FE Inaugural Prayer Service 2025

The academic year at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, commenced on a reverent and uplifting note as the Inaugural Prayer Service for the newly inducted first-year engineering students and lateral entry students was held on 30^th July 2025 in the college auditorium.

Gracing the dais with their presence were esteemed dignitaries: Rev. Fr. Ralin De Souza, Rector of Don Bosco College of Engineering; Rev. Fr. Leo Pereira, Administrator of DBCE; Dr. Neena Panandikar, Principal; and Dr. Kala Nayak, Registrar and Head of the Department of Science & Humanities. They were joined by the heads of departments from Civil, Mechanical, Electronics & Computer Science, and Computer Engineering, and the fresh batch of enthusiastic first-year and lateral entry students.

The ceremony began with a heartwarming video presentation that captured the highlights of the Student Induction Program (SIP)– a visual reflection of beginnings, aspirations, and bonding amongst the new students. To the delight of the audience, a surprise video from the senior students was screened, filled with heartfelt advice and tips to help their juniors embrace and overcome the exciting challenges of the engineering path. In a gesture of hope and enlightenment, the dignitaries, alongside two first-year students, lit the traditional lamp, formally inaugurating the academic journey of the new batch. Each dignitary was warmly welcomed with a floral tribute.

What followed was a beautiful symbol of spiritual harmony: three students took turns reading from the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Quran, reminding everyone that the pursuit of knowledge is universal and sacred. Each reading respectively was followed by a reflective hymn. A prayer was then offered—first by a student, representing the collective hopes of the new batch, asking for wisdom and compassion to grow using their grit and talent as they step into this new phase of their lives, A prayer was also offered by a faculty member, on behalf of all faculty seeking God’s guidance and blessings on all students and for patience and passion as we take on this new challenge. The atmosphere was further elevated with a graceful prayer dance performance by the FE students, set to the uplifting song ‘We Are the World,’ symbolizing unity, hope, and collective purpose.

Dr. Neena Panandikar, in her address, welcomed the students to the family and encouraged the students to embrace the multiple opportunities at DBCE- and grow holistically through innovation, research and hard work. Her message served as an inspiration for students to pursue their academic journey with intention and dedication. Rev Fr. Leo Pereira extended his warm wishes to the students, addressing them as “the engineers of tomorrow” told them that the future has “placed their trust in them” as the “decision-makers” to change the world for the better. His words echoed a powerful message of integrity, responsibility, and purpose. Rev. Fr. Ralin reflected on the inspiring life of Don Bosco, by asking us to focus on the concept of Destiny- which he defined as “a cause for the actions we do in our lives”. He urged students not to be led by destiny, but to take the wheel themselves, to shape their own future and make choices that transform their lives.

Bringing the event to a close, Dr. Kala Nayak expressed gratitude through a Vote of Thanks to all who made the ceremony memorable and acknowledged the efforts of all who contributed to the seamless organization of the SIP. The prayer service, rich in spiritual significance and heartfelt intention, was thoughtfully organized by the college counsellors, Ms. Elaine Dias and Ms. Palosha Pereira, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensured a meaningful and memorable beginning to a promising academic year.