Mangalore: A Grand Day for Grandparents at St Mary’s School
By Prakash Samaga
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Dec 10: J B Pais and Elvin Rose Pais, grandparents of Mandira, a 7th standard student at St Mary’s English Primary School, were overwhelmed with joy with the initiative taken by the school that made them enthusiastic even in their late 60’s.
It was ‘Grandparents day’ at St Mary’s English Higher Primary School, Falnir which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Elvyn, speaking to Daijiworld said that this sort of programme organized by the school management is backed by the solid motive of making kids aware of the need to respect the aged. "It gives a sense of pride to young kids to say that their grandparents took part in the school celebration," she said and added that they had come to school from Farangipet where they reside.
Likewise B A Khader from Jokatte was of the opinion that it is an opportunity for them to take part in their grandchildren’s school celebration. Khader’s granddaughters Mehrin and Sabrina are studying in 5th and 6th std in the school.
St Mary’s English Higher Primary School started in 1961 (though started in 1952, it did not get the NOC certificate from the department, thus had to be closed down and then it was re-started) is celebrating its golden jubilee. Currently from LKG to 7th standard, 1087 students are studying.
Today, a banner displayed in the school campus ‘I Love My Grandparents’ spoke volume as in the young generation kids living in undivided families are in dearth of opportunities of acquiring knowledge from their grandparents in the form of listening to moral stories, among others. Today’s initiation of the school with the collaboration of ‘A help Age India’ was all about student action for value education.
As many as 402 grandparents taking part in the programme meant for them, was a unique gesture in itself. Teachers were of the opinion that parents of the children taking part in school programmes would have been a normal function, but this is a wonderful opportunity availed in the school to make children proud of their grandparents. One of the participant grandfather of the child, speaking on the occasion, said that though this is a unique gesture, even parents should have been invited.
All the grandparents were honored with gifts and mementoes. While few grandparents spoke on the occasion, some chose to perform dance on the stage.
After the programme, speaking to Daijiworld Sr Sylvian, head mistress of the school said that this is not the end, next year orphans residing in all the orphanages in Mangalore will be invited and a day will be spent with them by the school children. She added that today’s programme was planned and well organized neglecting the cost factor as it is an opportunity created for elders, even making children happy. This is the need of hour, as children need to learn many things from their elders, particularly grandparents at home. Separation feelings could be avoided by organizing this sort of programme that binds the children with their grandparents, she added.
Octavia Albuquerque fomer MLA was the chief guest. Olinda Pereira was the guest of honor for the day.