Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 27: Carmel School, Mangaluru, hosted an enriching art of living seminar for students of grades 6 to 10 on November 26.
The gathering began with a serene prayer service led by the grade 9 students, creating a calm opening for the day. Deepthi then delivered a gracious welcome, extending floral greetings to the invited speakers Fr Leston Lobo, SJ, Fr Roydon Misquith, Fr Edward Rodrigues, Br Rudolf D’Souza, as well as Sr Rosevera (principal), Sr Dr Prem D’Souza (administrator), and Sr Premal (vice principal).
The welcome transitioned into the inaugural ceremony, which unfolded with a sense of quiet significance. The dignitaries stepped forward to unveil the first banner carrying the gentle message, “Come and rest a while,” symbolising a pause from routine and an entry into a reflective space. Immediately after this unveiling, the ribbon-cutting took place, marking the official opening of the prayer day celebration. As the ribbon fell away, a second banner with the words Reflect, Rejuvenate, Reconnect came into view, perfectly capturing the spirit of the day. Zeena efficiently anchored the ceremony, after which the students dispersed to Mother Veronica Hall, the Main Auditorium, and the AV Room for their respective sessions.
The speakers addressed key concerns related to modern distractions, beginning with the meaning of distraction and continuing with topics such as laziness, procrastination, peer influence, and overdependence. Each point was supported with clear explanations and relatable situations. The seminar then moved into effective study techniques, introducing the Protégé Effect, which emphasises that teaching others strengthens retention. The SQ3R technique - survey, question, read, remember, review was demonstrated along with active recall, showing how each strategy supports efficient learning. A separate session on choices and values included a video of a bird facing challenges with courage, leading into a discussion on the qualities that characterise a true leader. This was followed by a video contrasting reel life and real life, outlining the advantages and pitfalls of social media. The day also featured a module titled building a life, narrated through the story of a carpenter and contractor, reminding students that life resembles a house built slowly with good choices and sincere effort. Short parables such as the pencil, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea were added to reinforce simple lessons for daily application.
With engaging delivery and well-structured content, the seminar offered the students a strong encouragement to shape a purposeful and cheerful life.