Mangalore Diocese News

Report & Photography : Meena Barboza

Bondel - Mangaluru, Sep 2, 2024 : The Teachers' Day Celebration and Meritorious Students' Award Ceremony, organized by the Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit , was held on Sunday, 1st September, at 10 a.m. at the St. Lawrence English Medium School Auditorium. The programme commenced with a prayer hymn.

Mr Stephen D'Silva, President Catholic Sabha welcomed all the guests on the dais and everyone who had gathered. The Chief Guest and the members on the dais were welcomed with a rose by the Catholic Sabha members. The program was inaugurated with a cake-cutting ceremony led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, who was joined on the dais by the other esteemed members.

In his inaugural speech, Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza emphasized that teaching is not just a profession but a mission. He highlighted that a good teacher shapes a good student. Comparing a teacher's life to a cake, he explained that just as children come to receive a piece of cake, they seek knowledge and guidance from teachers. What teachers offer should be filled with sweetness, kindness and wisdom. He also noted that teachers are like mothers, nurturing their students with good values.

The chief Guest, Mrs. Philomena Lobo, Retired D.P.I for Secondary Education , Commissioners' Office , Bangalore quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying, 'I have always felt that the true textbook for the pupil is his teacher'. Teachers provide a living example of the lessons they teach, shaping students' character and understanding through their actions and guidance. A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light that while a candle burns out, instead of candle she said a lamp can be replenished with oil to continue shining brightly, symbolizing how teachers can continually impart knowledge to more students. She also compared modern teachers to mobile devices, likening them to 'Google' for their vast knowledge.

The keynote Speaker , Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, the Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School, delivered an insightful address about the teacher's duty to nurture students by enhancing their virtues, addressing their weaknesses, and dividing the good values among them. He emphasized that teachers are responsible not only for academic excellence but also for instilling values that help students become good human beings.

28 outstanding students from Bondel Parish who achieved distinction in their SSLC , PUC & Degree exams were honored. Each student received a shawl and a memento in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Mrs Philomena Lobo, Mr Stephen D'Silva President , Mrs Lynet Pinto Secretary -Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit ,Mr John D'Silva-President Parish Pastoral Council, Secretary Mr Santhosh Misquith, Mr Arun D'Souza City Varado President , Mr Colin Miranda Convener, were on the dais.

During the ceremony, the Catholic Sabha also recognized the dedication of the teachers by presenting them with jute bags as a token of appreciation and love.

During the event, Teachers Celestine and Teresa shared their insights and experiences as teachers . Around 200 people gathered for the event .

The entire program was compered by Mr Wilfred Alvares, Joint Treasurer Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Central Committee.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Lynet Pinto, expressing gratitude to everyone involved and acknowledging their contributions to the successful celebration.