Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 31 : The much awaited annual intercollegiate fest CELESTIA 2023 was inaugurated at the Auditorium of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru on 31October 2023. The inaugural ceremony commenced with a grand march after receiving the chief guest, renowned actor Mr Suman Talwar at the main entrance of the institution with much pomp and splendor. The grand march comprised the student body and the entire Agnesian community and was a fest to the eye. The starlit stage was adorned by the chief guest, Mr. Michael M.D, Ivory Grand Hotels, Dubai who was the guest of honour, Sr Dr M Venissa A.C. the Principal, Sr Dr Maria Roopa A.C., the Superior of St Agnes Convent and joint-secretary of St Agnes Institutions along with the convener of the fest Dr Geetha Pinto, Associate Professor, P.G. Department of Chemistry and the assistant co-coordinator Mrs Sabeena D’souza, Department of Business Administration. Among the other guests present were Sr M. Carmel Rita A.C., the Administrator, Sr Dr M. Vinora A.C., the Co-ordinator of the Postgraduate Centre, alumni and eminent guests from nearby institutions.

Dr Geetha Pinto welcomed the gathering. The welcome dance was a spectacle that brought out the various elements of the universe alive on stage and enthralled the audience. The Student President Ms Shiny Pinto gave a brief overview of the unfolding of events for the day. The grand trophy was unveiled by the chief guest as a symbolic launch of a satellite in keeping with the theme of the fest and also as a celebratory effort to commend the Chandrayan mission.

A special highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the felicitation given to the chief guest for this commendable word in the field of Indian cinema and his philanthropy. His Oeuvre comprises forty decades in the film industry spanning over 800 films in ten Indian languages and he is also the recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award. The words of felicitation were read by Dr Vishala B.K, the chief Librarian of the college while the members of the management felicitated the chief guest with a shawl. In his address the chief guest congratulated the students and the management for organizing a commendable event to nurture talent and celebrate life. He recounted that his late mother was an Agnesian and felt her presence in the warmth of the reception given to him. The chief guest also admired India for its unity and diversity and said that the armed forces are doing a remarkable job for the safety of the nation, and to honour the same he and his family made a contribution of 175 acres of land to the armed forces. He was quick to observe that while many parts of the world are facing turmoil because of war and political instability, India stands tall as a nation that propagates peace and celebrates diversity.

The Principal in her address gave the audience a brief glimpse into the vision and mission of the institution and wished all the participants good luck for Celestia 2023 and inspired the students to believe in themselves and realize their self-worth. Mrs Sabeena D’souza proposed the vote of thanks and the inaugural ceremony came to a close soon after which the events of the day commenced at the various designated venues. There were 53 colleges participating in the fest.