Media Release

Puttur, Mar 11: “A good Teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning”. Francis Mascarenhas, a science faculty of St Philomena High School, who followed the above dictum as his mission of life, was accorded a befitting farewell from active service on March 6, by the school authorities, staff, alumni, students and parents. He was initiated into the teaching profession at St John’s High School, Shankarapura and continued his service in this institution for nearly 17 years. Two of his former students, Fr Praveen Martis S J, the principal, St Aloysius Autonomous College and Ganesh Kallarpe, the news reporter of Udayavani daily, were the chief guests on the occasion.

Fr Praveen Martis, in his speech, recalled the services of his beloved Science teacher, Francis Sir, at Shankarapura. He also said that his simplicity, sincerity and his eagerness to teach the students inspired him to tred the path of knowledge. Honouring his teacher was a rare opportunity in his life. By doing so he himself felt honoured. Another guest, Ganesh, opined that teaching profession is the noblest one, as it shapes the future of many students. He also recalled his happy moments being the student of Francis Sir in St. Philomena High School.

Fr Eric Crasta, the parish priest of St Rita’s Church, Vittal hoped that Francis will remain active after his retirement and lead a happy and contented life. N K Jagannivas Rao, president of the Alumni Association also wished him a happy retired life. On behalf of the Managing Committee of the School, Francis and his wife Florine Mascarenhas, Teacher in Bethany English Medium High School, Puttur were felicitated by the correspondent, Fr Alfred J Pinto and the guests. In his reply to
this honour, Francis Mascarenhas thanked everyone for providing him an opportunity to serve in this school. He explained how, even at a young age, he had dreamt of becoming a good teacher and expressed his joy in having fulfilled his dream. He gave a call to the students to set before themselves a goal and strive hard to reach it. The correspondent, Fr Alfred J Pinto, in his presidential address lauded the services of Francis and advised the students to accept him as a role model.

Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by the students. Oswald Rodrigues, the Headmaster, not only welcomed the guests but also appreciated the selfless service of Francis Mascarenhas and wished him a happy and peaceful retired life. A beautiful and appropriate song, felicitating the teacher, composed by Rajashekhar, a senior teacher, was rendered by the students. Retired priest Fr Peter Serao and PTA joint secretary Usha Kiran, also graced the occasion. Fr Praveen Martis, Ganesh Kallarpe and I Lakshminarayana Bhat, a retired teacher of the school were also felicitated on the occasion. Student leader Mahammad Shaheer rendered the vote of thanks. The teacher, Prasanna Kumari and students who had contributed poems and paintings to the Udayavani column ‘Chinnari’ were honoured on this occasion. Senior
Teacher, Rajashekhar compered the programme.