The Department of Economics organized ‘ECONOVANZA – a one-day Fest ‘for PU students was inaugurated on Wednesday 9 November in Eric Mathias Hall of the College with the theme ‘Ad Meliora’. Ms Anta Lobo, HoD of Commerce, Milagres PU College, Mangaluru, and also the wife of late Dr Norbert Lobo who was the Director of Admin Block, St Aloysius College was the chief guest. Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal; Dr Priya Shetty, HoD Dept of Economics; Dr Charles Furtado, Director of Admin Block; student coordinators, Miss Sakshi Shenoy and Macwin D’Souza were present on the dais. Alwyn Misquith and Reji John were the staff coordinators for the Fest.

The programme was inaugurated by the dignitaries in a unique way by dropping a coin in the piggy bank. 

Ms Anta Lobo in her inaugural address said, ”The desire to excel should be exclusive of the fact whether someone appreciates you or not. Excellence is a drive from the inside not outside. Throughout today, as you compete in various events, there will be some losses and some wins. I encourage you not to be disheartened if the outcome is not in your favour. Try your best and excel today not necessarily for a prize or for someone else to notice but for your satisfaction. Having the right attitude makes the most impact. I feel it is as equally important as education and more important than money, circumstances than failures, than successes, than whatever anyone might say or do and the remarkable thing is that we have the choice to create the attitude for every day in our life”.

She gave 6 tips to make the best of one’s journey in life. 1. Learn Visualization techniques, visualize yourself taking steps to achieve your goal, breaking toxic or negative thought patterns which will keep you motivated. 2. Find inspiration from people who are successful today, despite their setbacks. Learn from what they have to say and emulate till you find your way. 3. Meditate. Spending a few minutes a day controlling your breathing and focusing your mind will be very helpful and increase your strength to cope with difficult and stressful situations. 4. Only compete against yourself; focus on your goal and how you are going to achieve it. 5. Set small challenges. Don’t give into laziness or disappointment, keep moving towards your goal constantly, set your mind on achieving your objectives every day and I am sure this attitude will become a part of your personality” added Ms Lobo

Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ in his presidential address said, “We should remember the late Dr Norbert Lobo who was the man behind Econovanza, and he had also initiated many other projects. He was an inspiration for all, and his books were read by many gaining lots of knowledge and information. He lived by experiences. We should know that real education will find a purpose in life, and not money. Programmes/contests like these are a process for development and will boost your career. Winning is not important, but taking part is very important because not everyone can win. Don’t copy others, instead, be innovative with your ideas and develop your personality. Take and accept challenges, work hard and you will succeed in your challenges”.

The theme song of the fest ‘Ad Meliora’ was composed by Region D’Souza sung by the students.

The welcome address was delivered by Ms Sakshi Shenoy, the student coordinator.Ms Abia Aslan compered the programme. Jissmon George delivered the vote of thanks. In memory, late Dr Norbert Lobo, a citation was handed over to Dr Lobo’s wife Ms Anita Lobo and daughter Anoma Nehel Lobo.

There FEST featured ten different competitions with 12 teams participating, like- Eco-Model Making; Budget Preparation; Fashion Show; Mad Ad; Essay Writing; Elocution; Quiz; Turn Coat’; Collage and Mockalamation. 

The valedictory function was held on the same day at 3 pm, with Dr Vishanz Pinto, HoD of History was the Chief Guest. 
During the Fest, St Aloysius PU College, Mangaluru, bagged the Overall Championship, and Swami Vivekananda College, Puttur bagged the Runners Up trophy.