MEMORIAL GATHERING AND CANDLE MARCH IN REMENBRANCE OF FR. STAN SWAMY SJ

Date: 04 July 2026
Venue: Roshni Nilaya – School of Social Work, Mangaluru
Organized by: AICUF Karnataka in collaboration with Roshni Nilaya – School of Social Work,Mangaluru

Objective of the Activity:
The objective of the programme was to commemorate the life and legacy of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ and inspire students to uphold the values of justice, human dignity, equality, and social responsibility. The programme aimed to encourage young people to become socially conscious leaders who actively contribute to building a just, peaceful, and compassionate society through the vision and mission of AICUF.

Description of the Activity:
AICUF Karnataka, in collaboration with Roshni Nilaya – School of Social Work, Mangaluru, organized a Memorial Gathering and Candle March on 4 July 2026 in remembrance of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ, a Jesuit priest and social activist who dedicated his life to defending the rights of marginalized communities and promoting justice and human dignity. Around 150 students from seven different colleges participated in the programme. St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) was represented by 14 students, accompanied by their Animator, Ms. Vinitha Pasanha, along with the Vice President and Secretary of the SJEC AICUF Unit. The SJEC AICUF Unit had the privilege of leading the opening prayer service, creating a meaningful and reflective atmosphere for the gathering. The SJEC students actively participated throughout the programme and contributed enthusiastically to all the sessions and activities. The entire programme was coordinated and facilitated by Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes, AICUF Karnataka State Advisor, in collaboration with the KJES Youth Animators and the students of Roshni Nilaya – School of Social Work. Together, they ensured the smooth conduct of the prayer service, reflection session, group activities, and the candle march, making the event meaningful and well organized.

The programme commenced with a prayer service, followed by a tribute to the life and mission of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ. The keynote reflection session was delivered by Rev. Dr. Melwyn D'Cunha SJ, who shared inspiring insights into the relevance of Fr. Stan Swamy's life and mission in today's world. He encouraged the participants to become socially responsible citizens, stand in solidarity with the marginalized, and work towards justice, peace, and human dignity. 

To promote active participation, the students were divided into groups, and various interactive activities were conducted. These activities encouraged teamwork, leadership, communication, and critical reflection on social issues. Students from different colleges actively participated in the discussions, shared their perspectives, and learned from one another in a spirit of unity and collaboration.Following the interactive sessions, all the participants joined a Candle March as a tribute to Fr. Stan Swamy SJ. Carrying lighted candles, they expressed their solidarity with the marginalized and reaffirmed their commitment to the values of justice, equality, peace, and human dignity that Fr. Stan Swamy dedicated his life to upholding. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving the participants inspired to carry forward the ideals of faith, justice, leadership, and service in their colleges and communities 

Conclusion:
The Memorial Gathering and Candle March was a meaningful and inspiring programme that deepened the participants' understanding of the life and legacy of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ. The reflections, interactive activities, and candle march strengthened their commitment to justice, compassion, leadership, and social responsibility. The active involvement of the SJEC AICUF Unit, under the guidance of Ms. Vinitha Pasanha, together with the coordination of Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes, the KJES Youth Animators, and the students of Roshni Nilaya, contributed significantly to the success of the event. The programme inspired everyone present to continue working towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and just society by living the values and vision of AICUF