Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 19: St Aloysius College Higher Primary School celebrated its much-anticipated Annual Day on December 17 with great enthusiasm, colour and grandeur. The celebration began with a vibrant procession as the dignitaries were escorted to the stage by the school band setting a festive tone for the evening. The warm and cheerful welcome extended by the students through a traditional aarthi added charm and liveliness to the occasion.
The programme commenced with a melodious prayer song invoking God’s blessings followed by a captivating semi-classical fusion welcome dance. Setting an energetic tone for the celebrations, the tiny tots from nursery, LKG and UKG delighted the audience with a lively Bollywood dance mix, winning hearts with their innocence and enthusiasm.
The formal programme began with a heartfelt welcome address by the headmistress Jositta Noronha, who extended a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitaries:
• Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, president of the programme
• Abhinav Bhansal, chief guest, alumnus of the institution and managing director of AK Bansal Group of Companies
• Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, correspondent
• Mohammed Iqbal, vice president of the PTA
• Dr Christopher D’Souza, president of the Alumni Association
• Laxminarayan, SPL
• Ison Mathais, ASPL
Each dignitary was honoured with a sapling, symbolising the institution’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
In his inspiring address, the chief guest, Abhinav Bhansal, fondly reminisced about his student days at St Aloysius, describing them as pivotal in shaping his life. He emphasized that success is not achieved overnight and that there are no shortcuts to achievement. He highlighted the importance of discipline, perseverance and consistent effort. Encouraging students to pursue any field be it science, commerce, arts, sports, or business with focus and responsibility, he urged them to respect their teachers and parents, manage time wisely, and continue learning beyond textbooks. Concluding his speech, he expressed pride in being an alumnus of the institution and conveyed his best wishes to the students.
The ceremony continued with the distribution of prizes, recognising academic excellence, achievements in national-level competitions such as the Spell Bee, sports accomplishments and the awarding of scholarships for outstanding performance.
In his presidential address, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ spoke eloquently about the importance of global citizenship in Jesuit education. He encouraged students not merely to seek jobs but to become job creators, emphasizing that marks are only indicators of effort and do not define a child’s true potential.
Following the formal proceedings, the cultural programme unfolded with a spectacular array of performances that showcased creativity, values and talent. The highlights included:
• A thematic dance on Unity in Diversity
• A dance drama titled Garden of Values
• A vibrant coastal dance depicting diverse languages and lifestyles
• A soulful rendition of Circle of Life
• A graceful Hunter Dance
• A colourful folk dance
• A Kannada drama portraying the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of the school
• A dance inspired by the Circus Joker
• A powerful Bollywood dance medley addressing themes of child labour and poverty, inspired by the life of Salumarada Thimmakka, who dedicated her life to planting hundreds of trees
Midway through the programme, the school orchestra team mesmerized the audience with a series of melodious performances, blending instrumental brilliance with soulful singing and leaving everyone spellbound.
The entire programme was skilfully compered by the talented students of Std VII:
English: Siane Lopez, Nidhi Kiran Sirsikar, Joen Sam Cordeiro, Nihal Paul D’Souza
Kannada: Likith R, Ninisha Prisha Monteiro, Sneha D Muganur, Sridevi Basappa Ganiger
Their confidence, clarity, and stage presence added grace to the event.
The vote of thanks was proposed by SPL. Laxminarayan and ASPL. Ison Mathais, who expressed sincere gratitude to the dignitaries, management, teachers, parents, students and staff for their unwavering support and cooperation. The event was meticulously coordinated by Shobha Pinto and Harish.
The celebration concluded on a proud and harmonious note with the school anthem, leaving the audience with fond memories of a truly spectacular and meaningful Annual Day celebration.