Mysuru:  Observing that Universities play a key role in imparting new knowledge to students, Justice V. Gopala Gowda, Retired Judge of Supreme Court of India, has said acquiring skills in their chosen field would largely help the students in their career.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Fourth Convocation of St. Philomena’s (Autonomous) College, Bannimantap, at the college indoor stadium this morning.

Pointing out that every stream be it Engineering, Medical, Law, Commerce etc., has its own significance, Justice Gopala Gowda said that Science and Technology have become an integral part of almost every subject.

Noting that University is an academy of advanced learning, he said that Indian Universities have been imparting good education with Government association and assistance.

Underlining the importance of concentration in studies, he said that students can achieve academic success through sheer dedication, commitment and concentration.

He advised the students to revise as many times as possible the lessons taught in their college on the same day itself.

University of Mysore (UoM) Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha M. Sheriff, in her address, said that St. Philomena’s College that was declared open by Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in 1946, has followed a narrative of openness, keeping the access to higher education, equitable and affordable to the underprivileged, the marginalised and the deserving.

Pointing out that the college has continued with its tradition of patronage for social, moral and ethical concerns, she said the autonomous status of the college is the outcome of synergy between an inherited  tradition of academic excellence and the commitment to become a centre higher learning.

The combined effect has contributed to the modelling of this exemplary institution, she added. A total of 255 students were awarded degrees and 132 students were awarded post-graduate degrees on the occasion.

Seven post-graduate students Ann Rima Varghese K, Marzia Andleeb Raunakh, Irene Marie Dove, Amritha Baburaj, Shince P.Tomy, Ashwitha Ashok Pulliga and Fathimath Sama and six under graduate students – Mary Angelia Alfred, Ann Mary George, H.S.Aishwarya Rao, Mirsha K. Madhu, H.S. Yatheesh Bharadwaj and Summera were honoured with stream-wise hold medals.

Most Rev. Dr.K.A.William, Bishop, Diocese of Mysore, presided.

Prof. Sujatha Devi, Dean of Arts, Prof. Rajalakshmi, Dean of Science, Dr. Sukanya Malloli, HoD of Journalism and Dean of P.G. Studies, College Principal Dr. Ruth Shanthakumari, Rev. Fr. Vijay Kumar, Secretary of MDES, Rev. Dr. Bernard Prakash Barnis, Prof. Albert Pinto, Prof. Alfonso D’Souza, Prof. Reena Francis and others were present.