St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor on 15 August 2025 at the College Basketball Court.
Group Captain S M Adyanthaya (Retd.), Indian Air Force, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash D'Souza, Director of SJEC, Dr Rio D'Souza, Principal, Dr Purushothama Chippar, Vice Principal, Dr K Jyothi, Dean – Student Welfare, and Ms Himani Kishan Raj, Sports Advisor – SJEC, as the Guests of Honour.
The dignitaries were formally escorted to the flag post by Cadet Swathi, Cdt Bhuvaneshwari Bhat, Leading Cadet Shreevidya, and Cdt Shravya. The National Flag was hoisted by the Chief Guest, Group Captain S M Adyanthaya, followed by the singing of the National Anthem with great pride and unity by the gathered crowd.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Ms Himani Kishan Raj.
As a mark of deep respect, floral tributes were offered by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries to two of India’s most revered leaders—Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and Dr B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Their vision of justice, equality, and non-violence continues to inspire the nation.
Cadet Captain Sanath Krishna of the SJEC Naval Wing invited the Chief Guest to inspect the SJEC NCC Troop. Following the inspection, the dignitaries were presented with a formal Guard of Honour by the NCC cadets, led by Petty Officer Cadet Sanvi Rai.
The Chief Guest delivered an inspiring address that evoked a strong sense of patriotism among the audience. He encouraged students to serve the nation with dedication and integrity, emphasizing that true service to the country goes beyond wearing a uniform.
Highlighting India's remarkable progress, he noted that none of India’s neighboring countries enjoy the same level of freedom and democratic values. He proudly stated that India now stands as the fourth-largest economy in the world. Referring to the recent India-Pak conflict, he remarked that it demonstrated India’s growing economic and strategic strength on the global stage.
The Chief Guest also applauded the impressive march past by the NCC cadets, expressing hope that at least two of them would eventually join the armed forces. However, he was quick to stress that one need not be in uniform to serve the nation — fulfilling one’s responsibilities with sincerity and commitment is also a powerful form of national service.
A soulful patriotic song by the College Choir elevated the spirit of the celebration, filling the atmosphere with a sense of national pride.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Jia Menezes, the Master of Ceremonies. The celebration successfully imbibed the spirit of patriotism among all present. As a gesture of joy and unity, sweets were distributed to everyone at the end of the program.
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