Pudukottai (India). On 16 February 2023, at the Auxilium College of Education in Regunathapuram, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Blessed Eusebia Palomino Community, of Our Lady of the Snow Province (INT), took place the 13th Graduation Ceremony for the bestowal of Graduate Degree Diplomas on the students – and new teachers – of three groups: 2018-2020, 2019-2021, and 2020-2022.
The event began with the academic procession that entered the salon, starting a memorable day for the newly graduated students, welcomed by the first-year students. Present were the Secretary of Auxilium College of Education, Sister Soosai Magnificat, FMA; the Principal, Sister Malarjothi Ayundukayam; the main guest, Dr. D. Thomas Alexander, Jesuit, Dean of St. Xavier’s College of Education of Palayamkottai, District of Tirunelveli; and all the Professors of the Graduate Degree course.
The ceremony began with an invocation, a moment of reflection and prayer to ask for blessings for the graduates. Tamil Thai Vazhthu was sung, a typical song in all schools of Tamil Nadu.
Sister Magnificat Soosai therefore declared Graduation Day open: balloons were released in the air and the welcome speech was read. The College gave a ponnadai and a souvenir to the main guest for his presence. Subsequently, the Teachers read the reports of the new graduates.
In his discourse, the main guest first valued the green of the Auxilium College campus. He praised the dedication and hard work of the students, emphasizing the role of education in shaping their future.
Speaking of the value of teaching, he said, “Even if the situation is not favorable for your teaching service, you should persevere, because teaching reaches students.” He then involved the assembly with the sayings “yeni, thoni”. ” Yeni” means ladder and “thoni” means boat. He compared teachers to ladders and boats, as they selflessly support students through various challenges, allowing them to walk the road to their future.
He also told some significant stories, centered around helping others without expectations and summed up his talk by exhorting, “Behave correctly, be different” sharing some reflections on the importance of education and on the opportunities that may arise for graduates. His speech encouraged them to continue to cultivate knowledge and contribute to society.
The highlight of the event was the consignments of certificates of completion of the course to the new graduates. The College also announced and celebrated the academic achievements of the College’s best students with awards and medals.
Finally, all graduates pledged themselves to be committed to promoting the values of knowledge, integrity, and responsibility in their future activities. The graduation ceremony ended with thanks and the singing of the national anthem, an expression of unity and belonging. The day ended by capturing this moment with photographs.
