Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 19: With hearts aglow and spirits lifted, Deepavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with great fervour, reverence, and splendour at Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru on Saturday, October 18.
The celebration hosted by the students of grade VI A and B, served as a profound reminder of the deeper essence of Deepavali, the eternal triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The day’s festivities commenced with a sacred Sanskrit shloka on light, highlighting the importance of light and setting a deeply spiritual tone for the event.
The masters of ceremony Nia, Rihan, Dhyana and Arush greeted the audience with warmth and grace, reflecting on the true spirit of Deepavali, a festival that calls each individual to not just light lamps, but be lamps in the lives of others.
The students led a soul-soothing prayer service, seeking divine blessings, peace and unity. A graceful welcome dance by the dancers of the class, followed by a welcome address by Nigel and Rashi, extended festive greetings to the dignitaries, staff, and students.
In keeping with the festive theme, the chief guest Vathika Pai, managing director of Nirmala Travels, Mangaluru and award-winning entrepreneur, was accorded a warm welcome by offering a beautifully decorated lamp adorned with diya and flowers.
A moving highlight of the morning was the theatrical skit titled “The victory that lit the world”, dramatising the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana. The stage was then transformed for the dance drama “The Return of Light”.
With expressive choreography and soul-stirring music, the performance beautifully captured the spirit of renewal, hope, and inner illumination that Deepavali signifies. A melodious Kannada group song followed, a heartfelt rendition celebrating the joy of lighting the lamp and spreading kindness, unity, and light. The song echoed the message that one lamp can ignite countless others, symbolising the ripple effect of goodness.
The chief guest in her inspiring address urged students not just to light lamps, but to be the light wherever they are. She praised the students for their exceptional performances and encouraged all to live lives of purpose, integrity, and compassion, carrying the spirit of Deepavali beyond the festival.
In her message, the principal. Sr Melissa, congratulated the students of grade VI A and VI B, along with their mentors, for crafting a meaningful Deepavali celebration. She greeted everyone a very happy Deepavali, and reminded the gathering of the importance of generosity, especially towards the poor and needy during the festive season, reinforcing that the true essence of Deepavali lies in sharing one’s light with those in darkness.
The winners of essay writing competition in English, Hindi and Kannada were felicitated during the celebration. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Rishon and Simona, appreciating the presence and message by the chief guest and acknowledging the collective efforts of the school management, staff and students, who contributed to the success of the event.
As the celebration drew to a close, the message that resonated clearly was, “Even the smallest flame can chase away the deepest shadows”.
The Deepavali celebration at the school was more than just a festive occasion, it was a soul-touching experience, reminding all present of the light they carry within and the need to share it with others.
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