whether primary or high school. The acquisition of more
land and especially the construction of more buildings and playgrounds point to
the steady growth of the Institution. This growth must not be taken as merely
indicative of the Institution’s aggrandizement as though SAC were a merely
commercial enterprise, but primarily, if not exclusively, as a response to the
ever-increasing and diversifying needs of the society the Institution felt
itself called upon to serve. Over the years life for the people has been turning
out increasingly complex, challenging and competitive. Naturally the
Institution’s response to the needs of the students had to be proportionately
complex if it was to be effective and relevant.
The social concern of the Jesuits was reflected in establishing the
Aloysian Boys Home at Nehru Nagar and the TTI within its own campus. We may add
that the Social Institute with MSW and BSW along with its allied services too
were born of the same concern.
“Great
have been the achievements of St Aloysius’ ever since it was founded. What
started in a make shift bamboo pandal at Kodialbail, took a titanic form to
meta morphing itself into a Deemed to be University of name and fame. All those
who were involved in this mammoth process have unquestionable reasons to be
proud of. So do those who have benefited rightly from these achievements to be
inspired in turn to share the blessings with myriad others. On all counts the
greatest achievement, however, is not to be content with what has been
accomplished, but to experience an undying urge to forge ahead in space and
time.” (Fr. Devadatta Kamath in his unpublished
History of Karnataka Province.)
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