Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: The Independence Day celebrations at Lourdes Central School was celebrated with great pomp. All students, teachers and non- teaching staff assembled in the school grounds at 8:00 am wearing tricoloured badges. The school was decorated with a festive look, reminding us of the history of India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters for the Nation.
The school band ceremoniously welcomed the honourable dignitaries Dr John Baptist Saldanha-president of the programme, Fr Robert Dsouza-principal LCS, Anitha Thomas-vice principal, Fr Vincent Sequeira, Fr Suraj Lobo-assistant parish priest, Ashok Pinto-vice president, Preethi Gomes-secretary, parish pastoral parishad, and members of the management committee, escorted by the head girl Amna Javed and head boy Aryan Srivastavhim, to the dais. The school’s Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Bulbuls presented the guard of honour to the dignitaries.
On this National festival, the programme commenced with a prayer song by the students of the School Choir. Taniska Dharmaraj of Class 10 warmly welcomed the honourable dignitaries and audience.
The president of the function, Dr John Baptist Saldanha hoisted the National Tricolour escorted by the principal Fr Robert Dsouza, and other dignitaries. The national anthem was sung paying tribute to all the freedom fighters.
Significance of the day in Hindi was given by Ruhan of 10B and in English by Mansi 10A.
This was followed by a musical rendition by the school choir which sang patriotic songs that awakened the hearts of all towards the Motherland. A solo flute performance by G SamruddhPai of Class A was a feast to the ears.
To commemorate the occasion, the much-awaited School Magazine LOURDITE 2020-’21 was released by Dr John Baptist Saldanha, president of the programme, Fr Robert Dsouza, principal LCS, the dignitaries and the editorial board Vidhya and Mary. The magazine is an integral part of the education system which reflects the identity of the school through its achievements and; art and writings of its students and teachers.
Dr John Baptist Saldanha in his presidential address went down memory lane and said, as today is an occasion to celebrate 75 years of Independence in up-building of our Nation, so has the school grown as a banyan tree in these 25 years since inception. It is also an emotional reminder of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and to be grateful for their role in Nation building. He further reminded us to use our freedom with responsibility. As a nation one has to be mindful of one’s thoughts and duties, to eradicate poverty, eradicate corruption, eradicate every kind of evil and discrimination. He appealed to the Parents and urged them to take pride in being an Indian and fulfil one’s duty with responsibility.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Iresh Kishan of Class 10D.
Indeed, it was a momentous day, a day to love and respect our country and make it a better place for Indians to live and experience the freedom, peace and unity in diversity.
The programme was beautifully compered by the students of Class 10, Deon Rodrigues in English and Thajunnisa in Hindi under the guidance of Shaila Pereira and Seema Madtha.
Jai Hind