5th Convocation of St. Philomena’s College

Mysuru: “Autonomy is not just freedom but brings more accountability and multiplies obligations,” opined University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar.

He was delivering the address at the 5th Convocation of St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous) at the College premises in Bannimantap here this morning.

Prof. Hemantha Kumar said that for a casual onlooker, autonomous status appears to be a most alluring condition being not answerable to anyone. On the contrary, freedom demands more vigilance and guarding against every form of deviation, he said.

The VC recalled illustrious alumni like poet Gopalakrishna Adiga and former ISRO Chairman late Dr. U.R. Rao of the college, who have brought laurels to the institution. He congratulated the College in advance being on the verge of acquiring the status of a University. He asked the young bubbling Graduates and Post-Graduates to build courage and confidence to face the harsh realities of society. He advised them to acquire all skills to increase employable probability.

He regretted that the concept of ‘live and let live’ is facing a threat now and asked the students to rise above the distinction of colour, caste, creed, language and region.

Presiding over the programme, Bishop of Mysuru Rev. Dr. K.A. William opined that getting good friends is a big challenge and asked the students to improve their personality to become an asset to society.

Academic degrees were awarded to 318 candidates from UG and 185 candidates from PG courses. Gold medals were presented to 47 candidates who had secured highest marks in various courses and subjects.

Sir T.R.A. Thumboochetty Memorial Cash Awards were presented to F. Sophia (B.Sc-PCM – 88.17%), Someshwari Paromita Rhidi (BA – 85.59%), Afshaan Ahmed (B.Com – 89.58%) and M.S. Vishwas (M.Sc CS – 86.84%).

College Principal Dr. Ruth Shantha Kumari, Controller of Examinations Dr. Alphonsus D’Souza, Rector / Manager Rev. Dr. Bernard Prakash Barnis, Episcopal Vicar of Educational Institutions and Health Care Management (MDES) Msgr. Rev. Leslie Moras, MDES Secretary Rev. Fr. Vijay Kumar, Vice-Rector Rev. Fr. Maria Xavier and Deans of all Departments were present on the occasion.