St. Aloysius Pu College, Harihar (2005)
St. Aloysius College, Harihar
St Aloysius Pre-University College is a sister concern of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society, which is registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. St Aloysius College, Mangalore, traces its origins to 1880, when some European Jesuits, who had landed in Mangalore in 1878, started it for the education of youth. The social concern and outreach initiatives of St. Aloysius College took a bold step in 2005 with the establishment of St. Aloysius Pre-University College at Harihar. However, in their initial enthusiasm, the pioneers overlooked some crucial aspects.
The first challenge was the choice of location. Students preferred colleges within the town rather than travelling nearly five kilometres to the new campus. Within two years, enrolment began to dwindle. The rector, Fr. Francis Serrao, had pushed the project forward with characteristic zeal and urgency. While he faced criticism for the haste, he was also appreciated for his bold vision. Institutions in Mangalore had to channel substantial funds to support the Harihar venture. Yet, while the PUC itself was struggling, the idea of a degree college seemed ambitious. Nevertheless, the new building was designed with a future degree college in mind.
During construction, classes were temporarily held in the diocesan school on the parish campus. The first batch of PU students achieved an encouraging result of 85.29%. However, this success did little to increase admissions, which remained meagre. Undeterred, the administrator, Fr. Michael John, was entrusted with purchasing additional land for the institution’s future expansion. In 2009, the spacious new building was completed, and the first principal, Fr. Victor Lobo, shifted the college from its temporary premises to the imposing new campus.
In 2010, degree classes were introduced under the leadership of Fr. Vincent Pinto as principal, with an initial enrolment of only 133 students and 27 staff members. A ladies’ hostel was built to attract girls from rural areas, with a capacity for 100 students. Yet, in 2012, only 25 students joined. That same year, Fr. Anthony Dass succeeded Fr. Victor Lobo as principal of the PU College.
In 2015, as the college celebrated its tenth anniversary, Fr. Santhosh Fernandes took over from Fr. Dass. By 2017, the Degree College, under Fr. Vinod Paul, struggled for survival. One floor of the building was converted into a gents’ hostel to boost enrolment. Despite efforts, even the much-publicized visit of the Superior General, Fr. Arturo Sosa, on February 28, 2018, did not translate into better admissions.
A committee led by Fr. Melwin Mendonca, with members Dr. A. M. Narahari, Fr. Balaraju, and Mr. Manoj Louis, conducted an evaluation in July 2018. Their report prompted a reshuffle of personnel: Fr. Vinod and Fr. Melwyn Lobo were transferred, while Fr. Eric Mathias was appointed community coordinator and principal of the Degree College, assisted by Fr. Pradeep Sequeira as finance officer. They were installed by Rector Fr. Dionysius Vaz on October 31, 2018.
Fr. Eric, with his trademark energy, infused new life into the institutions. By 2019–20, PU admissions had increased by 120, reaching 450 students, while B. Com enrolment grew from just 6 to 44. Incentives such as fee concessions contributed to this growth. Another review team—Fathers Denzil E. Lobo, Melwyn Lobo, and Clifford Sequeira—visited the campus in August 2019. Their report concluded that the prospects of sustaining the Degree College were bleak. After due process, the Degree College was formally closed in 2021. For a time, the imposing multi-storeyed building stood as a mute monument of flawed discernment and misplaced hopes.
Meanwhile, a new idea germinated in Fr. Eric’s fertile mind: starting a CBSE school. With determination, he rallied support from staff, fellow Jesuits, and eventually the Province. The Provincial could not withstand the verbal bombardment of assured glorious future . However, he insisted on a period of reflection and discernment before making a final decision. The proposal, endorsed by the rector of SAC Mangalore, Fr. Melwin Pinto, was finally approved.
In February 2024, permission was granted to start a CBSE school. On June 25, 2024, St. Aloysius International School was inaugurated by the Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Sri Thawar Chand Gehlot, and blessed by Bishop Francis Serrao. Other dignitaries included Provincial Fr. Dion Vaz, Rector Fr. Melwin Pinto, and several public officials. The day resounded with pride as the Province celebrated its first international school.
