Udupi: Infant Mary’s Higher Primary School, Perampalli celebrates centenary
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 18: The centenary celebration of Infant Mary’s Higher Primary School, Perampalli which imparts education in the Kannada medium, was held on Thursday January 16 at the school grounds.
All the guests were welcomed at the school entrance by the school management with a traditional brass band. The guests were also presented with a rose and a 100 lamps were lit around the grounds to mark the centenary.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, presided over the celebration, while Fr Clement Mascarenhas, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Udupi, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr Anil D’Costa, principal, Trinity Central School, Perampalli, Sr Lineta D’Souza, Provincial, Ursuline Franciscan Society, Mangalore, Sr Noela Menezes, Superior, St Agnes Convent, Perampalli, Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA, Udupi, K Raghupathi Bhat, former MLA, Udupi, Manjula Jayakar, regional resource person, Brahmavar region, Jerry Vincent Dias, president, CREDAI, Udupi, Manohar Shetty, MD, Sai Radha Group, Udupi, Prashanth Bhat, member, CMC, Udupi, Ramesh Nayak, former member, CMC, Udupi, Fr Romeo Lewis, correspondent, Sr Irene Rodrigues, principal, Lancy D’Sa, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Joseph D’Souza, secretary, parish pastoral council, Perampalli, and Puspavathi, president, SDMC, Infant Mary’s School, were present on the dais.
Madhwaraj inaugurated the Akshara Dasoha building while Bhat inaugurated the computer lab. He also inaugurated the stage function by cutting a cake.
In his inaugural speech he said, "An institution that has crossed 100 years of existence will definitely go down in history. To start a school 100 years ago in this area would have definitely been a big deal in those days; but our elders have done it as a service to mankind. Although there is a rise in use of English and Kannada language schools are losing their value, this school has overcome this. May many more students be enlightened by education at this school."
Bhat expressed his joy at being a part of this celebrations. "A school from my native place completing 100 years of existence is a really good sign of development in the region. Real service in the field of education field is starting a Kannada medium school, because the rest are in involved in the commercialization of education. After Fr Romeo has taken charge as parish priest, the entire environment of Perampalli has changed," he said.
Manohar Shetty of Sai Radha Group said, "The government must render its support for such schools. Politicians must lend a hand in financial support rather than just empty promises."
On the occasion he also assured his financial support for the new church building and for the betterment of the school.
Former correspondents, principals, teachers, and staff were felicitated during the celebration. Jerry Dais released the centenary souvenir. Donors were also felicitated by the Bishop.
Dr Gerald Lobo, in his presidential address, highlighted that only reading and writing does not comprise education and it should also teach humanity.
"It’s impossible to think of the conditions of this school or place a 100 years ago. Some of the students who have studied in these schools have reached greater heights in their life and career only because of their initial education. State leaders and other officials have also studied at Kannada medium schools," he said.
On the occasion, former student of the school Sr Teena Juliet Mascarenhas was felicitated for achieving a rank in B Sc.
Fr Romeo welcomed the gathering, Sr Irene Rodrigues presented a brief report on the progress during the past 100 years.
Elfreeda Vaz delivered vote of thanks while Satish Chandra Shetty compered the programme.
After the formal function, the students entertained the audience with a variety programme.
A Tulu drama by Devdas Kapikad was also performed by the famous troupe.
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