Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 2: Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru witnessed a vibrant and meaningful celebration as the students of Grade VIII D and E, guided by their teachers, inaugurated the Season of Creation 2025 with the theme “Peace with Creation”. The programme beautifully combined prayer, art and reflection, reminding the school community of its responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.
The celebration opened with a poetic invocation by the MCs Sharvi Sudeep, Anagha Bhandarkar, Sanidhya Shetty and Dianne Coelho, emphasizing the beauty of nature and the urgent need to protect it. A solemn prayer service, scripture reading and reflection followed, inviting the gathering into a spirit of reverence for creation.
A graceful welcome dance, inspired by the peacock, symbolized harmony, grace, and renewal. The chief guest, Remona Evette Pereira, Golden Book record holder and proud alumna of the institution, was warmly welcomed along with administrator Sr Carissima, principal Sr. Melissa, vice principal Sr. Teena, and PTA vice president Ananthesh Prabhu. Eva Nicole Fernandes and Nanda kishore Reddy accorded a loving welcome to all gathered. In a symbolic gesture of growth and prosperity, principal Sr Melissa presented a sapling to the chief guest Remona, while Ananthesh Prabhu welcomed her mother Gladys Pereira, with a plant sapling.
The significance of the day was presented, highlighting the global observance of the Season of Creation from September 1st to October 4th and its guiding theme “Peace with Creation”. The highlight of the celebration was the enthralling dance drama “Prakriti: The Eternal Rhythm”. The performance traced the journey of creation from its birth, through human disruption and ecological destruction, to the hopeful restoration of peace and harmony. The portrayal left the audience deeply moved, reinforcing the message of balance and interdependence with nature.
Then came the significant and proud moment of felicitating the golden book record holder. Tr Rakshitha with beaming smiles gave a brief introduction of Remona Evette Pereira, who was once her own student. She said, “Records may be made or broken, but you will forever remain in our hearts as the “Golden Girl”. Remona was then honoured with a shawl, a fruit basket and a cash prize in recognition of her inspirational journey in Bharatanatyam and her extraordinary achievement of dancing continuously for 170 hours, earning her a place in the Golden Book of Records.
In her address, Remona reflected on her remarkable journey in classical dance. She candidly spoke of the struggles she endured, physical exhaustion, moments of self-doubt and the challenges of balancing academics with her passion. Through it all, she said, her mother’s unwavering support and her teachers’ encouragement became her pillars of strength. She reminded the students that no dream is too distant if one is willing to persevere with faith and discipline. Looking at the young faces before her, she shared the joy of returning to her alma mater as chief guest, recalling that she once sat in the very same place as them, filled with her own dreams and uncertainties. “Believe in yourself,” she urged, “for it is your belief and determination that will carry you through life’s challenges.” She emphasized that achievements are not just about records, but about resilience, gratitude, and the ability to rise stronger after every fall. Her words, filled with warmth and sincerity, left the student community deeply inspired.
Principal, Sr Melissa, in her address, praised the chief guest not only for her extraordinary accomplishment but also for her humility and grounded character. She highlighted how Remona’s success was built on gratitude, acknowledging her mother’s sacrifices, her teachers’ guidance, and the grace of the Almighty. The principal also extended heartfelt appreciation to Remona’s mother, Gladys Pereira, for her tireless dedication in shaping her daughter’s journey. Turning to the students, she applauded the efforts of Grades VIII D and E, who despite rain holidays and limited practice, presented a meaningful and inspiring programme. She urged the students to take inspiration from the day’s celebration, not just to excel academically, but to care for the creation and to live in peace in the family, school, and the society.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Maanya Aithal and the release of peace doves, a symbolic expression of the school’s commitment to live in peace with creation.
The celebration was a soul-stirring blend of dance, art, and reflection, leaving the gathering inspired to cultivate ecological responsibility and a deeper spiritual bond with creation.