Media Release
Puttur, Feb 13: The Junior Division Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of St Philomena Aided High School, Puttur jointly celebrated NCC Day on February 9 at the High School Ground holding the core values of NCC in high esteem. In the colourful but disciplined programme 100 cadets of Army wing, 100 cadets of Naval Wing and 100 cadets of Air Force Wing participated with enthusiasm and the spectacle reinforced the ideals of NCC.
Participating as the honourable chief guest at the glittering function, Sanjeeva Matandur, member of Legislative Council Assembly, Puttur constituency said that for defending the integrity and sovereignty of a nation, the defence forces were indispensable and for carrying the nation to newer heights of growth and recognition, disciplined youth who could make a difference were highly necessary. A collusion of disciplined as well as dedicated armed forces and the vibrant youth power would make our great nation a super power in the world. Addressing a large gathering of the NCC cadets, students from neighbouring schools and the guests, he opined that, we as the citizens of India should set aside our differences, close the ranks and march on, committed deeply to serve the cause of the nation. He reminded the students about the need for nurturing values such as obedience, time and duty consciousness which would elevate them to the status of good citizenship.
Presiding over the function, Fr Alfred J Pinto called upon the cadets and the students to imbibe values, particularly social values and foster an exceptional interpersonal relationship so that a cohesive society with syncretic culture would emerge. The further added that activities such as NCC would help the students in preparing themselves for the cause of serving the nation.
Louis Mascarenhas, retired NCC officer (Army Wing) was the honourable guest. Addressing the audience Mascarenhas recalled the dedicated service and disciplined life of Major General Kariappa, and urged the cadets to emulate his example.
On the occasion C Shriranga Shastry Manila, Jerome Mascarenhas, Sundara Gowda, Jayantha Bekal, Tulasidas, Ramachandra, Ramesh Babu and Ganesh D N all retired service personnel were honoured. Neil Mascarenhas, J D Army Cadet, was felicitated for his outstanding achievement in the National Level Swimming competitions. The celebration
was marked by the guard of honour, NCC Salute, March past, Contingent Drill, NCC song and National Anthem.
Fr Peter Serrao, senior priest, Melanthabettu Church, Jagannivasa Rao, President Alumni Association, Usha Kiran, Joint secretary, PTA, J P Rodrigues, vice president, parish council, Mai De Deus Church, Rajesh Bannur, former president, Puttur Municipality and a host of teacher from various institutions were present. Oswald Rodrigues, the Headmaster welcomed, Clement Pinto, NCC second officer rendered the vote of thanks. Rajashekar, senior teacher, compered the programme.