Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 3: Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru celebrated the 155th Gandhi Jayanthi with great fervour and elegance on October 2 in the school auditorium. The students of Grade II A and II B were the hosts.

The programme commenced with an all-faith prayer, followed by dignitaries paying homage to Gandhiji by garlanding his portrait. Vian Pinto, Aiden Lasrado, Spriha Karkera and Drushan Kamath welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest Madam Veena Lasrado, an educator at St Theresa’s School, Bendore. This was followed by a graceful dance performance. Anika, Adhieesha Raj, Sharvi Shivaprasad, Janice Pereira and Prisha confidently articulated the significance of the day.

The students paid a fitting tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhiji highlighting his message “non violence is the weapon of the strong”, and emphasising Gandhiji’s lifelong commitment to peace and unity through Ahimsa. The performance, comprising dances, songs and skit beautifully captured the key principles by which Gandhiji lived.

The chief guest of the day Madam Veena Lasrado, in her address, commended the students for their fitting tribute and encouraged them to inculcate the values of Gandhiji.

Joshua and Haksh extended heartfelt gratitude through the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts and contributions that made the event a success. Riana David, Ditvi Uchil, Anudhya CK and Suhan Kunhi compered the programme, which concluded on a patriotic note with the singing of the National Anthem.

"A cleaner India begins with each one of us. Let’s make cleanliness a habit, not just a duty." With this note, the students of grade V to XII gathered on the open air grounds for a short prayer service led by students of grade VIII B. This was followed by cleanliness drive and awareness programme.

The students took the pledge to do their part to keep their surroundings clean, and avoid littering, reinforcing the message that a cleaner India begins with individual effort. In her address, Principal Sr Melissa urged the students and staff to actively participate in the national mission for a green and clean India.

The event extended beyond the school campus as NCC students took the lead in cleaning Sashihitlu Beach. The Scouts and Guides embarked on an awareness campaign to Yeyyadi and helipad, educating the public through banners and slogans, further amplifying the message of cleanliness and responsibility.

Meanwhile, the rest of the staff and students undertook cleaning activities within the school and surrounding areas. The efforts though small, were part of a larger lesson in responsibility and civic duty, making the day all the more meaningful.

Thus the day’s activities paid fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhiji on his 155th birthday and resonated with the belief that cleanliness is not only physical but also moral, reinforcing the importance of keeping both our surroundings and our hearts pure.