The function commenced at Capital College, the sister institution of GCC before proceeding to the GCC campus. The atmosphere at the college was a solemn one with guests, staff and students lining up and waiting eagerly to wish their mentor on his birthday. He was received with equal alacrity at Capital College as well as GCC.

Chirped Ashwathy V.J., a student of BSc. Nursing: “I feel excited and enthusiastic. It is as if it is the birthday of my family member.”

On his arrival, the students as well as the faculty greeted the Chairman enthusiastically. The choir at Capital College rendered melodious welcome song. The chairperson on his part received the greetings and wishes with humility. “It is not my birthday but the birthday of the college,” he said addressing the students. In the name of all the students who studied here, I am still studying at this college, were his gracious words while cutting the birthday cake.

Amongst the guests were Dr Reverend Fr. Paul Puthanangady and the former vice- chancellor of Gulbarga University, Prof. V.B. Coutinho who graced the occasion. On the memorable occasion the chairperson inaugurated the boardroom and digital classroom in presence of guests at Capital College. The classroom is a step towards integrating teaching with the modern technology enabling everything at the mere touch of fingertips.

The new dining hall and cafeteria were also inaugurated on the occasion by the chairperson. The new cafeteria is an attempt on part of the college to make everything available for the students on the campus itself. It will serve items ranging from short eats to different types beverages popular with the youngsters today.

The chairman gave the credit of the above developments to the greater force that one can feel but none can see. He reflected, “These buildings have come up neither because of money nor because of people but because of a power. This is a testimony that God is with us. We feel the presence of his helping hands in everyone who has helped us in achieving the act.” GCC also reinforced its commitment towards making the city green as the chairperson planted a sapling on the campus to commence its make .

The chairperson was also given a hearty welcome at the auditorium where celebrations proceeded for the whole evening. Here the principal of GCC, Dr G.V. Venkatesh, welcomed the guests as well as alumni of the college. He referred to the former students as the flowers that blossomed at GCC spreading their fragrance everywhere. An eminent educationist once said, “This is a momentous occasion. First, it is the birthday of the chairman. Second, today is the day of reunion of the alumni of this college. As the principal, I feel it is very important to build a continued relationship with the alumni of the college. They play a very important role in development of any institution.” Dr Rejimon Thomas, Director of Strategy and Planning at GCC, also emphasized the importance of alumni.