By Apostolic Carmel Generalate, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 18: The Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Sacred Heart Teachers’ Training Institute was celebrated with great enthusiasm and exuberance, which marked a historic moment in the history of Sacred Heart Teacher Training Institute, Jayanagar.

The genesis of Sacred Heart College is chronicled in the year 1904 started by the sisters of Good Shepherd at Museum Road, Bangalore. And later in 1948 the Teacher Training wing was established and was granted permanent recognition in 1957 by the Director of Public Instruction in Mysore and it was managed by the Good Shepherd Sisters till 1971.

Later, in 1971, they decided to close this school for lack of personnel. On being advised to transfer it to others, the Provincial Superior Late Mother M. Francis Xavier approached Rev. Mother Theodosia, the Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel at that time, and invited her to take over the Training Schools, viz. the Anglo-Indian Training School and T.C.H. Mother Theodosia accepted the offer and on 24th September 1971 the Apostolic Carmel Sisters took over the Management of the Sacred Heart Teacher Training Institute. The Anglo- Indian School was closed down later. Since September 1971 the Institution was entitled to government aid and hence came to be known as Government Aided Institution. After having completed the ground floor of the present building of the Sacred Heart TTI the classes were shifted to the Apostolic Carmel Premises at Jayanagar in 1972. Since then, the institution has made a rapid progress. This institution has been rendering yeomen service and has been instrumental in moulding and shaping around 4,000 young girls into full-fledged teachers, who are not only intellectually well-versed but are also morally, spiritually and socially well-equipped to face the challenges of life.

The management enjoys the privilege of admitting students from other States and students from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Sikkim, Meghalaya, have taken admission and since the past 15 years, candidates from Andaman and Nicobar Islands have sought admission and completed their course. The SHTTI has welcomed all candidates without discrimination based on religion, caste, and community. Those who are economically poor do receive concession or free education as well.

On the occasion of completion of its establishment, the institution thanked God in gratitude by celebrating Thanks Giving Eucharistic celebration with chief celebrant Msgr S  Jayanathan, vicar general, Archdiocese, Bengaluru along with other concelebrants. The former students, teachers on the campus and different sisters from different convents took part in it.

The afternoon celebration that was held in Mother Veronica Auditorium on the campus.

The programme began with the timeless tradition of lighting the lamp to invoke the blessings of Almighty. The Jubilee Anthem, composed by Dr Sr M Clarice A C, the principal set the tone for an evening filled with pride and nostalgia which resonated of seventy-five years of journey.

The students of Carmel Higher primary school invoked the blessings of God through their prayer dance. After that, a visual journey was showcased to embark on a fascinated voyage, traversing through the corridors of history reminiscing the mile stones and celebrating those moments that have shaped the legacy of our institution such as humility, respect, care, positive attitude, God consciousness and dedication. As we journeyed these glimpses we witnessed the transformative moments, the triumphs, the challenges overcome and the accomplishment that have etched themselves as landmarks in our institution saga. It was a testament to resilience, commitment to excellence, enduring pursuit of knowledge and innovative selfless vocations. It evoked a feeling of gratitude for the past and present.

The chief guest Nadoja Dr Wooday P Krishna, president , Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, Bengaluru and the guest of honour Sr Mary Margaret (RGS), principal, Sacred Heart Girls High School, Bengaluru, the president Sr Maria Nirmalini A C, the superior of Apostolic Carmel, Sr Maria Sujatha AC, local manager and superior, Lourdes Convent , Dr Sr Clarice A.C. principal, Sacred Heart Teachers Training Institute were present. Dr Sr Clarice AC welcomed the gathering.

Insightful addresses by the chief guest Nadoja Dr Wooday P Krishna reflected on the institution's impact on education and society, inspiring all present to continue the legacy of excellence. He also appreciated the dedication, selfless service and commitment of Apostolic Carmel sisters to the society and drew the attention of audience towards the creation of value based teachers.

The former principals and the staff members and the present staff members were felicitated by the chief guest and guests of honour.

Sr Mary Margaret RGS, the guest of honour recalled her fond memories and experiences of being an ex-student of Sacred Heart TTI and motivated the present student teachers to become creative teachers. Sr Maria Sujata AC, the superior and manager of schools expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all those who are involved in building this institution.

Sr Maria Nirmalini A C, the president addressed the gathering and congratulated and appreciated the services of all who are responsible for the growth of this institution.

The student teachers of Sacred Heart TTI showcased jubilant dance drama with the theme ‘ LET YOUR SHINE’ exploring themes of women empowerment, creation of Teacher and homage to Venerable Mother Veronica the Founder of the Apostolic Carmel. written and directed by Dr Sr Clarice AC.

Former student Gloria R took the stage to represent the alumni, declaring the inauguration of the Alumni Association of Sacred Heart TTI. A teachers’ forum was established online, outlining objectives to foster ongoing connections among alumni.

Then presence of former students from far and near, young and old added beauty to the celebration.

Thanuja, the lecturer of Sacred Heart TTI proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was compered by the alumni Juliet and Nikitha.