Mangalore: St Thomas School Centenary Celebrations Draw to a Grand End
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM/AF)
Pics: Rajesh Tokkottu
Mangalore, Feb 24: It was a grand celebration that marked the valedictory of centenary celebrations of St Thomas Higher Primary School at Padu Bondantila here on Sunday, February 24 evening.
The school is located about 20 kilometres away from the city, between Neermarga and Malluru and covered by lush greenery and hills. Earlier, this place was called Kutrujna Gudde and a certain Narayanappa started this school and later it handed over to Meremajal church in the year 1908. The school has taught thousands of people in this region and it was one of the prominent schools of yesteryears. It accommodated more than 900 students before English Medium schools started ruling the region, locals say. Five years ago, this school was handed over to Fermai St Anthony’s church.
The valedictory ceremony began with flag hoisting, followed by march past and various kinds of aerobics by the school children.
Later Fr Wilson D’Souza, secretary of Catholic Board of Education inaugurated the newly-built school building while entrepreneur Ramesh Shetty of Mudujappu inaugurated the computer lab. In his speech, he recalled the days he spent in this school as a student. He also shared the difficulties which he faced to pass the exams.
Former minister B Ramanath Rai was the chief guest. In his speech he said that the school is located in a typical rural area and it has completed a century in providing education to those who are denied social justice. He appreciated the work done by the school in bringing the poor and socially backward people into the mainstream.
Retired headmasters, teachers and talented students of the school were felicitated by the chief guest.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, presided over the function and blessed the occasion. Zilla panchayat member Emilda Pinto, taluk panchayat member Gokuldas Shetty and Neermarga village panchayat president Usha Naik were present on the dais.
Francis Cutinho, president of centenary committee, welcomed the gathering. Fr Sylvester D’Costa, correspondent of the school, delivered the introductory remarks. Headmaster Melwyn Braggs briefed about the history of the school. The celebrations ended with entertaining stage programmes by the students.