Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 26: St Agnes School (CBSE), Bendore, hosted an extraordinary celebration to mark International Mother Language Day on February 21, a global observance dedicated to celebrating the beauty and diversity of languages worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, as well as safeguarding the mother tongues that play a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and fostering communication across generations.
The school’s event was a magnificent display of enthusiasm, creativity, and cultural vibrancy, bringing together students, faculty, and guests to honour the richness of language and heritage.
The event commenced with a deeply moving prayer service, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere. This was followed by a graceful and captivating welcome dance that set the tone for the celebration. Anishka R Prabhu warmly introduced the esteemed chief guest, Abdul Majeed, CEO of Honest Company, extending a heartfelt welcome to all present. Sr Meena Fernandes AC, the vice principal, presented a potted blossom to the chief guest, symbolizing the spirit of the occasion. The warm reception given to all attendees further emphasized the inclusiveness and unity that defined the event.
The significance of the day was conveyed powerfully through a variety of student performances, each underscoring the profound connection between language and culture. A dazzling cultural dance performance showcased the diversity of languages and traditions, while a captivating action song left the audience in awe. The highlight of the program was a poignant skit, The Power of the Mother Tongue, which was performed with exceptional depth, passion, and artistic finesse. This skit eloquently illustrated the invaluable role of mother tongues in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of belonging.
In addition to the performances, the students participated in an array of engaging and educational activities designed to deepen their understanding of their own languages and cultures. Grade 1 students practiced greeting one another in different languages, embracing the beauty of multilingualism. Grade 2 students sang songs in various languages, experiencing first-hand the joy of linguistic exploration. Grade 3 students shared stories across cultures, narrating tales in different languages that bridged divides and united them in their love for storytelling.
Grade 4 students took part in the Polyglot Challenge, a fun activity where they learned to pronounce words in multiple languages. Grade 5 students ventured into the world of Language and Cuisine, exploring food-related words in different languages. Grade 6 students participated in a multilingual poetry recitation, emphasizing the importance of preserving their mother languages through creative expression. Meanwhile, the talented students of Class 7 crafted a striking collage featuring insightful proverbs from different languages, celebrating the richness and wisdom found in linguistic diversity.
The event was expertly organized and orchestrated by the dedicated teachers from grade IB, II C, and VII C, whose passion for nurturing students’ appreciation for their languages and cultures ensured the success of the celebration.
The distinguished chief guest, Abdul Majeed, graced the event with his presence and delivered an inspiring address. In his speech, he highlighted the critical role of the mother tongue in preserving cultural identity and urged everyone to cherish and celebrate their native languages. The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of Sr Meena Fernandes AC, Sr Reshma Dsouza AC, faculty members, and students, all of whom contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.
The celebration was seamlessly compered by Anvi SK, Simra Mariyam, Bhavishya R Kulal, and Neethal Shreya D'Sa, whose eloquence and confidence guided the audience through the programme. Adheesh S K delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those involved in making the event a success.
The programme concluded with the soul-stirring rendition of the School Anthem, leaving all present with a renewed sense of pride, unity, and cultural appreciation. This memorable celebration not only honoured the linguistic diversity of the school community but also reinforced the importance of safeguarding mother tongues as an integral part of our collective heritage.