Founder’s Day 2008 Milestones Galore
The date was June 18. This is a very significant day in the calendar of every Gardenian. As the rain Gods showered T their blessings on the city, it was great to see the Chairman, Dr. Joseph .V.G. on his arrival at the campus take confident strides flanked by eminent personalities. The Reverend Father Anthony Swamy, Professor V.B. Coutinho, the President of the Governing Council-Garden City Group of Institutions, Mr. Prashant Bhosle, Country Head Credila, Dr. KMA Karim, Coordinator, Smt. Sunita Chikerur, Director –HR, the staff and the past achievers –the Alumni. Yes, it was Founder’s Day and Re Union 2008!
Napoleon Bonarparte, the FrenchEmperor after having achieved great things in life recollected his steps and planted a kiss on the walls of his institution. His alma mater, he believed, provided everything that he craved in life.
The same feeling was evident as the past students walked back to what was their place of learning. Among the activities planned for the day was the dedication and bestowing blessings on the Sports Complex. Reverend Father Anthony Swamy who has served in various capacities in churches including in our neighbourhood, T.C. Palya blessed the sports complex by sprinkling holy water at the entrance followed by a reading from the holy bible. “Dedicated to Gardenians by the Chairman, Dr. Joseph.V.G on the occasion of Founder’s Day 2008...” read the banner at the arch. Those gathered at the venue then took a walk to the ground. As later noted by the chairman, this was a realization of a long cherished dream to have a full fledged sports complex with the best of sports amenities at the GCC campus. Well over 35 crores have been earmarked for the development of the sports complex.
The beats and melodious voices of the GCC Choir made a symphonic welcome to the guests as they made their way into the auditorium to witness the events planned for the day as well as Re Union, the coming together of past students.
The representatives on the campus welcomed the guests with floral tributes as a token of appreciation. “It is a day of thanks giving to God. Dr. Joseph .V.G. is God’s messenger to do things on his behalf,” said Prof. V.B. Coutinho in his introductory address to the guests. He also complimented Dr. Joseph for his commitment, service and deep spirituality. Recalling a road in Panjim, the Capital City of Goa - ‘18th June Road, Prof. Coutinho reminded the audience of the initiatives of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia who played a great role in Goa’s struggle for independence. “The birth of Dr. Joseph on June 18th was the beginning of a revolution in the world and he has sown the seeds, toiled hard and created a finished product called Garden City institution,” he reiterated. “He is a person capable of facing any situation and smiles back saying, Yes, I can!” Again the GCC choir marched on to the stage to render the rhythms of Happy Birthday... as the cake was cut heralding another significant milestone.
I would like the day to be called Alumni Day and not a celebration of my birthday,” said the chairman in his address to the gathering. While acknowledging the contributions of everyone in the growth of the institutions, he emphasized that he was a great fan of students. “Everything is the result of a revolution -to look tidy, beautiful or just about anything,” he noted. “A couple of years ago, the piece of land where the sports complex will be hosted was barren but now things have changed,” he noted. A whopping 35 crores has been earmarked for its development. “My prayer on this occasion is to seek a better health,” he said. “I can earn wealth but not health.” The chairman also had a message for the students – to be calculative and specific.
The speeches were soon followed by the release of Rhythm of Gardenia Volume 2, a collection of songs in different languages as well as distribution of certificates to the singers by the chairman, and Mr. Prashant Bhosle, the Country Head, Credila. The songs have been rendered in five languages.
This was followed by the signing of MoU. The venture will ensure all students have a helpline on campus and those in need of financial support can avail educational loans to fund their studies. A Credila hotline was inaugurated outside the auditorium
And to cap a memorable evening, GCC Roll 4 Soul dance troupe and Sonia and Group added colour and vibrancy through enchanting medley of dance. A sumptuous dinner awaited all the guests who turned up for the festivities! Happy Birthday Our Beloved Chairman!
Vibha Luvenia M & Dharmik Shah
B.Sc. Biotechnology
