Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Sep 15: St Mary's School, on Friday, September 15, hosted the district level cultural competitions Pratibha Karanji and Kalotsava.

The competitions were held under the aegis of Udupi district panchayat, department of public instruction, office of deputy director of public instruction, Udupi, office of educational officer, Kundapur, St Mary's high school and primary school.

After inaugurating the programme, Udupi zilla panchayat president Dinaker Babu said,  “The talents of children can be suitably encouraged if they get identified at a tender age. Teachers and parents help in the process. Programmes such as Pratibha Karanji are helpful in that direction,” said.

Vidhana Parishat member Kota Srinivasa Poojary who presided over the programme said, " Along with education, talents of children are being identified. Students should make use of the opportunities."

Secretary, Catholic Education Society Udupi,  Fr Lawrence D' Souza said, "Everybody has talents. Personality unfolds when those talents are identified. Encouragement helps develop those talents,” he said.

Zilla panchayat vice president Sheela Shetty said, "These days, education is being commercialised. Students must practice patience and Indian culture. Family values and social values should be provided along with education. Indianization should take place,” she said.

St Mary's group of institutes convener Fr Anil D' Souza inaugurated the procession.

Department of public instruction deputy director Shekar welcomed the gathering. Physical Education teacher Chandrashekar Beejadi compered the programme. Headmistress Sr Chetana proposed the vote of thanks.

A selfie corner was setup for taking selfies with students who had won prizes.

Zilla panchayat education and standing committee president Uday S Kotian, Kundapur town development authority president Vikas Hegde, council vice president Rajesh Kaveri were present.

Kundapur Zonal Education officer Ashok Kamath, Assistant Teacher's Association's Kiran Hegde Kavadi, Primary School Teacher's Association president Sadarama Shetty, Pre University Education Department deputy director Vijayalaxmi, St Mary's Higher Primary School headmistress Dorothy Suares, St Mary's Pre University College principal Pravin Amrith Martis, Holy Rosary English Medium School headmistress Sr Joysalin , Suvarna Mahotsava Committee president Louis J Fernandes were also present.