Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 23: St Aloysius Institute of Education, a leading institute of teacher education in the city conducted week-long Christmas competitions in full swing and fervour, spreading the message of love, joy, compassion, humility, simplicity and gratitude. The students and staff members experienced the Christmas spirit through different competitions, namely, Christmas card, Christmas tree and star, Christmas decorative items, Christmas quiz, carol singing, collage and crib conducted.

The week-long celebration culminated in college by sharing Christmas joy with the primary school children of St Joseph’s Aided Higher Primary School, Nanthoor. 70 children in the school took part in the Christmas programme organized by the BEd trainees. Citing the Biblical verse, 'Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 18:3), Fr Dr Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ, the chief guest of the occasion said in his message, “The first thing we need to do to enter the kingdom of God is to turn from the direction we are going in. It implies a complete change of attitude. It is equivalent to repentance. To become a child means that God has to do something in our life. Therefore, we need to change our mindset and think like children and it does not mean that we have to become immature and act childish. Christmas is a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength.”

The BEd trainees conducted various games for the school children before the Christmas programme and the chief guest acknowledged the winners during the occasion. Dr Farita Viegas, principal, presided over the programme.

Ramya and her group invoked the Almighty’s blessings through a song. Drishya and her team performed a welcome dance. Akshatha rendered the welcome address. Namritha introduced the chief guest. Shruthi proposed the vote of thanks. Geetha compered the programme. Delna Lobo, vice-principal, organized the programme.