Mangaluru: The students and staff of St. Aloysius College staged a protest against the renaming of St Aloysius College Road, in the Eric Mathias Hall on campus on Thursday, June 29.

The stretch from Hampanakatta to Ambedkar Circle from St.Aloysius College road to rename as “Mulki Sundararama Shetty Road” on July 2.

The protest was held in the Eric Mathias Hall on campus on Thursday. Hundreds of students participated in the protest.

Dr. Richard Gonsalves, president of St. Aloysius Alumni Association, addressing the gathering said, “For several years, the stretch between Hampankatta and Ambedkar Circle has been called as St. Aloysius College Road. Now the government wants to rename this road as “Mulki Sundararama Shetty Road.” It is apt to name a road after this institution. The municipal corporation in 1970 had named the road as St Aloysius Road. Now, after 47 years, the MCC decides to rename this road. SAC administration, staff and students are deeply hurt by this decision of the government and MCC.”

Late Mulky Sundararama Shetty, MD of Vijaya Bank has indeed contributed a lot toward the development of the bank. During his tenure, he has helped many people to get jobs in the bank. His work has been commendable, without downplaying his achievements, the change called for, in this case, is unjustifiable. The MLAs and MLCs also supported the government and corporation without enquiring with us. We will have to take stronger measures to restore the prestige of the college,” said Richard Gonsalves, vice principal of the LLR block in the college.

Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of St. Aloysius College said, “We are deeply pained by the decision of the government. Restoring the name of the stretch as St. Aloysius College Road it is fair considering the history and contribution of the college. We will struggle till justice is met.”

The renaming ceremony will be held on July 2 and will be inaugrated by District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai , MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil, DC Dr K G Jagadeesh, Police Commissioner R Suresh, Minister of Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader, Commissioner of MCC Mohammed Nazir, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Moideen Bava and J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza Chief of MCC , Mahabala Maarla, Dr N Vinaya Hegde, Dr Mohan Alva, A J Shetty, A Sadananda Shetty, Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, Former Minister K Amarnath Shetty, Regional corporator Vinaya Raj and many other dignitaries are invited to the inaugural function.