Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)
Udupi, Feb 24: The affiliation Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Delhi and the inauguration of newly built school building was held on Saturday February 23, at the School Campus.
Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament, inaugurated the school building and unveiled the flag. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi blessed the new school building and also released the school logo during the formal function.
Fr Denis D’Sa, correspondent, Don Bosco School in his introductory speech said, “It is indeed a red letter day in the history of Don Bosco School in which we all are part of. The seed sown by Fr Aloysius Rosario stands high like that of mustard. It was a Hercules task for us to get our school to be affiliated to CBSE. But with the ever progressive management, like-minded people, with the help of bishop and under the leadership of Fr Stany B Tauro and Fr Mahesh, we are here to celebrate that great moment bearing the affiliation number 830838.”
Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament addressing the gathering said, "Shirva is a place of development. Empowering the people is important. If money is given to a person, it can be taken away but if a person is given knowledge it cannot be taken away at any cost. Today the biggest challenge of our country is to provide education to the children. At Don Bosco School, there are smart techniques of learning and may this place lead in the path of development."
Fr Stany Tauro, former correspondent, Don Bosco School, Shirva expressing his views said, "Our Lady of Health has blessed us with knowledge along with good health. This school has the history of 150 years. Education is provided upto KG to PG here. Bishop of Udupi diocese was the first person to dream of this school to be upgraded to CBSE. People of Shirva are rich by heart and due to this it was possible to get affiliation to this school. Principal Fr Mahesh has strived hard to get the affiliation along with the efforts of the school management, parish pastoral council and kind hearted donors of Shirva to fulfil this dream.”
Speaking on the occasion Ivan D’souza, MLC and secretary of parliamentary affairs said, "This place has received the blessings of Our Lady of Health. The students who have studied in this institution are found in any part of the world. We give importance in giving good and higher education for our children. Christian community has given a huge contribution to the society in the field of education. We must adore these Christian missionaries for their selfless contribution. They teach children with only aim to provide education and to build a better society. I wish all the best to the school, may it develop more and more in coming days. "
Lalaji Mendon, MLA Kaup in his message said, "Education will not be lost when we share it with others. This institution has given a value education to the students. The Christian community has rendered its service to all in spite of various caste and religion. We see a lot of students coming to our place for education purpose.”
Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA Kaup addressed the crowd and said, “Society must not be stagnant but it must be a flowing water which is possible through education. This institution has been a part to build a better society. The Christian missionaries have given their best to the society and have helped the society to be like flowing water. Though Shirva is known for NRIs, they have never forgotten their motherland. Today the old students are the treasures of this school. Let this institution be a university in future. I wish the best to the school. "
Professor Mathew Ninan, director, Little Rock Indian School Brahmavar said, "It is indeed a great moment for me to be here. I witnessed the traumatic experience of switching procedures to state to CBSE syllabus. Committee members have visited me many a times. Over 75 schools are under CBSE in coastal Karnataka. I have close attachment to Shirva when I started my career over. Life with struggle makes it meaningful. If it is for a good cause then struggling is worth. The food quality of the politicians of coastal region is that they have stood by the educational institutions. I remember the speech of Piyush Goyel, the railway minister who helped to start Don Bosco School in North India. CBSE means teachers of high quality who can make the real difference in students’ life.”
Bishop of Udupi diocese in his thanking note said, "I Appreciate the struggle and the hard work put in by the entire team for the affiliation. Catholic Church is the biggest education institution in the world. We are proud to serve our mother India with education. Being educated means being aware of one's legitimate rights and to recognize others rights. I thank each and every one for playing a vital role to make this institution grow. I thank all the government officials, and all who helped the process to switch over from state to CBSE. I congratulate the staff, students and management on this occasion.”
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, president, Catholic Education Society of Udupi, presided over the function. Oscar Fernandes, his wife Blossom Fernandes, Ivan D’Souza, Lalaji R Mendon, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Fr Antony Serrao, secretary, Catholic Board of education, diocese of Mangaluru, Fr Stany Tauro, founder correspondent, Don Bosco CBSE School, Fr Denis D’Sa, Fr Mahesh D’Souza, Professor Mathew C Nainan, Wilson Rodrigues, member, Zilla Panchayat, Udupi, Geetha Wagle, member, taluk panchayat, Udupi, Varija Poojary, president, Shirva panchayat, Fr Ashwini Aranha, assistant parish priest, Shirva, Wilson D’Souza, vice president, parish pastoral council, Leena Machado, secretary, paris pastoral council, Melwyn Aranha, 18 - Commissions coordinator, parish pastoral council, Avni Ferrao and Alden Correa-SPL, ASPL, Don Bosco School and members of the school management committee were present on the occasion.
Donors of the entrance gate including presidents of SWAK and USWAS and those who had donated more than Rs 1 lac towards the new school building were felicitated on this occasion.
The present correspondent of Don Bosco CBSE School, Fr Denis D’Sa and principal Fr Mahesh D’Souza were honoured for their service to the school.
Professor Mathew Nainan, Fr Stany Tauro and Fr Mahesh D’Souza who had been guiding the school governing council in the task of securing the CBSE affiliation were felicitated.
Fr Mahesh D’Souza welcomed the gathering; Wilson D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Shayona D’Almeida, Ivine D’Souza and Sr Leticia compered the programme.
Following the stage function, musical entertainment was organized featuring Anuradha Bhat and Ajay Warrier, celebrated Indian playback singers with renowned professional music team from Bengaluru led by Rajgopal and dance performance by teams from Bengaluru.