Media Release

Moodbidri, Feb 19: The centenary jubilee celebration of St Thomas aided higher primary school Alangar Moodabidri was celebrated on Saturday, February 19.

The celebration began with the holy eucharist praising and thanking god for the precocious 100 years and for all the blessings received, presided by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mangalore. Alumni of this school Dr Francis Serrao Bishop of Shimoga gave a beautiful homily explaining the need and importance of the Celebration.

The holy mass was followed by flag hoisting and the stage programme, presided by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. An old student of the school and presently the Bishop of Shimoga Diocese Most Dr Francis Serrao, SJ participated as chief guests. MLA Umanath Kotian, former minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, Municipal chairman Prasad Kumar, Secretary of Catholic Board of Education Fr Antony Shera, Chief Catholic Parish Priest of Moodabidri circle Fr Paul Sequeira, Eshwar Bhat, the head priest of Alangar Badaga Mahalingeshwar Temple, Education Officer of Moodabidri region Devaraju, Vice President of Adani Group Kishore Alva, Chandra Shekar, Alumni and GM of Karnataka Bank, Sr Pricilla D’Mello, Mother General of Helpers of Mount Rosary, Entrepreneurs Abdul Rawoof participated as the guests of honour.

The program-Prayer song by school children, welcome by correspondent Fr Walter DSouza, School report by Headmistres Sr Helen Goveas, Felicitation to MLA Umanath Kotiyan, former Minister and MLA Abhaya Chadra Jain, Moodbdri Corporation president Prasad Kumar, Adani Foundation Vice President Kishore Alva, Old Students Rt  Dr Francis Serrao, Eshwar Bhat, Chandra Shekar, Ex Correspondents Fr Vincet DSouza,  Fr Basil Vas, All the ex-headmistresses, teachers and donors above 25 thousand.

All the Speakers in their address highlighted the contribution to the field of education, health and discipline. The Alumni’s highlighted the quality education, the human and motherly approach of the Rev Sisters, the discipline and the values they taught. They said that the strong foundation they received from this school helped them to reach the heights.

A Centenary Jubilee Fund of Rs 10 lac was inaugurated handing over the cheque to the correspondent by the centenary convener P K Thomas. The returns of the fund will be utilized for providing basic facilities to the poor students, for their higher education, to pay the salary of honorary teachers. All the savings and future donations will be utilized to build up this fund and pursue the goals.

One of the Centenary projects Children Play Park will be constructed once required funds are available. We seek generous donations from our old students for this purpose.

Projects like construction of a Centenary Memorial Open Air, Installation of interlock paving on the school’s approach road, renovation and painting of school building, are some of the projects being implemented with the generous support provided by donors and well-wishers.

The stage progaramme was followed by Cultural programme by Kannada and English medium School Students. The celebration was concluded by a grand lunch.

Pk Thomas the convener of the Centenary Committee proposed vote of thanks, school teachers  Santhosh Rodrigues and Lilly DSouza Compered the programme.

100 Worthy Years

St. Thomas School was established in 1921 as a result of the persistent efforts of Fr Faustin Courti. In 1929 Fr. Elias D’souza became the correspondent of the school and spearheaded the institution on to the path of progress. In 1952 the school was elevated to St. Thomas Higher Primary School. The school has been undertaking the noble task of providing education and shaping the future of the young children of Alangar and neighboring areas for the past 100 years. Children who have studied in this school have reached great heights and become an asset to society by serving in prestigious positions like Supreme Court judge, religious and community leaders, Bishop, successful entrepreneurs, advocates, doctors and agriculturists. They have brought glory to the school by being recognized at the state, national and international level. Thus the St. Thomas Kannada Medium Aided Higher Primary School has completed 100 worthy years by fulfilling the thirst for knowledge of the aspiring students. The school presently has 143 students on its rolls. The school managing committee, students, staff and old students are striving day and night to make this centenary celebration an unforgettable occasion.