Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (GA)
Pics - RK Dugra Digitals

Udupi, Nov 17: The post centenary silver jubilee celebrations of St Francis Xavier primary school, Udyavar near here were held on a grand scale on Thursday November 16.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore presided over the function.  "Hind Ratn" awardee Haji Abdul Jaleel Saheb, an NRI leader, BEO D Manjunathayya were the chief guests.  Union minister Oscar Fernandes and MP Manorama Madhwaraj who were to attend the function did not turn up owing to urgent commitments.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza inaugurated new building of the school while Abdul Jaleel Saheb inaugurated the new playground.

Correspondent and Udyavar parish priest Fr Richard Coelho, Alumni Association president Alfred D'Mello, parish council vice-president Godfrey D'Souza, school headmistress Sr Justine D'Silva were also present on the dais.

Two of the former correspondents of the school who were present during the celebrations, Fr Stanley Pereira and Fr Henry Fernandes were honoured on the occasion.

Former vice-presidents of Udyavar Church RAF Pinto, Anthony Pinto, Birty Lobo, George Menezes and the present vice-president Godfrey D'Souza were also felicitated for their contribution towards the school.

Among the former headmistresses Sr Irene Colaco and Sr Nazrene Rasquinha who were present at the ceremony were honoured.  A few teachers who have served the institution for short period but have been transferred thereafter were also felicitated on the occasion.

The school souvenir "125 Shata Rajathotsava” was released on the occasion. 

Fr Richard Coelho welcomed the gathering while school teacher Nancy Tauro proposed the vote of thanks.  Prema Bai compered the programme.