Media Release
Udupi, Mar 8: International Women’s Day was celebrated in St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady by honouring an eminent woman achiever. In the formal program that was held at Mother Teresa hall, the chief guest Saraswathi Shankar, president of Kadekar village panchayath was felicitated by the school management committee for her outstanding social works as the people’s representative. The certificate of appreciation was read by Jagadeesh Acharya, the art teacher. The correspondent of the institution Fr Charles Menezes congratulated Saraswathi Shankar for being an inspiration to women achievers. He added that education plays a decisive role in enhancing the dignity and self-esteem of women. Principal Fr Johnson Sequeira in his message said, “Men need to develop more sensitivity towards women’s rights to facilitate a healthy atmosphere in society”.
The women representatives of the school management committee Janet D’Souza, Benedicta Fernandes, the women teacher coordinators of the school Usha Poojary, Helen Cornelio, Smitha D’Souza, Roopa KS, Eunice Anchan, Prathiksha, Poornima Amin, vice-principal Rita Quadros also shared the stage with the chief guest.
International Women’s Day was symbolically inaugurated by lighting the lamp. The correspondent presented special mementoes and gifts to all the women staff as a mark of the school’s gratitude and appreciation. A special cake was cut to wish women staff great success in their future endeavours. Chief guest Saraswathi Shankar in her speech recollected how she made use of the leadership opportunities and built her political career. A brief video made by a male staff featuring the power of womanhood was screened during the program. Renold and Walter D’Souza conducted quiz and entertainment games for the women audience. The program ended with a fellowship lunch arranged at St Mary’s auditorium. Correspondent Fr Charles Menezes graced over the meals.
The members of the school management committee Gracian Bothelo, Maxim D’Souza and Walter D’Souza and senior priest Fr William Martis were present on the occasion. Wilfred Mascarenhas presented the note of welcome. Bhaskar spoke on the history and significance of feminist movements in India. Sundar proposed the vote of thanks. Lancy Mendonca and Vinay anchored the program.