Associations' / Institutions' News

Media Release

Puttur, 21 October 2024 :  A group of old friends, all alumni of the prestigious St Philomena College, gathered recently for a reunion in Puttur, a town that holds a special place in their hearts. The reunion, initiated by Mr Shivashankar Bhat, took place recently bringing together ten close-knit friends who had shared their college days at St Philomena more than five decades ago in BSC Stream (1971 Batch). Among them was Mr Krishna Prasad Bhandary, who, along with his classmates Mr Jayarama Kedilaya, Mr Gopala Krishna Sharma, Mr Wilfred D’Souza, Mr Rajaram Bhat, Mr Venkataramana Bhat, Mr MoideenKunji, Mr Vijayakumar T and Mr Harish Sharma, decided to revisit the campus that had shaped their future.

As they entered the college grounds, memories of their days as students came flooding back. The sight of the familiar campus stirred reflections from 53 years ago when, Mr Krishnaprasad Bhandary was unable to secure a seat in medical college, he opted to pursue a degree in science at St Philomena College. The college, founded by Msgr Antony Patrao, had become an essential institution for higher education in Puttur, and it was here that Bhandary spent three transformative years, he said. On behalf of all the friends gathered on the day , Mr Wilfred D’Souza appreciated the heartwarming welcome extended by the College.

During their visit, the group noted with admiration how much the college had developed over the years, with modern facilities now gracing the campus. However, what truly stood out was the familiar, warm atmosphere that still pervaded the institution. Correspondent of the college Very Rev Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, principal Rev Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Vice Principal Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar , and the faculty members of the college welcomed the alumni with open arms, showing them around with great respect and care.

The friends spent time reminiscing in the laboratories, marvelling at the advancements but cherishing the memories of the past. As they left, felt a deep sense of pride in having been part of such an esteemed institution. They hoped the college would continue to flourish, achieving even greater success in the field of education, and left with the satisfaction of being an alumnus of an institution that had played a pivotal role in their lives.