Articles / Special

Special Article by CT News Team

St. Thomas School, Alangar

Moodbidri is popularly known as ‘Jaina Kashi’ of India. In the northern part of Moodbidri, in the midst of lush greenery, in a calm environment, a beautiful and attractive place called ‘Alangar’ is located. In the centre of Alangar there is ‘Holy Rosary Catholic Church’. And in its premises, proudly and firmly stands a temple of knowledge named ‘St. Thomas Higher Primary School.’ The school is under the administration of Catholic Educational Board, Mangalore.

About a century back Alangar was quite different from what it is today. Only a few poor families inhabited it. Till education made its way into this tiny village, enlightenment or progress was thought to be an impossibility. Knowing this fact a priest Rev. Fr. Faustine Korti, belonging to the Society of Jesus or also known as Jesuits, came to this little village. He sacrificed his position as a professor and Vice Principal of St. Aloysius College, one of the prestigious colleges in Mangalore, with a mission to impart holistic and value based education to the rural children. With the arrival of such a holy person, Alangar was blessed. The school founded by this great soul is celebrating its centenary now.

Fr. Faustine Corti Memorial at Alangar Church

Due to the hard work and tireless efforts of Rev. Fr. Faustin Corti, St. Thomas School was founded in 1921. After him, Rev. Fr. A. Jiaro of the same congregation of Society of Jesus continued to lead the school. Initially only classes 1-5 were recognised. In 1929 Rev. Fr. Elias Dsouza became the administrator of the school. Under his able leadership the school began to progress to a great extent. And it was during his time, the first school building was constructed. He was well known as the architect of this school. From 1921 to 1935, Mr. Manuel Dsouza served as the single teacher. Mr. Gaspor Pinto was another person whose service to the school was indeed great.

In 1935 the Sisters of Charity were invited from Mangalore to teach in the school. They were also given the responsibility of managing the school. Sr. Juliana Dsouza worked only for two years as the Headmistress, but served as an Assistant teacher for 26 years and worked hard for the development of the school. From 1937-1971 Sr. Natalia worked as the Headmistress for 35 long years which is in fact a record in the history of the school. She is forever remembered fondly in Alangar and by all the children who studied in this school for her long fruitful and selfless years of service. Not only the children of Alangar, but even the children from Paladka, Moodbidre, Beluvai, Gantalkatte and Masthi Katte have received education from this school and thus the school was known as the School of the Nuns.

In 1952, as the number of students was increasing, the lower primary school was transformed into St. Thomas Primary School. The efforts of the teachers and the progress of the students were recognised by the Government and the school was awarded as the best school. Sr. Natalia was also personally given a letter of appreciation by the government. From 1958 Rev. Fr. F.X Dsouza , from 1971 Rev. Fr. J. S. Rodrigues, in 1978 Rev. Fr. Gilbert Pinto, in 1983 Rev. Fr. John P. Miranda, from 1985 Rev. Fr. Andrew Rodrigues, , in 1988 Rev. Fr. Marian Pinto, in 1994 Rev. Fr. Dennis Castelino, served as the administrators. In 1996 English Medium School was started and the Platinum Jubilee of the school was also celebrated in a grand manner. Rev. Fr. Dennis Castelino, worked very hard and managed both the schools with great responsibility without making any discrimination between the Kannada medium and English medium schools. May God grant him eternal rest for all his efforts for the growth of the school. For a few months Rev. Fr. Oswald Lasrado and Rev. Fr. Edwin Pinto rendered their service as the administrators of the school. From 2003 Rev. Fr. Vincent Dsouza for 8 years, in 2010 Rev. Fr. Basil Vas for 7 years, in 2016 Rev. Fr. Sunil Veigas as the administrators contributed towards the development of the school. From 2018 till date Rev. Fr. Walter Dsouza has been working hard towards the progress of the school and has been providing basic facilities. God has given him the privilege of celebrating this centenary. Being an able and zealous administrator he has been directing all his energies tirelessly, towards the wellbeing of this school.

Rev. Fr Walter D'Souza, current administrator of the school

Many religious sisters have rendered their service as teachers, and Headmistresses. Among them many have returned to their heavenly abode. May God grant eternal rest to all of them. From 1935 to 1937 Sr. Dominica, 1937-1972 Sr. Nathalia, Sr. Gabriel Aranha, 1976- 1980 Sr. Mariza Pinto, 1980-1985 Sr. Benilde Dsouza, 1985- 1988 Sr. Florine Andrade, 1988-1994 Sr. Christene Lobo, 1994-1996 Sr. Claudia Pinto, 1996-96 Sr. Gracy Dsouza, Sr. Eugene Dsouza, then Sr. Martha D’almeida, Sr. Marceline Veigas, Sr. Maia Ivy Dsouza, and at present Sr. Helen have served as Headmistresses. As assistant teachers many teachers have been imparting education to hundreds of students. Those who have taught or who are at present teaching have contributed a lot towards the all-round development of the students.

At present there are 143 students being educated in our school. The 3 government aided teachers and the other honorary teachers strive to impart good education to the students. In the school the students are provided with midday meals and the text books. The students take part in ‘Prathibha Karanji’ competitions organised by the education department and win many prizes.

The students, who have passed out from the portals of the school, are leading a contented life. It’s a pleasure to mention that the students who have studied in the school are playing a key role by contributing their services in the various fields of our society. Some of the students are judges of the Supreme Court, religious leaders, Bishops, priests, religious sisters, successful entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors, managers, teachers and ideal farmers and are loved and recognised at national and international levels as an asset to the society.

The school founded with a warm heart and good intentions has today grown into a large tree of knowledge. At this auspicious moment as the school is celebrating the centenary, the school fondly remembers all those who have been a part of this institution. In a very special way they remember with great love, all the administrators, Headmistresses, teaching staff, school management and school betterment committee members, parents of the students, guardians, officials of the education department and the past students who have worked for the good of the school, from 1921 till date. They thank all those who have contributed towards making this celebration a successful one in all the ways. The school is grateful for financial assistance, support and cooperation by the donors.

Related reading : History of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church, Alangar - Moodbidri