St. Philomena College Puttur Declared Autonomous

St. Philomena College Puttur Declared Autonomous

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, March 23, 2025: St. Philomena College, Puttur, has been officially granted autonomous status, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The college, affiliated with Mangalore University and approved by the Government of Karnataka and UGC, held an inaugural ceremony on Saturday to commemorate this achievement.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese, emphasized that education alone is insufficient without humility and the ability to embrace others with generosity. He urged individuals serving in autonomous institutions to recognize their responsibilities and perform their duties diligently, while upholding human values.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of the Bangalore Archdiocese. Prof. P.L. Dharma, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, unveiled newly developed facilities, including a boardroom, examination section, academic division, finance section, upgraded food court, and MCA laboratory. “These enhancements will support the college’s commitment to excellence in education,” he remarked.

Former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel released the emblem of the autonomous college and unveiled the revised college website. MLC Ivan D’Souza released a commemorative magazine, Philo Genesis, created to mark the occasion, and extended his best wishes to the institution.

Other dignitaries present included MP Brijesh Chowta, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Dr. Kavitha K.R., Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Stella Varghese, Assistant Commissioner of Puttur Subdivision, Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education  and Fr. Antony Michael Shera, former Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education.

Rev. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Mangalore Diocese, Gerald D’Costa, Vice-President of the May de Deus Church Pastoral Committee, Prathima Hegde, President of the Alumni Association and A.M. Abdul Kunji, President of the Parent-Teacher Association, also graced the occasion.

Fr. Lawrence Mascarenhas, Director of the college, welcomed the gathering, while Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal, proposed the vote of thanks. The event’s proceedings were compered by Bharathi S. Rai, Head of the English Department and Dr. Maithri Bhat, Lecturer.