Media Release
Mangaluru, May 10: It is with thankfulness and gratitude the diamond jubilee celebration of the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society (UFES) was held on Thursday, May 9 at the Assisi Central School Auditorium in Bagambila, Deralakatte. The event commenced with a Thanksgiving Eucharist, serving as a poignant moment to commemorate and express gratitude for God's countless blessings over 60 years.
At the Thanksgiving Eucharist, Fr Anthony Shera, secretary of Catholic Board of School Education, diocese of Mangalore emphasized Jesus' call to be the ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the society. He highlighted the importance of fulfilling responsibilities with love and dedication amidst the challenges, reminding that true satisfaction comes from selfless service.
Thereafter, a felicitation programme was held to acknowledge, thank and honour the teaching and non-teaching staff of UFES who render commendable service in different schools for several years and the alumni who partnered with the Ursuline Franciscan sisters in achieving this significant milestone.
The programme commenced with the opening chorus from the sisters of Mangaluru province. Students from Anand Ashram Institutions, Bhatkal, welcomed the gathering with their rhythmic dance movements.
The programme was presided over by Sr Milly Fernandes the president of UFES. Walter D’Souza Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media, Mangaluru was the chief guest, Fr Anthony Shera, Dr Gayathri Devaraj, lumni of St Joseph's High School, Koppa, the former registrar of Dharwad University, Gangu Kadam, senior staff of St Michael High School, Hubballi, Leena Lasrado, non-teaching staff of St Therese High School, Beltangady, were the guests of honour.
Sr Philomena Noronha, the secretary of UFES, presented the remarkable journey of 60 years of the society.
As part of the diamond jubilee celebration, deputy secretaries presented a cheque of Rs 10,10,000 to the president and secretary of UFES to be awarded to the teaching and non-teaching staff of UFES who have made significant contribution in the field of education.
Acknowledging the immense service, the former presidents of the society, Sr Edilburga Monteiro, Sr Doreen D’Souza, and Sr Susheela Sequeira and the former secretaries Sr Irene Brian D’Souza, Sr Lily Fernandes and Sr Lilly Pinto, were honoured by the dignitaries during the event.
A total number 26 teaching and non-teaching staffs from Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, North, North East Provinces and African Region were honoured for their long years of dedicated and outstanding service.
Guest of honour Leena Lasrado the non-teaching staff of St Therese High School, Beltangady, expressed, "I have benefited greatly from UFES Educational Institutions. The support I received from my colleagues in UFES institutions made me self-reliant and independent. I have developed the skills to handle various office tasks confidently."
Dr Gayathri Devaraj the Kalpana Chawla Young Scientist awardee expressed her gratitude towards her alma mater for instilling strong moral values of honesty and truthfulness. She credited her life’s achievements in various fields to the school's moral education classes and practical experiences, which also had profound impact on her ethical foundation. The holistic approach of the school towards education nurtured her personality and fuelled her drive to make positive contributions to the society.
Gangu Kadam, a senior staff member from St Michael Higher Primary School Hubballi, stated, "UFES schools have produced excellent students who have ascended to high government positions, earning accolades through their merit and societal contributions as government bureaucrats and leaders."
Walter Nandalike, the founder and proprietor of Daijiworld spoke of his joy of meeting a large religious group for the first time and appreciated the Ursuline Franciscan sisters for their remarkable service with self-sacrifice for the wellbeing of the society. He also highlighted the necessity of advancing in technology. Expressing concern at the parental attitude towards education he emphasized on parent teacher collaboration in imparting value based education which is the need of the present society. He stressed the need for concerted efforts by the parents, teachers and administration to ensure the well-being of youth.
Sr Milly Fernandes in her presidential address accredited, "UFES schools have made significant inroads into remote villages, emerging as bastions of comprehensive education. These institutions have not only imparted quality education but have also fostered awareness about civil rights leadership among women, leading to success in various fields including priesthood and religious life. Moreover, initiatives such as the Nympha Nidhi, Raphael Fund, St Joseph’s Fund, and Tobia Payana Funds have assisted economically disadvantaged students. Achieving holistic development amidst challenges such as eroding values, family decay, and evolving political landscapes requires collective effort and unwavering determination to uplift the marginalized segments of society."
Sr Pramila D’Cunha the treasurer of the UFES expressed the sentiments of gratitude.
Students from Assisi Central School, Bagambila, Derlakatte entertained the gathering with a fusion dance.
At the outset, Sr Rita Vas the vice president of UFES welcomed the gathering. Sr Anitha Menezes and Sr Flavia Fernandes compered the programme. The celebration concluded with National Anthem and sumptuous jubilee meal.