Dr. Mary Agnes Saldanha M.A. M.ED Ph.D (USA)

St. Agnes College is rightly proud of having the name of Mary Agnes Saldanha on its rolls. An Agnesian through High School and College, she continued to lecture in English language and literature at St. Agnes College. From 1953-1957 she worked at Syracuse University, Washington as administrator assistant to the Professor of Education.

In 1957 she was appointed as the Principal of Lady Amithabai Daga College for Women, Nagpur. In the summer of 1962 she returned to New York State University College, Oswego as visiting Professor lecturing in English and Social Studies. She then served Srimathi Saraswathi Mahila Mahavidyanilaya, Gondia as its Principal. Dr. Saldanha was awarded the Papal Honour ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ in 1968. She was a delegate to two World Congresses in Rome, namely WUCWO and Lay Congress. She was also elected member of the Council and the leader of the Delegation to the XVI Conference on the Indian Federation of University Women at Karlsrulie, Germany in 1968.While Principal of Lady Amritabai Daga College she was the President of several local Associations like the Bharath Scouts and Guides, the Council of Research, Ramakrishna Institute of Culture, Altrusa Club, Indian Federation of University Women’s Association and Northern Council of Catholic Women.

As a person she is unique, simple, gentle and has deep faith in God and man. At prsent Dr. Saldanha spends her peaceful retired life, at in her residence in Falnir.

Dr. Jessie Tellis Nayak M.A. Ph.D. (USA)

Another brilliant Agnesian is Dr. Jessie Tellis Nayak. Born on 21st of March 1925 at Mangalore, she was a student of St. Agnes College right from her class I to the intermediate. She completed her B.A. degree in 1948 from Holy Cross College, Trichy and obtained her B.T. degree from St. Ann’s College, Mangalore. In 1957 she did her Diploma in Social Work from St. Agnes College and then her Masters in Social work (1959) and Doctorate (1964) both from Catholic University of America, Washington. She returned to St. Agnes College as a Lecturer in Biology (1949-56). Between 1966-68 she served as an Assistant Director of Chotamangalore Project and between 1968-75 as Community Development Officer giving consultancy to project applicants and Donor Agencies Overseas. From 1976-82, she was the Director of Indian Social Institute New Delhi. Dr. Tellis has visited Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Bangkok to get an idea of social work in the east. She was the Joint Secretary of the Vikas Maitri Bihar, Founder and Co-ordinator of Women’s Institute for New Awakening (WINA) India, (1982-1991) and a Founder President of a Family Trust, Justin Maundy Tellis Memorial Trust (1999) to promote primary education for the poor, helping a few families and aged with basic needs and also encouraging pioneer efforts of women’s groups

Dr. Tellis is also a scholar of great repute and has written and published many books. To name a few:

1. The Grihini Training Programme in Raanchi Archdiocese.
2. The Grihin Training in India.
3. Non Formal Education for women.
4. Education and Income Generation for Women.
5. Indian Womanhood then and now.
6. The Decade for Women.

Besides she has published many articles and news letters on Socio economic development, omen’s development , religion or other current topics.

Dr. Tellis Nayak has many awards to her credit. She is awarded

1. ‘Doctor of Law’ (Honorary)-.Coday International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University Antagonish 1984 Canada for championing women’s cause
2. ‘Doctor of Divinity’ in July 1993 by the Academy of Ecumenical Theology and Church Administration, Madras
3. Alumni Achievement Award given in October 2001 by the Catholic University of America Washington D.C., U.S.A.
4. Awards given by Bethany Sisters of Mangalore in 1991 and also by Apostolic Carmel Congregation, St. Agnes College Magnalore. She is a widely traveled person. As a member of the Pontifical Commission ‘COR UNUN’ at the Vatican for 7 years (1970’s) she travelled extensively within India in relation to developmental work, on consultancy services, and organizing talks and seminars. She was a resource person at several Conferences in India and abroad. With her vision, boundless love for the underprivileged, generosity of heart, Dr. Tellis fights the battle against poverty, disease and hunger in the land of her birth even now at the age of 79, and St. Agnes College is proud of her.

Mrs. Octavia Albuquerque

Fifty-five long years of service that is what Mrs. Octavia Albuquerque has given to the community and humanity out of her 80 years of life. That is no ordinary achievement for a lady with traditional responsibilities.

Born on Febraury18, 1924 as the daughter of late Rao Saheb Lobo – a one time Deputy Collector and Lilly Pais, she had her early education in Good Shepherd Convent, Bangalore. She then joined St. Agnes High School and later St. Agnes College, Mangalore taking her B.A. degree in 1944. In the same year she married Cyril Albuquerque, a well-known Industrialist, who headed the pioneer tile manufacturing industry in Mangalore.

In 1949 Mrs. Albuquerque joined the Lady’s Social Service League and in 1952 she was elected President. She is the President of the Council of Catholic Women since 1959 and also the Vice-President of the Executive Committee of Hind Kust Nivaran Sangh. Besides also served as the member of State Sangeeth Natak Sabha, member of the Lady Goshen Advisory Committee and the Founder Member of Cheshire Home, Mangalore.

