Media Release
Bengaluru, Mar 2: The alumni of 1971-74 batch of Nithya Sahaya Matha High School (NSMHS), Arkula (Omzoor), celebrated the completion of 50 golden years on January 30, at Vajra Hall, Moti Mahal, Mangaluru.
The jubilee programme began with a thanksgiving mass offered by the catholic alumni, presided by one of the batchmates, Fr Basil Vas, with lectors Jossy Pinto, Jessy D’Souza, Magdeline Coelho Menezes, and Celestine D’Souza/Fernandes at St Monica’s Chapel, Milagres Church, Mangaluru. The choir was led by Hubert D’Souza, Jossy and Celine Pinto, Emilda D’Souza, and was supported by Hans Malcolm D’Souza on the keyboard.
Most of the alumni, attended the jubilee programme, and some with their spouses. Many flew down from Australia, Middle East, the USA, and also from various cities in India 50 in all. It was an exciting moment for many as they met each other after a long gap of 50 years. It was a well planned and executed event by the reunion organizing team, comprising Fr Basil Vas, Emilda D’Souza, Gracian D’Silva, Janardhana M, Jessy D’Souza, Ronald D’Souza, Sylvester D’Souza, and Valerian P Pinto.
Anna Maria Braggs /D’Souza, represented the faculty members, who taught, guided and inspired her students during the period 1971-74. Other faculty members couldn’t attend the reunion meet due to their advanced age and other constraints. Sr Cynthia Saldanha, the current headmistress, and Sr Aurelia, headmistress of English Medium Section graced the occasion.
The programme commenced with Emcee Sylvester D’Souza, an alumnus, extending a warm welcome to all, and followed by a prayer by Fr Basil Vas, invoking God’s blessings on the gathering.
Thereafter, Julian D’Souza honored Sr Cynthia, and Mark Pinto presented her a flower bouquet and a memento. Henry Vas, Valerian Eugine Pereira, Mallika Shetty, and Mohini Shetty joined Sr Cynthia Saldanha and Anna Maria Braggs for the reunion cake cutting ceremony.
Mother Andrew (Sr Andrea D’Souza), the founder of the school and HM during 1971-74, joined the celebration on photo video call from Bengaluru as she couldn’t travel, extended her greetings and congratulated the alumni of first batch of NSMHS. Janardhana M honored Anna Maria Braggs, and Devappa M presented a memento and a flower bouquet.
Benjamin D’Souza, Mark Lobo, Harry Lasrado, Ronald D’Souza, and Gracian paid rich tributes in appreciation of the faculty members, who couldn’t attend the celebration. Valerian Pinto and Emilda D’Souza honored the spouses of the alumni with flower bouquets. Four deceased batchmates, Bhaskar Shetty, Bhoja Poojari, Elias D’Souza and Valerian D’Souza were remembered on the occasion.
Edwin D’Mello, Matilda Lobo, Lewis Pinto, Agnes Lobo and Emilda D’Souza joined Anna Maria Braggs and Sr Aurelia in releasing the Souvenir (directory) by ribbon cutting, compiled by Emilda D’Souza in collaboration with Valerian Pinto and Ronald D Souza.
The souvenir cum directory is a collage, compiled beautifully with each classmates’ pictures and their life after High School. Together with the directory, a hamper full of gifts was sponsored and distributed by Edwin D Mello and his wife Janet D’Mello, proprietor of Michelle Engineering, Dubai.
Angeline D’Souza/Tauro and Edwin D’Mello spoke eloquently about their high school memories and their inspirational life stories. Teacher Anna Maria Braggs and Sr Cynthia also spoke and nostalgically recalled the five decade-old memories.
Jessy D’Souza was felicitated and awarded a memento for being the topper in Tenth Standard finals in 1974, and Janardhana M was felicitated for achieving the highest educational qualification (degrees) after high school among the alumni.
Emilda D’Souza was felicitated with a memento for initiating the lead in organizing the Reunion. Jossy and his wife Celine Pinto were voted as the best dressed couple for the occasion and awarded a memento.
After a delicious and appetizing lunch buffet, ‘hole punch bingo’ was played. Emcee Sylvester D’Souza made Bingo a fun and entertaining game for everyone. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Jessy D’Souza.
It was one of the most joyous days for many to reminisce about the past and speak of the present. Nithya Sahaya Matha High School, the class of 1971-74 is looking forward to meeting again in 2034 for their 60th year jubilee.