Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: The President of India Mrs Draupadi Murmu inaugurated St. Joseph’s University in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The 140-year-old St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) institution was granted university status in July this year under the Rashtriya Uchchathar Shiksha Abhiyan scheme, following legislation to this effect by the Karnataka State Assembly and the signing of the University Act by the Governor of Karnataka.
The formal event began with singing the National Song by the State Police Band followed by the invocation song by the St Joseph’s University choir.
President Murmu marked the inauguration by lighting the traditional lamp. Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood of Karnataka C. N. Ashwath Narayan, and Archbishop of Bengaluru Peter Machado also lighted the lamp. Dr Peter Machado offered prayers and blessed the university.
President Murmu unveiled a plaque to officially mark the occasion of commemorating St Joseph’s University status.
In her address, the President Murmu said she was delighted at this momentous occasion. “I am delighted to be here today in the inauguration of St. Joseph’s University. With a modest beginning as a college in 1882, today that college has emerged as a leading institution. I congratulate all of you associated with this university for this achievement.”
The President further stated, “It is praiseworthy and in the fitness of things that this institution has been granted the university status. I’m told that this institute has produced several distinguished alumni is the fields of education, science, sports, arts, armed forces and public life. The success of an institution in reflected on the success of its students. This institution has an impressive list of alumni. Therefore, education is an important tool for transformation.”
“It should be the aim of every Indian educational institution to become world-class centres of learning. Education is the most potent means for social transformation. Our universities have to play the role of change-agents. The president said that the National Education Policy 2020 which was being implemented is one such effort to make the academics align with the changing needs,” she added.
In his address, the Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “It is indeed a hallmark in the history of St Joseph that a college has now become a university, which is a university in the true sense. The college has withstood the test of time, changes and it has been a part of the growth not only of Bangalore but also the entire Karnataka state. The institution has provided excellent students to society. The strong ethos of Jesuits has drawn most to students to St Joseph’s who are now all over the world. Corporates set up their business where knowledge is and St Joseph’s has been empowering young students with knowledge.”
Addressing the President, the Chief Minister thanked her for coming to the true temple of knowledge that is St Joseph’s University.
In his address, the Governor of Karnataka Mr Thaawarchand Gehlot congratulated the institution on achieving this milestone. He recalled Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan’s message on education and knowledge.
Earlier, Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ, Chancellor, SJIU & Provincial of Karnataka, welcomed the gathering. “It’s indeed a momentous occasion to witness and celebrate the historic event in the annals of the history of St Joseph’s College. The vision of the institution is to strive for a democratically just and economically sound society. It opens its gates to every student irrespective of caste, tribe, creed and gender. The socio economically marginalised groups receive special preference her,” he added.
Also present were Rev Fr Swebert D’Silva, SJ, Pro-Chancellor, St Joseph’s University, Rev Fr Victor Lobo, SJ, Vice Chancellor, St Joseph’s University, besides many other dignitaries such as senior government and educational officials, past and present students and people from public life.
St. Joseph’s University is a private aided, Jesuit, higher educational institution run by the Karnataka Province of the Society of Jesus in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is one of the oldest colleges in the state of Karnataka with a history of 140 years. It has been conferred with the award College of Excellence by the University Grants Commission (India). The college was awarded a rating of A++ (3.79/4), in the 4th cycle of re-accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2017. It offers graduate, post-graduate and research education. St. Joseph’s University has around 300 teaching and non-teaching staff and more than 5500 students. The College is located at Langford Road near Richmond Circle, Bengaluru.