Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 3: India’s third national festival, Gandhi Jayanti, is celebrated by the entire nation to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of our Nation- Mahatma Gandhi. Lourdes Central School celebrated Bapu’s birthday, October 2 with great zeal, enthusiasm and patriotism.

Sarva Dharma Prarthana: The assembly began with a special tribute to Gandhiji. A devotional ambience prevailed as the programme started with a meaningful prayer service in the form of ‘Sarva Dharma Prarthana’. The students quoted readings from holy scriptures like the Bible, Quran, Gayathri Mantra and the like, giving the meaning and essence of every reading. Students then continued the prayer session with a devotional rendition of Karnatic prayer songs and 'Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram'.

Intercessory prayers: Prayers of the little children are always heard by the Lord. Believing this the students of Lourdes Central School conducted the intercessory prayers, praying for the country, political and religious leaders, the youth, the children, the school community and finally prayed for peace all over the world invoking God’s intervention in bringing about non-violence worldwide.

Significance of Gandhi Jayanthi: Sneha Pinto of class IX B threw light upon the significance of the day, highlighting the various values and principles that Gandhiji stood by and used to win over the British.

Highlighting peace with the harmonious formation and music were the students of the primary section through a patriotic dance and skit on awakening Indians to fight against corruption. Students were all ears when Gandhi from the play addressed the students with an eye opener and questioned them about their patriotism.

Vice-principal’s address: Belita Mascarenhas, vice-principal took the initiative to remind the students of another freedom fighter and the one who gave the immortal slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, Lal Bhadur Shastri whose birthday we celebrate on October 2. She also enlightened the students about the values of truth; Lal Bhadur Shastri emulated from Gandhiji and stood by.

Principal’s Messege: Rev Fr Robert D’Souza, the Principal addressed the students and wished them on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi. He stressed on the simple living and noble thinking of Gandhi that all should emulate and imbibe in one’s life. He also insisted that the students always speak the truth and be role models.

The programme was compered by Aradhana and Shravya of class X B, Deon Fernandes of class X A welcomed the gathering with eloquence and dignity. Allen D’Cunha of class 12 A proposed the vote of thanks. The cultural programme ended with the school anthem.

Seva activities done at Lourdes

Lourdes Swachtha Abhiyan:

The entire school was on a cleanliness drive rendering their service to keep the school and the surroundings clean. Students from class 1 to 10 involved themselves in cleaning classrooms, corridors and schoolground. Students of class 11 and 12 pitched in their services in cleaning the schoolgrounds in the community and places around the class.

Self defense workshop for students:

Lourdes Central School took the Gandhi Jayanti celebration to another level by including the self defense workshop in the day’s programme. Monkey Mayhem Combat Sports Academy and Fitness Centre, under the leadership of Sachin Raj Rai and his team taught the students some self-defense like kickboxing, karate and Muay Thai.

Documentary on Gandhi: An hour’s documentary on Mahatma Gandhi’s life was aired on the smart board of class 1 to12.

Life skills activities done in the classroom
• A demonstration on folding clothes, basic cooking skills, use of different cutlery, binding books and usage of electrical equipments
• Taught to grate coconut and students also enjoyed making brooms
• A demonstration was shown on the usage of screwdriver, spanner and lock and key, little methods of savings and the need and usage of First Aid Box and Emergency
medicines were discussed
• The students were placed in groups, handed brown sheets of paper, scissors, glue and rulers. They unfolded their creativity and presented envelopes of various sizes

Gandhi Jayanti 2018 at LCS was truly a learning experience and a meaningful one.