Mrs. Octavia served in other top positions as, Assistant District Commissioner (G) from 1963-65, District Commissioner (G) 1965-75, Vice-President of Mangalore Municipality 1965-68, member of Karnataka Legislative Council from 1970-72, State Commissioner of Girl Guides for Karnataka–Bharath Scouts and Guides, National Council Member 1975-77, National Headquarter Commissioner for Rangers 1977-80, Chief Commissioner of India(G) 1980-82, Executive Committee Member of South Kanara, T.B. Association since 1960, President of AILA (Mangalore Unit), Governor of Women’s Front( R). She is a member of several other associations and has rendered Social and Relief services to the public of South Kanara including Mangalore.

In 1961 Mrs. Albuquerque attended the World Conference in Rome and the Protection of Girl’s and Women’s World Conference in Germany. In 1965 she visited the USA on an invitation from and association in Washington to speak on “War on Poverty”. She was awarded the Golden Cross of Service, ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifics’ by his Holiness Pope Paul V1 in 1967 and in the same year she received Rajyotsava Award for Social Service. Being the mother of 9 children she combined the work of the housewife and a Politician /Social Worker not only for her hometown but also for the country. Even now at the age of 80 she is still active and serves as a member of various associations. She says her strength comes from God.

Mother Macrina B.S.

Mother Macrina B.S was born on 26th March 1917 at Kinnigoly. Having completed her initial schooling at St. Mary’s Primary School in Kinnigoly and Pompei Higher Primary School Kiren, she joined the congregation of the sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany in May 1933. She completed her final Commitments in the year 1942.

She had her secondary education from St. Agnes High School Bendore from 1936-1939. Having recognized her leadership qualities Sr. Macrina was sent to St. Agnes College for her College studies. She took her B.A.degree from St. Agnes College in 1943 and she was one of the first three sisters of congregation to be awarded that degree. She completed her B.Ed Course from St. Ann’s Training College in 1945. She served as the Headmistress of the Sacred Heart High School, Kulshekar for one-year. When Rosa Mystica Training School was established at Kinnikambla in 1945, Mother Macrina was appointed as its first Principal. In 1956 she completed her M.Ed from St.Louis University, Missori, USA. Richly endowed by nature her qualities of mind and heart as well as her contact with western education were an asset to the role she was soon to play. In 1954 she was elected Superior General of the Bethany Congregation and reelected twice (1959-1977). Between 1980-1986 she was the General Councilor of Bethany Congregation and from 1986-1994 she was the administrator of the Mother House Group after which she lived a retired life.

The longest record of service to the Congregation as the Superior General after its canonical election is that of Mother Macrina. She has remained a bright star in the sky of Bethany’s by her diligence and her consecrated life.

Under the patronage of Mother Macrina the branches of the Congregation were established far and wide in the North East, North West, Rome and Germany, making Bethany Congregation truly missionary. Her heart went out to the poor in the distant villages of India, where no pastoral care and educational facilities were provided. Under her leadership Bethany became the first Women’s Religious Congregation to enter Mizorum and Tripura and be the pioneers in Nagaland missions. Under her term of office as the Superior General of the Little Flower of Bethany, the Congregation expanded both in number and spirit. Farsighted and courageous, Sr. Macrina was known for her humility, initiative, determination, commonsense, steadfastness of purpose coupled with deep piety and faith and prayerfulness. Her trust in God and in people made her adept in the art of governance and animation of the Congregation. Sr. Macrina slept in the lord peacefully on 23/5/2004 at the age of 87.

Mrs. Indira Rao

Mrs. Indira Rao graduated from St. Agnes College in 1945 and took her B.T. degree at ST.Ann’s Training College. She started her career as a teacher, and then switched over to the Department of Women’s Welfare as Assistant Women’s Welfare Officer for South Kanara in 1955. Later she was transferred as Women’s Welfare Officer on the Directorate of Social Welfare. In this capacity she was responsible for chalking out and implementing a revolutionary programme for the uplift of women and children among the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and backward classes. With a small beginning in 1958 she succeeded in establishing 363 Women and Child Welfare Centres, 125 ashram schools, 112 girls hostels and a large number of training and vocational training centres giving training and employment to women of backward classes. In 1967 Indira was selected to participate in a study cum work programme under the International Programme for social welfare in the United States. A deep concern for others and dedication and devotion to the down trodden has made her unique.

Sr. Maria Jyothi A.C.

Mrs. Indira Rao graduated from St. Agnes College in 1945 and took her B.T. degree at ST.Ann’s Training College. She started her career as a teacher, and then switched over to the Department of Women’s Welfare as Assistant Women’s Welfare Officer for South Kanara in 1955. Later she was transferred as Women’s Welfare Officer on the Directorate of Social Welfare. In this capacity she was responsible for chalking out and implementing a revolutionary programme for the uplift of women and children among the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and backward classes. With a small beginning in 1958 she succeeded in establishing 363 Women and Child Welfare Centres, 125 ashram schools, 112 girls hostels and a large number of training and vocational training centres giving training and employment to women of backward classes. In 1967 Indira was selected to participate in a study cum work programme under the International Programme for social welfare in the United States. A deep concern for others and dedication and devotion to the down trodden has made her unique.