Media Release
Puttur, Nov 1: A two-day Founders’ Day Sports Meet inauguration was held at St Philomena College ground to commemorate the services of Msgr Anthony Patrao, the founder of the Mai De Deus Educational Institutions. The two-day sports event, organized by the Mai De Deus educational institutions, was inaugurated with a solemn ceremony on October 31. The event commenced with dignitaries and heads of the Mai De Deus institutions paying their respects to Msgr Anthony Patrao by garlanding his bust in front of the college. They were then accompanied to the stage by a marching band, and a splendid march past was performed by the athletes, NCC cadets, and students from these institutions.
The chief guest for the event, Madhu S Manohar, an alumnus of St Philomena Institutions and a commissioner of Puttur city municipality, inaugurated the event by releasing bunches of balloons to the sky. The Kreeda Jyothi (torch) carried by approximately 50 students from the Mai De Deus institutions who had earned recognition as state and national athletes, made its grand entrance to the ground, accompanied by the resounding beats of the band. Upon handing over the Torch to the guests, the games torch was then placed at the Jyoti Peeth, located in front of the silver jubilee memorial hall. Following this, the oath of sportsmanship was administered to all the participating athletes by Varsha Gowda.
The chief guest, Madhu S Manohar spoke warmly about the nostalgia that these games had evoked from his own student days. He emphasized the importance of sports for every student, stating that it is as crucial as academic studies. Manohar encouraged parents to actively support their children’s participation in both academics and sports. He noted that even if students do not become medal winners, engagement in sports instils them with valuable qualities such as self-confidence, courage, and mental stability, setting them apart from their non-athletic peers. Sports, he stressed, teaches model behaviour in society and how to manage emotions effectively. Importantly, sports do not discriminate based on caste, religion, or social background, demonstrating the values of equality and fairness. Manohar concluded by extending his best wishes to the sportspersons and expressed hope that they would bring great honour to the institution by winning medals in state, national, and international events.
The president of the event, Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, who is the parish priest of the Mai De Deus church and also the Correspondent of the Mai De Deus institutions, addressed the gathering. He underscored the significance of this sports meet, which is held in memory and honour of Msgr Anthony Patrao, the founder, as an annual tradition. He highlighted Msgr Patrao’s visionary contributions, which have enabled thousands of students to excel and attain respected positions in the society. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas emphasized the interconnectedness of the students and staff of Mai De Deus institutions, likening them to branches of the same tree. He noted that these Games not only represent their sportsmanship but also bear witness to their rich heritage and the values instilled in the student community. It was a moment to pay homage to their esteemed founder. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas extended his heartfelt congratulations to the sportspersons from the institutions for their achievements and commended the dedicated efforts of the sports directors and teachers in nurturing these athletes. He also expressed his appreciation for all those who contributed to the success of the event and concluded by offering his best wishes, hoping that the sportspersons would continue to reach greater heights, thereby promoting a healthier society and contributing to the nation’s success.
Among the dignitaries present on the stage as guests of honour were campus director of St Philomena College, Fr Stany Pinto; principal of St Philomena College, Dr Anthony Prakash Monteiro, headmaster of St Philomena High School, Fr Maxim D’Souza, headmistress of St Victor’s Girls’ High School Rosaline Lobo; headmaster of St Victor’s English medium school Harry D’Souza, headmistress of Mai De Deus higher primary school, Janet D’Souza, headmistress of St Philomena English medium school, Sr Lora Pais, warden of St Philomena Men’s hostel, Fr Roopesh Tauro; and warden of St Philomena Women’s hostel, Sr Lourde Mary.
The event saw the participation of members of the Mai De Deus educational institutions Management committee, presidents of the parent-teacher associations, alumni, and more than 4,000 students from various educational institutions under Mai De Deus institutions, St Philomena College, St Philomena PU College, St Philomena High School, St Philomena English medium school, St Victor’s Girls’ High School, St Victor’s English medium school, and Mai De Deus higher primary school.
Students from the performing arts section of St Philomena PU College offered prayers. Principal of St Philomena PU College Fr Ashok Ryan Crasta welcomed the gathering. Vice president of the Mai De Deus parish pastoral committee Gerald D’Costa proposed a vote of thanks. HOD of Hindi of St Philomena PU College, Dr Asha Savitri compered the event.