Pics: Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Nov 21: Lourdes Central School, Bejai, continued its Annual Day celebrations on Thursday, November 12, with a captivating cultural evening showcasing the talents of students from KG and Classes VII–XII.
The event was staged under the theme ‘Expressions Alive – A Stage for Every Voice’, offering every child a platform to demonstrate creativity, discipline, and teamwork.
The programme was graced by Corrine Rasquinha, Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee and founder-president of White Doves, as the chief guest. Fr J B Saldanha, manager of the school, presided over the event, alongside Principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira.
The evening featured a series of coordinated dances, dramas, songs and instrumental presentations, reflecting multicultural expression and artistic excellence. Nearly the entire student body participated, with 925 students from Classes VII–XII and 182 kindergarten children performing on stage. The performances impressed the audience with the students’ confidence, teamwork and professionalism.
In her address, Rasquinha lauded the creativity and organisation of the event. She highlighted the importance of providing every child with a platform to express themselves, stating, “Education is not only about knowledge, but also about dignity, courage, empathy and expression.” She also commended teachers and parents for nurturing holistic growth.
The school felicitated the chief guest and presented endowment awards for students, alongside recognition for academic excellence, sporting achievements, and outgoing student honours.
Addressing the gathering, principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira expressed pride in the students’ participation and highlighted the school’s mission of fostering academic excellence alongside creativity, leadership, technological literacy, discipline and strong values. He thanked parents for their support and urged them to spend meaningful time with their children, noting that such involvement greatly contributes to both emotional and academic development.
The celebration concluded on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, bringing the second day of the annual day festivities to a spirited close.