Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 3: St Aloysius College Higher Primary School bid a heartfelt farewell to Anitha Pais on September 30, a beloved teacher who dedicated 40 years of her life to the institution. The farewell ceremony took place in the school auditorium, where she was escorted by the school band, along with the correspondent Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, headmistress Jositta Noronha and assistant headmaster Liya D’Souza.
The event commenced with a soulful prayer song, followed by a warm welcome from Lionel Shawn, a student of class 7, who greeted the dignitaries and audience. Fr Johnson Pinto SJ presented Anitha Pais with a sapling as a token of respect and appreciation. He also extended a warm welcome to all present.
During the ceremony, students Evan Mascarenhas of class 1 and Galvin Fernandes of class 7 expressed their gratitude and shared touching words about Pais, acknowledging her dedication and care for her students.
Assistant headmaster Liya D’Souza then read the citation, honoring Pais for her outstanding service.
Anitha Pais began her journey at St Aloysius on February 4, 1985. Known for her excellent teaching methodologies and her role as a guide to her colleagues, she was also the secretary and treasurer of the PTA committee and served as the editor of the school magazine. Her dedication and leadership has left a lasting impact on the school community.
Anitha Pais expressing her sentiments spoke about the importance of education, emphasizing that it is the foundation of life. She pronounced her deep appreciation for the students, stating that she had learnt more from them than she had taught. She fondly mentioned Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader, a former student of the school, as an example of the great results of a solid education, saying, "A good tree bears good fruit." In conclusion she encouraged the students to "Keep shining and make the world a better place with compassion and kindness."
Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, in his message, thanked Pais for her four decades of dedicated service. He praised her as “a teacher not just by the book, but from the heart" and wished her a life filled with God’s blessings.
The programme was compered by Riyan D’Silva and Aaron D’Souza.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Sara Yashal and Jovia Agatha Moras, bringing the emotional event to a close.
Following the heartfelt ceremony, an intimate gathering was held, bringing together Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, along with dignitaries, teachers, PTA members and support staff. The occasion offered a moment to reflect on Anitha Pais' remarkable 40 years journey and to celebrate her lasting legacy within the school community.
In his address, the rector expressed deep gratitude for her years of dedicated service, calling it a great deed for the institution. He blessed and wished her a happy, fulfilling and satisfying retirement. The event concluded with a fellowship meal generously hosted by Anitha Pais herself, symbolizing her continued spirit of kindness. It was an emotional day, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a truly remarkable educator.
Anitha Pais will always be remembered as a pillar of the St Aloysius community, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning and kindness.