Associations' / Institutions' News

Media Release

Abu Dhabi / Kuwait, June 12, 2018 : The Agnesian communities in separate occasions met for formal reunions in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait recently.

News from Abu Dhabi : 

The reunion organised at the colourful premises of Leen’s Kindergarten, Abu Dhabi, was a part of the initiative undertaken by the Centenary Committee of St Agnes College, Mangaluru, led by the principal, Sr Dr M Jeswina, Dr Meera Aranha, convener of the centenary project and Wilma Pais, core committee member of the centenary project. Despite their busy schedules, alumni of St Agnes attended the meet to pay tribute to their alma mater, which has played a big role in shaping their lives, and honoured the delegates representing the centenary project.

A warm-up game, held at the start of the meet, helped set the tone for the reunion. The attendees were then required to introduce themselves and get ready for the address from the current principal of the college.

Sr Dr Jeswina joined in the camaraderie of Agnesians with an informal talk that traced the history of the college, leading to its centenary celebrations in less than two years. She threw the spotlight on the college’s excellent track record, from its early beginnings in 1921 to its current lofty status in the educational horizon of the region and even the country. She described to the gathering the major role it has played and is playing in empowering women of Mangaluru and surrounding regions, who are well placed all over the world and who in turn have raised great families through whom the Agnesian values and culture lives on.

Responding to Sr. Dr. Jeswina’s request, attending Agnesians shared their experiences as students and recalled interesting moments of campus life. This proved to be a nostalgic experience for everyone as they spoke about their favourite lecturers and the much sought after ‘Honeymoon Tree’, which provided shade and comfort to all those who sat under it.

Dr. Meera Aranha, in her speech, attributed her personal success to the college, which was the most convenient educational facility of the time, as parents did not want their girls to travel long distances for education. All agreed to what she had to say, that if not for St Agnes College, most of those present would not have had the good fortune of an education. Dr Meera also chalked out the plans for the centennial year 2020-2021, which will feature a host of fun activities, in addition to cultural events and fetes. The next two years will witness various activities, including a concert and a flea market, to mention a few. The major project on hand is the centenary building, which will house a much needed auditorium, a library and a few classrooms. She appealed to the alumni to come together to make this project a reality. “We are empowered, thanks to St Agnes College; let us participate wholeheartedly to empower more women in the years to come,” she exhorted the gathering.

The speeches were followed with more catching up and light refreshments, making the evening a relaxed and fun filled one. All the attendees were very appreciative and thankful to Schuster Goveas who generously let Agnesians use the school premises for the event. Cynthia Fernandes, Jolly D’Souza and Inez D’Cunha were thanked for organising the reunion.

News from Kuwait : 

Over 40 empowered Agnesians from Kuwait attended the Agnesian reunion, held at the Avanthi Palace Restaurant, Kuwait. The reunion was sparked by the arrival of a special delegation from St Agnes College, comprising of Dr Sr Jeswina, principal of St Agnes College, Dr Meera Aranha, convener of the centenary project and Wilma Pais, core committee member of the centenary project.

The vibrant community of ex-Agnesians was welcomed at the reunion by AAK (Agnesian Alumnae in Kuwait) president, Felcita D’Souza. It was followed by a hymn proclaiming the glory of God, with Kavitha D’Souza and Wanisha Fernandes presenting a mesmerising rendition of ‘One day at a Time’. Dr Sr Jeswina joined in the devotion with a group prayer, invoking God’s blessings on all Agnesians. ‘God is our Strength’, the college anthem every St Agnes student has sung over the years, provided a fitting tribute to the reunion, as all the attendees joined in, singing with pride and in harmony.

Maria Coelho, compere of the evening, set the pace for the reunion proceedings, which saw AAK members presenting their joint contribution to the centenary fund. The members had initiated efforts to do their bit for the centenary celebrations early on, raising the money through house-to-house carol singing during the last Christmas. A cheque of Rs 3 lac was handed over by Diany Coutinho, Felcita D’Souza and Jasmine Cutinha to Dr Sr Jeswina, as a collective contribution from the AAK members. This was followed by a session of self-introduction by the ladies.

Sr Jeswina, through her power-point presentation, walked the attendees through the hallowed portals of St Agnes College and down the memory lane - a wonderful reminder of the institution that moulded their characters and set their destinies in right direction. She briefed the members about the centenary project and the celebrations planned and extended a personal and warm invitation to the centenary day, requesting the group to save the date - January 4, 2020. Presenting details of the project, Meera Aranha highlighted the financial facets and took the alumni through the construction phases and the facilities that will be made available through the centenary project. The evening fared cheerfully, as the gathered Agnesians took on the opportunity to pledge their support to the project; with many of them contributing directly, showing eternal support to their alma mater.

The evening concluded with the ever dynamic and charismatic Diany Coutinho, founder of AAK, being honoured by the visiting delegation for her dedication and selfless hard work in uniting the Agnesians of Kuwait. As a finale, Maria Coelho rendered the vote of thanks and called on all Agnesians present to be a part of the great centenary celebrations.