Pics: Edgar Cardoza/ Pareekshith Shet
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala
Karkala, Apr 16: The silver jubilee celebrations of Christ King Institutions here culminated with a grand ceremony at Gandhi Maidan on Friday April 15 evening.
Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the stage programme. NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco and wife Jean, MP and former chief minister of Karnataka Veerappa Moily, minister for forest and ecology Ramanath Rai, managing trustee of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Harshendra Kumar Heggade, and Richard and Christine Lobo from London were the guests.
Ronald Colaco in his address said, "The Christian missionaries have strived hard to introduce education to the people not only of the coastal region alone, but to the entire nation. Sadly however, they have been subjected to insults and false allegations. Baseless accusations of conversion have been levelled against them. On this occasion I ask everyone gathered here, to respect them for their service. Do not criticize them falsely." In conclusion, he congratulated the school and its management.
Veerappa Moily said, "This institute has provided education to all the students irrespective of religion, caste and gender. The school has created a better platform for the children of Karkala. I am witness to the school's achievements and I stand guarantee for the education imparted to the children here.
"The role of teachers and parents should be that of a potter. Like the potter who shapes the pot, parents should mould their children at a young and tender age. Children's talents must also be recognized equally so that they bloom and spread their fragrance to the nation.”
Bishop Gerald, blessing the occasion said, "The school has achieved a lot right from its early stage. The contributions of the correspondents, trustees and the role of teachers and parents along with the people of Karkala are praiseworthy. Let the school grow to greater heights in the coming years and be a guiding light for all the students who come to study here."
Ramanath Rai, former MLA Gopal Bhandary and Harshendra Heggade complimented the management on their school's 25 years of completion.
Prof V Muralidharan, mathematics lecturer was felicitated for winning the Best Teacher Award in the district.
Former students Anil Kamath who is physically challenged, Sahana Bhat, Christina Jathanna and Royston Pinto were felicitated for their academic achievements.
Venetia Pais was felicitated for her feat in representing the school and district at a state-level badminton tournament. Sanvi Ballal, a third standard student was felicitated for representing the school at a state-level chess tournament.
The new cafeteria, stationery store, children’s play area and new college block were inaugurated by Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Oscar Fernandes, MP and other dignitaries prior to the stage programme.
Peter Fernandes welcomed the guests.
MLC Pratapchandra Shetty, Fr Joswey Fernandes, correspondent and parish priest, Christ King Church, Karkala, Avelin Lewis, secretary and trustee, Peter Fernandes, trustee, Walter D’Souza, trustee, Christ King Educational Trust, Akshay, member of Karkala municipality, Fredrick Angela Colaco, prof Narayan Shedikaje, principal, Christ King PU College, Sr Madonna, headmistress, Christ King English Medium School, Robert Miranda, president (primary level) and John Sudarshan, president (college level), parents and teachers association and others were present.