R B Jagadish

Daijiworld Media Network—Karkala (EP)

Karkala, Oct 23: “From time immemorial, festivals have been a means for students to lead a life of co-existence and mutual co-operation. Deepavali is a festival which achieves communal harmony,” said Savitha Kotian, president, Udupi Zilla Panchayat.

She was speaking after the collective inauguration of ‘Deepavali Celebrations 2014’ and ‘Guru Vandana’ programme at Belman St Joseph’s Higher Primary School. She expressed her appreciation for celebrating Deepavali meaningfully with the participation of all social
organizations.

In the Guru Vandana programme, Sr Maura, who had won the President’s award when she was working in the school as headmistress 23 years ago, K Laxmikanth Bhat, senior teacher at Nandalike school, who won President’s award this year, and Taluk achievement award winner Belman Punarukare school teacher Devadas Patkar were felicitated.

‘Ballirenayya’ magazine editor and senior Yakshagana artiste Taranatha Varkady gave the message of Deepavali festival. Zilla panchayat member Supreet Shetty, Nandalike Chavadi Aramane’s Suhas Hegde, businessman S K Salian, Belman Rotary president K Suresh Rao, Lions Club president and national human rights Parishad district president Inna Udayakumar Shetty, JCI President Sarvajnya Tanthri, church welfare committee vice-president Gregory Menezes, gram panchayat member Prabhakar Shetty, brother Arun D’ Souza, high school headmistress Renilda Pereira, convent head Sr Usha Stella, and school senior teacher Juliana Moras were on the dais.

Students said prayers for all religions. They recited ‘Lingashtaka’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and presented a cultural dance programme. B Pundalik Marathe and his wife Usha who were celebrating their silver wedding anniversary were felicitated on the occasion.

English medium school headmistress Janet D’ Souza welcomed. Jaycee Raghunath Nayak was also present. Programme organizer B Pundalik Marathe compered while assistant teacher Vincent Pinto proposed the vote of thanks.