Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 2: Manipal School, celebrated Grandparents Day on Saturday, September 28, with great joy and enthusiasm. The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the loving and caring grandparents, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the lives of their grandchildren and expressing deep gratitude for their support and wisdom.
The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed chief guest, Dr B Ramachandra Bhat, a distinguished medical professional with over three decades of service, including at Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Hospital and Yenepoya Medical College.
A recipient of several prestigious awards, he has authored a widely circulated book on first aid and trained thousands in first aid across industries, schools and NGOs. Dr Bhat is also the proud grandparent of Shreyas Bhat, a grade 7 student at Manipal School.
The programme began with a soulful prayer by the school choir, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp by principal Srilatha Alva, vice-principal Shilpa Moger, headmistress Sapna Shetty, and chief guest Dr B R Bhat, symbolising the illumination of knowledge and wisdom.
Principal Srilatha Alva, expressed deep appreciation for the presence of all the grandparents at the event. She emphasised the pivotal role grandparents play in shaping values in their grandchildren.
The young talents of prep 1 took the stage with an energetic welcome dance, captivating the audience with their enthusiasm. Following this delightful performance, grade 1 students Samira and Thanseer delivered a heartwarming welcome address, greeting the grandparents and guests in four different languages: English, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam adding a special touch to the occasion. Then Hamdan from grade 1 introduced the chief guest to the gathering.
In his address, Dr B R Bhat emphasised the significance of embracing joy and wisdom at every stage of life. He highlighted the importance of prioritising health and shared valuable insights on how individuals can maintain their well-being, especially senior citizens. Dr Bhat reiterated that enjoying life to the fullest is entirely possible, even in their 80s. His words inspired the audience to adopt healthy habits and a positive outlook on aging.
The cultural performances continued with a melodious song by the grade 1 students, filling the hall with joy and a sense of togetherness. A standout moment of the day was the Yakshagana performance by Tasha Suvarna, a grade 3 student, which showcased Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. The nursery students brought a delightful twist to the programme with a lively ramp walk and dance, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
The children of prep 2 then presented a heartfelt musical ballet that evoked nostalgia for many grandparents, conveying the important message that "Unity is strength." This was followed by a charming dance performance by grade 2 students. A special memory clip featuring photos of grandparents with their grandchildren brought smiles and a sense of reminiscence to everyone present at the event. The entire programme tugged at the audience's heartstrings, beautifully celebrating the bond between generations.
On behalf of all the grandparents present at the event, Shamshudin, grandparent of Waleed of prep 1 and Vijaya, grandparent of Aaditri of grade 2, conveyed their sincere appreciation to Manipal School for hosting this special event dedicated to them. They expressed their profound sense of privilege in being part of this wonderful institution, highlighting the school's unwavering commitment to consistently making them feel special year after year.
The celebrations took a fun turn, as grandparents were invited to join in some heartwarming activities with their grandchildren. First, they enjoyed spot games that brought out their competitive spirit, filling the room with laughter and excitement. This was followed by the lively ‘Moves and Grooves’ session, where grandparents happily participated in dancing, creating a joyful atmosphere. The day concluded with a special bonding activity that allowed them to create lasting memories together with their grandchildren.
Grade 2 students Yusuf Fayaz and Aysha Imara, under the guidance of Tr Lavina Barboza, compered the programme, while headmistress Sapna Shetty delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of everyone who contributed to making the day a success.
As the event came to a close, a sense of contentment and joy filled the air. The Grandparents Day celebration at Manipal School, Mangaluru was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt opportunity for the younger generation to express their love and respect for their elders, allowing grandparents to feel cherished and valued.