Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 11: Carmel School Kotekar resonated with pride and inspiration on July 10, as it hosted the grand investiture ceremony for the academic year 2025–26. The event, held in the school auditorium, marked the official installation of the newly elected student cabinet and stood as a testimony to the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible and value-driven leaders.
The ceremony began with a majestic guard of honour led by the newly appointed cabinet members, accompanied by dignitaries including the president of the day and joint secretary, Sr Juliana Mary AC, chief guest Dr Vijaya Kumari SN, retired associate professor St Ann’s College of Education, Mangaluru, Sr Pramila D’Souza AC, principal, Sr Julie Ann AC, administrator and Sr Anitha D’Souza AC, vice principal.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness through knowledge and wisdom, followed by a solemn prayer service and scripture reflection, setting a spiritual and meaningful tone for the occasion. A vibrant welcome dance by the students added colour and energy to the gathering, followed by a warm welcome address delivered by teacher Vanisha.
A key highlight of the event was the pinning of sashes and badges, where each student leader was formally invested with responsibilities by Sr Juliana Mary and the chief guest Dr Vijaya Kumari SN. In a symbolic gesture, each leader received a lamp of enlightenment from the principal, representing their duty to serve the school community with sincerity and integrity. The oath-taking ceremony, administered by Sr Pramila AC the principal witnessed the leaders pledge to uphold the values and traditions of Carmel School with loyalty and dedication.
The programme was further enriched by a melodious group song on leadership and a thought-provoking skit that conveyed the essence of true leadership—leading by example, showing empathy, fostering teamwork, and inspiring others.
The chief guest, Dr Vijaya Kumari SN, a renowned educationist and retired associate professor from St Ann’s College of Education, Mangalore, delivered an inspiring message. With over 35 years of experience in teacher education and recipient of the “Guru Chethana” award, she has mentored numerous research scholars and contributed extensively to academic forums.
In her address, she emphasized that leadership is not about titles but about service, compassion, and inspiration. She urged the leaders to stay humble, seek feedback, lead with vision, serve with empathy, and act with integrity. She encouraged them to love their school, respect their teachers, and be role models through their daily conduct. Her words instilled a deeper understanding of leadership as a lifelong journey of learning and sacrifice.
Sr Juliana Mary AC, in her presidential address stated that the student cabinet is a miniature version of the central ministers' cabinet, providing a valuable opportunity to understand leadership and responsibility at an early stage. She emphasized that this journey would help students build confidence and skills needed to serve the nation in the future. She reminded every leader to be conscious of their duties and perform them with sincerity, encouraging all students to lead a value-based life. She highlighted the importance of virtues like discipline, inspiration, dedication, excellence, integrity, and serenity, urging students to imbibe moral values and become role models in the school community.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by student Ridhi, who expressed gratitude towards the school management, teaching and non-teaching staff, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event. The ceremony ended on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, followed by a photo session capturing proud moments of the student leaders with the dignitaries. The programme was compered by Ashlyn and Vrushali.
The Investiture Ceremony 2025-26 was not merely an event—it was a celebration of vision, virtues, responsibility, and commitment, as Carmel School Kotekar continues its mission of shaping the leaders of tomorrow with courage, compassion, and strong moral values.