Shankerpura: New building of St. John’s Composite PU College inaugurated and blessed

By Dr. Edward Lobo
Pics by Johncy Digitals, Shankerpura
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 11 Jan 2012: The long standing dream of the people of Shankerpura to have a new building for St. John’s Composite PU College was fulfilled when the aesthetically constructed building of the PU College was inaugurated and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi  at 10 am on Friday, January 11, 2013.

 

Prior to the inauguration and blessing of the premises of the new building, the Bishop and the dignitaries including MP of Udupi- Chikmagalur constituency, Mr. Jayaprakash Hegde, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, Dean of Shriva Varado, Mr. Vasant Salian, former Minister in the Karnataka Government and Mr.  Vinay Ballal, President of Katapadi Grama Panchayat, Mr. Albert W. D’Souza, educationist and businessman, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, Vicar of Pangala Church and Correspondent of St. John’s Educational Instituions, donors and other guests were taken in a grand procession to the new building led by the school band which was followed by the ‘Poorna-Kumbha’ which was a great sight to behold.  Following the inauguration of the main building by the Bishop, donors of different rooms inaugurated the respective rooms by cutting the ribbons.

 

Following the inauguration of the new building, stage programme was presided over by the Bishop of Udupi Diocese. Distinguished dignitaries were on the dais. Dr. Edward Lobo, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council welcomed the guests and the gathering.

 

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro in hbis address appreciated the great work done by Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza and the governing body of the school.  He also referred to the generosity of the people in completing the project.

 

 

The prominent donors were felicitated by the Bishop for their generous contribution to the new PU College building.  Mrs. Flavia Menezes, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council proposed the vote of thanks.  Mrs. Ida Cornelio compeered the entire programme.

 

It is important to note that though St. John’s Composite PU College was founded six years ago, due to lack proper accommodation, the classes were conducted in vacant rooms of the school. Realizing the difficulties faced by the students and teachers in having to conduct classes in makeshift rooms, Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, who had arrived as the parish priest of St. John the Evangelist Parish two and a half years ago, began the project of constructing a separate and exclusive building for the PU College.

 

The foundation stone for the building was laid on 8 September 2011. Due to the generous contribution from the people from Shankerpura and abroad, the beautiful building was raised within a period of one year four months at the cost of around one crore rupees. All the dignitaries on the dais, especially the Bishop of Udupi  complimented for constructing such a beautiful building within a short period of time.  The Bishop also honoured Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza by placing the shawl on his shoulders and offering him flower bouquet.