Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 1: The inaugural ceremony of the new school building of Canara English Higher Primary School and launch of its post centenary silver jubilee celebration was held here at Sri T V Raman convention centre on Tuesday, June 30.

Gopal Krishna Shenoy, treasurer of Canara High School association welcomed the gathering.

Harish Bhat, member, group executive council in Tata sons inaugurated the new school building and said, "I am delighted to be here in Mangaluru for the inauguration of the new school building. I want to congratulate all past and present office bearers, teachers, staff for completing 125 years. Not many schools in the country are able to mark the completion of 125 years. The year 1891 in which this school was started was a remarkable year. Because in that year, Mahatma Gandhi came to India from South Africa and also in the same year B R Ambedkar who wrote India's new constitution was born.

"I am privileged to be here as my mother and spouse studied at this school. When I went through the history of this school, I was impressed that girls' school was started in 1894 just after 3 years of starting a boys' school. It was unthinkable at that time as parents married off their daughters at the age of 10. Today out of 11 heads of this school 10 are women. I don't think any institution in the world would encourage women to such an extent. Prophets were also teachers who taught great things. Canara institution is fortunate to have had great teachers. If this institution has grown so huge, it is because of the teachers," he added.

Bhat also paid his respect and tribute to all past and present teachers for their selfless service.

P Sathish Pai read out the message of Dr P Dayananda Pai, chairman of Century Group, Bengaluru as Dr Pai could not attend the function due to ill health. Dr Pai's message said, "Today one more big milestone has been achieved by Canara group of institutions. I had the privilege to lay foundation stone to this new school building 2 years back. I am unable to attend today's function because of my ill health. Founder of Canara institutions Ammembal Subba Rao was a great visionary who provided education and employment to many people. I congratulate all the office bearers and faculty for their efforts and hard work. In developed countries alumni donate generously to the Alma mater. I request all the alumni of Canara institution to donate generously. By giving to good cause, no one becomes poorer. Today if I have achieved something in life, it is because of Canara school where I got my primary and high school education. I suggest that there should be a teachers benevolent fund to help the teachers in their difficulties. I congratulate each and every one who have given their service to build this institution to this level."

P C Nayak, former IAS in his address said, "The unique model of Canara group of institutions is unparalleled to any model in India. Founder of Canara institutions Ammembal Subba Rao gave the school to 5 teachers to run it independently. Running a school is different from building a school. Even today successful entrepreneurs run this school. They visit the school one hour a day without drawing single rupee salary. Today everyone is talking about girl education, but Canara had taken initiative and started girls' school way back in 1894. I wish all the best to the institution. May it serve more and more people."

G V Prabhu, deputy general manger, Canara Bank said, "It is my privilege and pleasure to represent Canara Bank here at this occasion. Today our union HRD minister has come out with a slogan 'Beti bachao, Beti badao' but the founder of Canara had realized this back in 1894 and started Canara girls' school. I can say every person in Mangaluru is connected with Canara group through its bank or education institutions. I wish all the best to the management, faculty and students of this institution."

Gangolli Ramesh Shenoy, managing director, Neotroniks Pvt Ltd Mumbai launched the website of Canara High School at this occasion. Contractors, structural designer, architect and donors of new school building were felicitated at the occasion.

S S Kamath, president, M Ranganath Bhat, honourary secretary and governing members of Canara high school association were the other dignitaries on the dais.