National Seminar “SAMPRATHI 2019"

The inauguration of the two-day National Seminar titled “SAMPRATHI 2019 - Youth as Catalysts in Social Change” was held on 26th September 2019 at Eric Mathias Hall, Maffie Centre for Post Graduate Studies, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru. This programme is organized by the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Social Work of St Aloysius College (Autonomous).


Prof (Dr) G Gopa Kumar, Vice-chancellor, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the seminar. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal of the College presided over the programme. Programme Convenor, Dr Roshan MOnteiro, HOD of PG Social Work, Ms Shwetha Rasquinha, Student Convenor, Vivian were on the dais.

Prof. Gopa Kumar in his speech briefed about the youth power and their collective support in nation building. He said that out of 130 crore population of India, 30% of the population are underprivileged and suffering from various evils like disease, untouchability, poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, etc. Only youth power can diminish these evils and help to overcome them. In this regard, the youth need to be educated in a proper way and also maintain their health and social responsibilities. After Independence, our country has had tremendous development and emerged with IT power, nuclear power and communication power but the social and physical infrastructure is not developed adequately. He urged the students not to be preys of consumerism instead become role models in building the nation. Finally, he advised the students to respect their parents and their religious, cultural, social and family values.

Rev Dr Praveen Marits, SJ, in his presidential remarks congratulated the organisers for opting such a need-based theme for the seminar. He said the growth of a nation lies in the hands of the youth. He suggested the students to involve in national movements which can bring a change in the growth of the country. He urged the students to involve, emerge and initiate with one another to take the country to a greater heights.

Dr Vincent Alva, Principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur delivered the Keynote address.

Dr A.M. Narahari, Registrar, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Controller of Examinations, Dr Loveena Lobo, Director of Maffei Block, Dr Dennis Fernandes, Director of Admin Block were present for the programme.

Dr Roshan Monteiro welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. Sai Shree Preethika and Antony compered the programme. Shwetha Rasquinha briefed about the theme of the seminar. Vivian proposed the vote of thanks.