Mysuru: St. Joseph’s First Grade College (FGC), run by Mysore Diocesan Educational Society (MDES), celebrated its 12th Graduation Day at the college premises in Jayalakshmipuram recently.

Delivering the Graduation Day address, chief guest Prof. N. Nagaraja, Registrar (Evaluation), University of Mysore, urged the graduates to rise to the expectations of today’s competitive global job market. “With over 25,800 graduates from the UoM this year alone, you must distinguish yourselves by upskilling and staying ahead,” he added.

Emphasising that a degree alone is not sufficient, he encouraged the students to think beyond examinations and focus on real-world skills, strategic thinking and measurable goals.

Introducing the SMILE principle as a guide for navigating challenges, he elaborated that: S – Study the situation, M – Meet the problem, I – Interact with it, L – Learn from it, and E – Execute with confidence. He concluded his address by reminding students to continuously add value to their lives through knowledge, skills and purpose-driven learning.

In his presidential address, Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Mysore Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras  offered deep reflections on the purpose of education. “For any suitable job or vocation, self-awareness is essential. Graduation is not just a certificate, it is a step into the unknown,” he noted. He called upon the graduates to embrace life with submission to a higher energy, guided by courage and curiosity.

Speaking on the importance of media and communication in today’s complex world, he remarked, “In such trying times, education, awareness, accuracy, a strong sense of community, and humanitarian concern are what truly matter.”

As part of the celebration, 24 outstanding students were awarded under various categories, reflecting the college’s commitment to holistic education, leadership, academic merit and service. Those awarded are: Prof. Mani C. Matthew Endowment Award for Academic Excellence: L. Varsha  of B.Com, B.K. Kavery of BBA, M. Harshini of BCA, R. Balaji Prasad of BA and B.R. Harshitha of B.Sc.

Best Outgoing Student Award: R.K. Gaurav of B.Com, S. Pavan Gowda of BBA,  C.S. Brunda of BCA and B.D. Lanchana of B.Sc.

Pride of Joseph’s Award: Culturals – M.N. Anisha Accamma and L.H. Uday; Sports – C.G. Shan Kariappa and Priya Mallikarjun Sanikop; NCC – JUO K.S. Kaveramma, CSM Y. Manjula and NSS – J. Triveni and A.P. Thejas Yohana.

Spirited Josephite Award: K.V. Inchara, P.V. Neeharika, H.S. Prajwal, Vineeth Andrew, B. Prerana, S. Harshitha and A.R. Spoorthi.

Secretary of MDES Rev. Fr. Edward William Saldanha,  Treasurer Rev. Fr. A. Naveen Kumar, CEO of Training and Development Seby Mavely, Principal H.N. Chandrashekara, Vice-Principal R. Shilpa, teaching and non-teaching staff  were present.