Gold medallists and prize winners with the chief guests and dignitaries during the 11th convocation of St. Philomena’s College in Mysuru on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The 11th convocation of St. Philomena’s College in the city was held on Saturday, during which 589 students were awarded various degrees upon successful completion of their courses.

While 406 candidates completed their degree courses and received certificates, 183 candidates completed their postgraduation studies. The college also awarded gold medals to 45 students, including 34 undergraduates and 11 postgraduates, in recognition of their exceptional performance.

Manpreet Singh Manna, Vice-Chancellor of Chandigarh University, delivered the convocation address and described it as a life-changing event of which the students should be proud.

He said along with the prestigious tag of being the alumni of St. Philomena’s College, they are also products of the University of Mysore, which is one of the most reputed varsities, and hence students have the responsibility of living up to the values infused in them by the institutions.

N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, said while marks are important, skills are crucial in today’s fast-changing world.

Being a graduate of a university sets one apart from millions who go through the grind of attending to their daily chores without leaving any mark in their field, he said.

As graduates individuals have attained requisite education and should serve the society, said Prof. Lokanath. “I count the students who have received the education here as extremely lucky because of the academic ambience and the intellectual ecosystem at St. Philomena’s College,” he said.

Prof. Lokanath said though the institute has acquired an autonomous status owing to its all-round eminence, it continues to be the jewel in the crown of the University of Mysore.

“We believe that such institutions and the university at large, standing at the apex of higher learning, holds the key for the welfare of human beings,” he said.

Delving at length on the role of education and educational institutions, Prof. Lokanath said they are expected to ensure the integrity of knowledge and guarantee the integrity of human character. “To build the character of our youth, we must enlist the support of the parents without whose help we can achieve precious little in academia,” said Prof. Lokanath.

Bernard Moras, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, Alfred John Mendonca, vicar general of the Diocese of Mysore, Ravi J. Saldanha, principal of the college, and others were present.