The academic year 2024–25 marked a remarkable journey for the Student Welfare Council (SWC) of SMS
College, Brahmavar. The Council undertook numerous initiatives that spanned across social service,
leadership development, cultural expression, and student welfare. Each activity reflected the council’s
commitment to fostering a vibrant, responsible, and compassionate student community. The following is a
chronological account of the key programs and events conducted throughout the academic year.
The journey began with the formal inauguration of the Student Welfare Council on September 5, 2024. The
occasion was graced by Professor Sakharam Somayaji, President of the Alumni Association and retired
professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, who inaugurated the council. Rev. F. M. C. Mathai
presided over the event. The stage was adorned by dignitaries including Principal Dr. Robert Rodrigues
J,
Vice Principal Mr. Prasanna Shetty, Mr. Alvarez D’Silva, Secretary of the College Section, Mr. Prashanth
Shetty, Director of the SWC, and Ms. Supreetha, Assistant Director. The newly elected office bearers
took their oaths and pledged to serve with dedication and integrity.
On September 30, 2024, the college grounds came alive with excitement as the Rural Games Day was
celebrated in collaboration with the Department of Physical Education. The event aimed to revive
traditional Indian sports and instill a sense of cultural pride among students. Games such as tug of
war, lagori, and one-leg race transported participants back to their rural roots and promoted the spirit
of teamwork and physical well-being.
Continuing its focus on holistic development, the SWC, in association with the Internal Quality
Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized a Leadership Training Programme on October 3, 2024. The session was
led by Mr. Ajith, a renowned personality development trainer from Karkala. His engaging session inspired
student leaders to hone their leadership skills, communication abilities, and team spirit. The event
also witnessed the participation of former SWC office bearers from the 2016–17 and 2017–18 batches,
whose presence added a nostalgic and motivational touch.
Just two days later, on October 5, 2024, the college celebrated Talents Day, a platform where students
unleashed their creativity through a variety of performances including music, dance, and drama. The
event was a celebration of youthful energy, innovation, and artistic brilliance. It also served as a
powerful reminder of the diverse talents within the student body.
The month of October also featured the much-anticipated Fresher’s Day celebration, designed to warmly
welcome the first-year students of BA, BCom, and BCA. The event aimed to help new students integrate
into the academic and cultural fabric of the college. It witnessed vibrant cultural performances by the
freshers and was attended by Principal Dr. Robert Rodrigues J, Vice Principal Mr. Prasanna Shetty, and
faculty members, all of whom extended their support and encouragement.
As the new year unfolded, the SWC collaborated with other student organizations to organize a Blood
Donation Camp, which saw overwhelming participation. With students donating blood voluntarily and
enthusiastically, the camp was a testament to the humanitarian spirit prevalent in the college. A total
of 102 units of blood were collected, reflecting the social consciousness of the student community.
On March 15, 2025, the campus celebrated Traditional Day with colorful fervor and pride. The objective
was to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. Students and staff dressed in
traditional
attire participated in various activities, including a campus procession and a poster-making competition
depicting the cultural uniqueness of different Indian states. The event, inaugurated by Principal Dr.
Robert Rodrigues, beautifully reflected the ethos of unity in diversity.
April 2, 2025, witnessed a momentous event when the SWC led a protest rally demanding the construction
of a service road and flyover near the college. The rally was prompted by the increasing number of road
accidents and traffic congestion around the campus area. Hundreds of students, faculty members, and
members of the local community joined forces to voice their concern and press for immediate action,
exemplifying the council’s commitment to student safety and civic responsibility.
One of the academic year’s crowning events was Thillana – 2025, held on April 9, 2025. This
university-level intercollegiate cultural fest, themed “Kala Anubhandagala Darpana,” brought together
students from nine different colleges. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Niketh Mohan Das Shetty, a
lecturer at Vibrant PU College, Mangalore, and presided over by Principal Dr. Robert Rodrigues J. Chief
guest Shri Ishwar Malpe inspired the audience with his address. MPM College, Karkala emerged as the
overall champions, while Bhandarkars College, Kundapur and Milagres College, Kallianpur secured the
first and second runner-up positions respectively. The event was supported by alumni and parent
associations and was a celebration of talent, unity, and cultural pride.
Furthering the mission of social responsibility, the Council organized an Organ Donation Awareness
Program on April 16, 2025.
The program aimed to educate students on the significance of organ donation and motivate them to
consider registering as donors. Eminent speakers included Smt. Padmavathi, Transplant Coordinator from
Jeevasarthakathe (SOTTO Karnataka), Sri Shashidhar Jain from the Department of Health and Family
Welfare, and Sri Kiran Kundar from Vision Appu Trust, Brahmavar. The session, presided over by Principal
Dr. Robert Rodrigues, was informative and emotionally impactful.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the SWC also led a fundraising initiative to
support two students, Suraksh and Vivek, who were facing serious health challenges. With the active
participation of students, faculty, and staff, the college community managed to raise nearly Rs. 60,000
for each student, offering vital assistance to their families in managing medical expenses.
As summer arrived, the SWC acknowledged a simple yet meaningful act of care by Principal Dr. Robert
Rodrigues, who arranged for the distribution of watermelon to students to help them stay hydrated and
refreshed. This thoughtful gesture was deeply appreciated by the students and exemplified the
principal’s continued commitment to student well-being.
The year 2024–25 was a vibrant and impactful period for the Student Welfare Council of SMS College.
With initiatives spanning cultural celebration, civic activism, leadership training, health awareness,
and humanitarian service, the Council consistently worked to enhance the quality of student life on
campus. Under the dynamic leadership of its office bearers and the unwavering support of the college
administration, the SWC has reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of student engagement and welfare. The
Council remains committed to fostering a campus culture grounded in unity, service, and holistic
development.