Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 7: A memorable evening unfolded at Manipal School, Mangaluru, as the institution hosted a heartfelt Valedictory ceremony for the outgoing 11th batch of grade 10 and the 1st batch of grade 12 students. A total of 155 students were honoured in a celebration filled with nostalgia, pride, and aspirations for the future. The event brought together students, parents, faculty, and dignitaries to mark the culmination of their academic journey.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the chief guest, Dr Narayana Sabahith, pro vice-chancellor of technology and science, MAHE, Manipal Campus. He was accompanied by Dr Dilip G Naik, pro vice-chancellor, MAHE, Mangalore Campus, principal Srilatha Alva, vice principal Shilpa Moger, headmistress Sapna Shetty, PTA president Sachin K J and PTA vice-president Sunitha Furtado. The dignitaries were given a guard of honour by the school captain and the student cabinet.
As the dignitaries took their places, the graduating students made a grand entrance, walking down the aisle to resounding applause, marking the beginning of a momentous occasion.
The program opened with an invocation prayer, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In a heartfelt address, student leader Ruhan Kotian welcomed the gathering, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated perseverance, growth, and success.
One of the highlights of the evening was a tribute to Dr TMA Pai, the visionary founder of Manipal Group, through an inspirational video that encapsulated his contributions to education. The school also introduced this year’s theme, 'Odyssey: Journey of Excellence', reflecting the relentless spirit of learning and self-improvement that defines the student body.
The distinguished speakers of the evening shared words of encouragement and wisdom. Dr Dilip G Naik, in his address, emphasized the importance of academic excellence and character building. Principal Srilatha Alva encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, while the chief guest, Dr Narayana Sabahith, delivered an inspiring speech, urging students to remain resilient and uphold the values instilled in them. Adding a personal touch to the evening, proud parents took to the stage to reflect on their children’s transformative journey at the school, acknowledging the institution’s role in shaping their futures.
To honour the graduating students, the school presented them with mementos—tokens of appreciation that symbolize the friendships, lessons, and experiences that have shaped their school years. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the ceremony acknowledged that the flame of knowledge ignites the candle of illumination, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment. Teachers passed lit lamps to students as a gesture of imparting knowledge and guiding them towards a bright future.
The moment held profound meaning, marking the transition from one phase of life to another. For teachers, it was a moment of immense pride, witnessing their students evolve into independent individuals ready to embrace new challenges. As a fitting tribute, the school choir performed 'Go Light Your World', resonating with the theme of enlightenment and lifelong learning.
The evening also saw students taking an oath, led by school sports captain Samanya Kanan, reaffirming their commitment to the values and principles they have imbibed during their time at the school.
The ceremony was filled with emotional moments, as Maanya L from grade 10 and Sairam Hegde from grade 12 took to the stage to express their gratitude and reminisce about their school days. A moving tribute from Tr Bhavya further highlighted the deep bond shared between students and teachers, making the event even more poignant.
Adding a musical touch to the evening, the school choir performed 'I Will Always Remember You', a song that perfectly captured the bittersweet emotions of farewell. A specially curated video montage, 'Down Memory Lane: Retrospect 2024-25', took the audience on a nostalgic journey, showcasing cherished memories of the students’ time at Manipal School.
As the evening drew to a close, Headmistress Smt. Sapna Shetty delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the school faculty, students, and parents in making the event a success.
With emotions running high and hearts full of gratitude, the ceremony concluded with a celebration, as students, parents, and teachers came together over refreshments, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a promising future for the 155 students of the class of 2024-25.