Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 12: Lourdes Central School, Bejai, Mangaluru, solemnly conducted its investiture ceremony and club inauguration for the academic year 2026–27 on June 12, celebrating the spirit of leadership, responsibility, and holistic student development.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome to the dignitaries: chief guest Vivekananda Paniyala, advocate, Paniyala Associates, Fr Stany Pereira, manager of Lourdes Central School, Fr Johnson L Sequeira, principal, Anitha Thomas, vice principal, and Deepa D’Souza, academic coordinator. The gathering began with an invocation seeking god’s blessings on the institution and its student leaders.
The dignitaries then participated in the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the triumph of wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment. The audience was formally welcomed by the student representative, setting a gracious tone for the occasion.
A highlight of the programme was the introduction of the chief guest, whose achievements and contributions were presented to the audience. The much-awaited investiture ceremony followed, during which the newly elected Student Council members were conferred with badges of office. The oath of office was administered by the principal, Fr Johnson L Sequeira, affirming the students’ commitment to lead with integrity, responsibility, and dedication.
The ceremony continued with the inauguration of the various school clubs for the academic year 2026–27. The dignitaries formally launched the clubs and presented sashes to the club representatives, encouraging students to actively participate in activities that nurture creativity, teamwork, leadership, and diverse talents beyond the classroom.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest advocate Vivekananda Paniyala emphasised the need for better politicians rather than merely more politicians. He observed that when capable and principled people stay away from politics, it creates a vacuum in leadership. Encouraging students to consider politics as a profession, he urged them to uphold the values of the Constitution in public life.
He inspired the gathering by highlighting eminent personalities from Mangaluru, including Padma Bhushan George Fernandes, B M Rao, Barrister Yellappa, and several distinguished Chief Justices who have served the nation with distinction. He also described the legal profession as a rewarding field that offers opportunities to help the needy and contribute meaningfully to society.
In his presidential address, Fr Stany Pereira, manager of Lourdes Central School congratulated the newly elected student leaders and urged them to lead with responsibility and compassion. He reminded the students that leadership is not about being in charge, but about caring for those in one’s charge. Highlighting that Lourdes Central School has opened new horizons of opportunity, he encouraged students to recognize and nurture their leadership potential and use it in the service of others.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by the head boy, Karma Patil and head girl, Sharvi Shetty, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, management, staff, students, and all those who contributed to the success of the event.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in student leadership at Lourdes Central School. It reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing responsible citizens and confident leaders who will contribute positively to society.