St Aloysius holds EYECONIC 2025—Empowered beyond lives
Mangaluru: The SAHODAYA Association of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised ‘EYECONIC 2025—Empowered beyond limits’ on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee Celebration on 12th March, 2025, in Fr L.F. Rasquinha Hall of the University.
Rev. Fr Prashant Madtha, former principal of St. Aloysius College, graced the event as the chief guest, while Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar of St Aloysius College (Autonomous); Dr Ronald Nazareth, Registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Dr Charles V. Furtado, Founder President of SAHODAYA and Director of Admin Block; Dr Roshan Fredrick DSouza, President of SAHODAYA; and Neel Shetty, student secretary, were present on the dais.
EYECONIC is a platform where accomplished individuals with disabilities share their experiences and achievements with the student community. This year, two inspiring achievers, Ms. Kanmony S. and Ms. Meghana K.T., IAS, showcased their remarkable journeys.
Ms Kanmony, hailing from Trivandrum, Kerala, was born without hands but has mastered life using her feet. A gifted musician, she holds a postgraduate degree with a rank in vocal music and has performed over 500 concerts, including one at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A national award winner, she excels in Carnatic music, ashtapadi, and recitations. A passionate artist with 250 displayed works, she joined MFPA in 2022. Kanmony believes perception shapes beauty.
Ms Meghana is the Assistant Director in DD Chandana Bengaluru, a well-known public speaker on disability advocacy, social sensitization, UPSC exam orientation, and general motivation. She has overcome 70% vision loss to become an IAS officer. She cleared KPSC and UPSC twice, securing AIR 465 (2019) and AIR 425 (2021). Despite setbacks, she turned challenges into opportunities and inspired many people.
Some of the former students, like Shiny Shetty, writer and director; Vijetha, a student of the 2004 batch; and Abhaya Simha, film director, shared their experiences as members of the SAHODAYA Association and how it shaped their future.
Rev. Fr Prashant Madtha, in his address, shared that SAHODAYA was founded in 2000 with the humble vision of supporting individuals with disabilities through various platforms. He highlighted that, through this initiative, students have been actively serving people with disabilities in different capacities, embodying the spirit of service and representing St. Aloysius College as its ambassadors.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks, highlighted how a movement like SAHODAYA has touched the lives of people, especially the student community. He congratulated Dr Roshan Dsouza, Ms Anwika Miranda, and the team for taking the initiative in establishing the Accessibility Center at the university and invited all students to make a difference in the lives of others.
Dr Charles Furtado, the founder president of SAHODAYA, in his speech spoke about the formation of SAHODAYA and its journey over the past 25 years. He said that we should make education not only mind-oriented but also heart-oriented. He referenced Helen Keller, who was born blind and deaf yet became a renowned writer and founded the American Foundation for the Blind. He urged the participants to appreciate what they have and not to take anything for granted. During the programme, Kanmony S. and Meghana K.T., IAS, were felicitated. The event also marked the inauguration of the Accessibility Center at St Aloysius University, with an objective of providing equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Ms Alita Maria DSa and Ms Bhoomika compered the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa welcomed the gathering, while Dr Roshan D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks.
While discussing her condition of losing 70% of her vision, Ms Meghana K.T. quoted, “The beauty of being visually challenged is maybe I cannot look at you, but I can make you look at me” and she’s proud of that. She gradually lost her vision during high school, experiencing the heartbreaking realization that the vibrant colours of her world had faded. It was when she changed her perspectives and attitude that made all the difference in her life. She cleared her KAS exam in her first attempt and started working in a treasury department as an assistant director. Her love for learning didn’t stop her from clearing one of the challenging exams in India, UPSC. She cleared it in her 2nd attempt with an extraordinary rank of 456 and became an IAS officer. Currently, she’s working as an IIS (Indian Information Service) officer holding the post of Assistant Director in DD Chandana Bengaluru. Ever since childhood, Meghana had a keen interest in singing, dancing, and compering, thus keeping herself active all the time. She never wanted to give up the life she was bestowed with, as she believes that life is 10% of what happens and 90% of how we choose to react to it.
Ms Kanmony was born without arms and having deformed legs. Despite having to face all the adversities, she stood firm and decided to face life, come what may. Her mother became the strong pillar of support to her. As it’s said that with the right people you grow and rise against all odds, Kanmony received a great deal of support from her mother. She joined the classical singing classes and bagged first rank in MA in Music while writing the exams using her foot. She believes ‘Everyone is able, and what truly matters is how we use our disabilities.’ She was recognized by the media outlets as she started growing beyond everyone’s imagination. She has given a number of music performances in different places, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Music has helped her meet many legends, such as K.S. Chithra, S. Janaki, K.J. Yesudas, and so on. As a child, she regarded herself as an angel without wings, but the first international flight for her concert in Dubai helped her break barriers of disability. She quotes, “The girl once thought who was unable to walk is now flying, and that moment, I realized that wings were not necessary for flight; determination and courage are enough.” Her passion for music carried her from state to state, catching the media’s attention and making her stand as an inspiration to many. From pediatric ICU to securing academic excellence, she embraced her differences, and that is her mantra to keep going. Having cleared her JRF exams in music, she wants to pursue her PhD in the same field, which empowered her the most. She demonstrated her singing and drawing talents, keeping the audience startled and inspired.
About the SAHODAYA Association
SAHODAYA, an outreach programme of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was founded in the year 2000 to empower persons with disabilities with the theme ‘blossoming together.’ This association, which began with 30 students, has grown into a movement involving hundreds of youth and alumni, which fosters empathy and inclusion among students.
SAHODAYA, with its hundreds of youth and alumni, supports marginalized individuals, helping them integrate into society. Through various initiatives, it promotes self-reliance and social responsibility. Over the years, it has made a lasting impact on both its volunteers and the people it serves.
