Media Release
Udupi, Jun 19: St Mary's English Medium School (SMES), Kannarpady, held the Investiture Ceremony of the School Parliament 2026 and the inauguration of School Clubs on June 18 at St Mary's Auditorium with great enthusiasm and dignity.
The ceremony commenced with the newly elected student representatives, chosen through the school's innovative electronic voting system, marching ceremoniously to the stage accompanied by the school band. Fr Vijay Joyson D'Souza, principal of the school, administered the oath of office to the student leaders and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, commitment and a strong sense of duty.
Badges were presented and portfolios assigned to the cabinet ministers and other office bearers. The school parliament 2026 was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, symbolizing knowledge, hope and new beginnings. The parliamentarians later shared the candlelight as a symbol of unity, cooperation and collective responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest, Fr Dancy Sunil Martis, principal of St Philip Neri Central School, Basrur, emphasized the importance of servant leadership. He said, "True leadership lies in empowering people, and the success of a true leader is measured by the number of lives he or she inspires."
The chief guest was felicitated with a shawl and floral tribute in recognition of his valuable contribution to the field of education. Students Reevan Patrick Pinto and Advik Rao Kidiyoor, who developed the school's electronic voting system, were also honoured for their remarkable innovation.
Presiding over the function, Fr Denis D'Sa, correspondent of the school, encouraged students to embrace leadership with dedication, humility and a spirit of service, reminding them that leadership is defined by responsibility rather than authority.
Among those present on the dais were Rita Quadros, vice principal; Parth R Shetty, head boy; Brahmi B Naika, head girl; and Daniel Jathanna, senior secondary representative.
The program was compered by Ashish and Sahara. Vinaya Suvarna delivered the welcome address, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Daiwik L Kotian, assistant head boy, and Hiba Fathima, assistant head girl.