The Annual General Body Meeting of the Association of Private College
Principals affiliated to Mangalore University was held at SDM College of Business Management, Mangaluru, on 7 March 2026.
Prof. Aruna P. Kamath, Principal, SDM College of Business Management and Secretary of the Association, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of collective dialogue in addressing the emerging challenges confronting higher education institutions.
Chief guest, Anil Lobo, Chairman, MCC Bank, inaugurated the meeting, and in his address, he highlighted the vital role played by educators in shaping society and underscored the need for commitment and social responsibility in public life. Observing that challenges are inevitable, he noted that they often provide opportunities to discover meaningful solutions. Drawing on his long association with the field of e-commerce since 1999, he also outlined several initiatives undertaken by MCC Bank to support educational advancement.
Delivering the keynote address, Shripathi Kalluraya, Secretary of the Private College Management Association, observed that the contemporary education system stands at a critical juncture. He cautioned that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence poses new challenges to the conventional framework of education. Referring to the implementation of the National Education Policy, he remarked that certain provisions had been introduced without adequate planning, leaving institutional heads to contend with their practical implications. He also drew attention to the impact of the Goods and Services Tax on educational institutions, describing it as a national issue that warrants serious consideration.
Presiding over the function, Vincent Alva, President of the Association and Principal, Milagres College Kallianpur, highlighted the challenges posed by GST to private colleges and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through constructive dialogue and collective representation.
On the occasion, seven retired principals were felicitated in recognition of their distinguished service and significant contributions to the field of education. The business session of the meeting also witnessed the selection and election of new office-bearers of the Association.
K. Umesh Shetty, Principal, B.B. Hegde First Grade College, Kundapur, and Vice President of the Association, proposed the vote of thanks.
The meeting provided a meaningful platform for deliberations on academic, administrative, and policy-related matters affecting higher education.