Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: Lourdes Central School celebrated 78th Independence Day on Thursday, August 15 at LCS Grounds. The dignitaries present on this momentous occasion were the chief guest Col Kashyap Krishnan, army recruiting office, Mangaluru, the manager Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira, the vice principals Belita Mascarenhas and Anita Thomas, Ashok Pinto, vice president and secretary Cynthia Avitha Pinto, Bejai parish pastoral parishad, Fr Arul Joseph, head boy Adesh Rao and head girl Diya N Yashodar escorted by the school band led by Shreya A R, and received the guard of honor from the scouts and guides.
The programme began with the hoisting of the tricolour flag, a beacon of history, heritage, and hope for a bright future by the dignitaries. The prayer song titled ‘Chattan’ was sung by the school choir. Sathwi Shetty of class VII welcomed the gathering.
Dilla Colaco introduced the chief guest Col Kashyap Krishnan, a person whose remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to his work embody the spirit of independence. The manager Dr John Baptist Saldanha and the principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira felicitated the chief guest.
The chief guest Col Kashyap Krishnan shared his reflections on the occasion of 78th Independence Day. At the outset Col Krishnan expressed that the students of LCS were the torch bearers of the nation’s future. He said, "The freedom India got from our forefathers like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose was not free. We as citizens need to be loyal to our country and this will make us patriotic. Every single day soldiers are guarding our borders to ensure peace for all our citizens. As technology is at our hand today, we need to use it as an enabler, wisely." He reiterated that students study hard and be united breaking the barriers of caste and creed. Col Krishnan wished everyone a very happy Independence Day.
This was followed by a patriotic song – a medley of Ae Watan, Kandose and Vande Mataram sung by the school choir. The manager Dr John Baptist Saldanha spoke on the occasion and wished everyone a festive celebration on the occasion of 78 Independence Day. He said, "We need to reflect in a deeper manner to build a healthy and prosperous society. Women need to be respected and freedom should be truly enjoyed by them in every field. We have to put the right spirit into the hearts and minds of students to respect the girl child. Then our nation will be a dignified nation and rise above to noble heights."
A skit was enacted by the students of classes VI to VIII depicting the message of freedom, courage and unity; and a wonderful classical performance filled with patriotism and love for the nation. The national pledge was led by the head girl Diya N Yashodar which reminded us of the responsibility towards the country and motherland.
On this beautiful Independence Day celebration, Manuella Chacko of class XI expressed gratitude to everyone present. To conclude the celebration on a high note, the national anthem was sung as a reminder of the freedom and unity. The programme was compered by Deva Nanda Baburaj and Pranav Singh Rawat of class XII.