Date: March 8-9, 2025
Venue: St. Claret College, Autonomous, Bengaluru
St. Claret College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, in association with the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, hosted a two-day National Youth Convention on March 8-9, 2025. Centered around the theme Beyond Boundaries: Breaking Limits and Achieving Dreams, the convention brought together 185 students and faculty members from 34 Xavier Board colleges across India. It aimed to inspire young minds to transcend their limitations and achieve their aspirations through insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing. Ms Salomi D’souza(3rd year CSE), Ms. Roveena Moras(2nd yr EEE), Ms Siana(1st yr CSBS), Mr. Sam(2nd yr Mech), Mr. Reevan(2nd yr CSBS) and Mr. Joysun D’souza, Asst. Prof., Dept. of EEE represented SJEC, Mangaluru in the convention.
Day 1
The convention opened with an inspiring inaugural ceremony, graced by Most Rev. Joseph Soosainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, who emphasized perseverance, ethical leadership, and continuous learning as essential to success. Shri Johnson, KAS, Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Government of Karnataka, served as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the significance of youth empowerment and skill development in today’s competitive landscape. A key highlight was the engagement of distinguished speakers who enriched participants with their expertise. Mr. Thomas John Rose, a renowned motivational speaker, led an impactful session on goal-setting and overcoming self-imposed limitations. Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, shared her experiences in governance and the role of youth in shaping the nation. Other eminent resource persons included Dr. Anil Pinto, Registrar of CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Mr. Rajiv Noronha, Former Global Lead HR of TCS, Dr. Ashwini N. V., Founder-Director of MUKTHA Foundation, Bangalore, and Dr. Arijit Roy, Head of the PG Department of Management at St. Claret College. The convention was further enriched by the presence of Fr. Dr. Joji Reddy, SJ, President of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, who fostered an atmosphere of intellectual and personal growth. The event facilitated meaningful exchanges through panel discussions, interactive sessions, and idea-sharing forums, where experts and students deliberated on strategies for achieving personal and professional excellence beyond traditional boundaries. During the panel discussion, Ms. Salomi D’souza, a third-year CSE student from SJEC, posed a thought-provoking question to the experts:"The concept of 'Mixing of Cuisines,' which refers to the flexibility of choosing any combination of subjects to major in, has been a topic of discussion for a long time. While the National Education Policy (NEP) initially sparked hope in this regard, its implementation has not been as effective. What, in your opinion, is the primary barrier—students, teachers, or the reluctance of the education department to undertake major reforms?" In response, the panelists emphasized that waiting for educational policies to change is not the only path forward. They encouraged students to take the initiative in pursuing interdisciplinary learning through available resources. They cited platforms such as NPTEL, Swayam, and other online learning avenues, highlighting that students can proactively shape their education beyond institutional limitations. In the evening, participants enjoyed a series of fun games and a Talent Hunt. Among them, Mr. Reevan Fernandes, second-year CSBS student from SJEC, captivated the audience with his rendition of a beautiful English song in the Talent Hunt.
