Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 8: Mount Carmel Central School, hosted a vibrant programme on September 6, to celebrate the Nativity of Mother Mary intertwined with a rich display of nature festivals.
The event highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering faith, unity and cultural diversity among its students and the local community. Grade VIII A, D and E were the hosts of the programme.
The celebration commenced with a melodious rendition of the Konkani hymn, ‘Noman tuka monthi maye,’ performed by the students. Their harmonious voices filled the auditorium as they reverently offered flowers to Bambina Mary, setting a peaceful and reflective tone for the day.
Emcees Vanshika and Josyl gracefully welcomed the gathering, leading the audience through the day’s festivities. A solemn prayer service led by the students followed with prayers for peace, unity and the well-being of the community, including special blessings for the chief guest and her family.
The programme continued with a spirited welcome dance, where students showcased their artistic talents, using dance as a universal language to express joy and unity. Tisha welcomed and introduced the chief guest, Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, dean of arts and humanities, St Aloysius deemed to be university.
The cultural segment beautifully showcased the rich and vibrant diversity of India’s festivals. While some students narrated the significance of each of the event, others brought these stories to life through creative and engaging performances.
It began with Kerala’s Onam festival, depicted through a captivating performance of the legendary King Mahabali’s deep devotion to his people. The display was enriched with traditional elements like colourful pookalam designs and a re-enactment of the Onam Sadhya, celebrating prosperity, unity and cultural harmony.
Next, the Monthi Fest, central to the Mangalurean Catholic community, emphasised family unity, gratitude for nature and reverence for women. Students vividly portrayed rituals such as flower offerings and blessings of a bountiful harvest, honouring Mother Mary’s birthday.
The significance of Ganesh Chaturthi was portrayed through an inspiring narrative. Accompanied by rhythmic devotional music, students illustrated the festival’s core values of inclusion, generosity and respect for all.
A graceful dance presentation commemorated Eid Milad, the birth of Prophet Muhammad, focussing on themes of peace, harmony and the Prophet’s teachings, reinforcing the importance of unity in diversity.
Suggi, Karnataka’s harvest festival, was depicted through a vibrant and energetic dance that encapsulated the spirit of abundance. The performance also showcased aspects of similar harvest festivals celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
In addition, the significance of ‘Girl Child Day’ was spotlighted through an emotive dance drama raising awareness to empower girls in the society, so as to enable mothers, sisters, daughters and wives to shape the foundation of a healthy and just society.
The chief guest Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, in her address, praised the students for their creativity and diversity. She encouraged them to become givers, emphasizing that nature itself reflects the value of living for others. She advised them to embrace the role of ‘waterpreneurs’, drawing inspiration from figures like Dharunati Patel Gulati.
Vice-Principal Sr Teena expressed her appreciation to the students of grade VIII A, D and E for their outstanding efforts to celebrate the nature festivals in a befitting manner. She acknowledged the efforts of their mentors in making the event a grand success and reminded the audience of the shared responsibility to protect and nurture mother Earth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Aaron, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, school administration, teachers and students. The event was skilfully compered by Vanshika, Josyl, Nathan, Sushri, Mithali and Ancil.
As the audience dispersed, a sense of joy, unity and reflection lingered, marking the celebration of Nativity of Mother Mary and Nature festivals an unforgettable and enriching experience for all.