Aloha! With ‘Peace & Harmony’ Aloysius Gonzagaites Rock during 6th Annual Day Bash
Aloha! With ‘Peace & Harmony’ Gonzagaites of St Aloysius Gonzaga School-Mangaluru Rock during 6th Annual Day Celebration held at Gonzaga Hall.
Mangaluru: The celebrations were unique and something new for a School Annual Day- and with the theme “Peace and Harmony” the tiny and young Gonzacaites of St Aloysius Gonzaga School (SAGS) -Mangaluru rocked the stage unleashing their hidden talents in the form of dance and music from around the world like-Hawaii, Israel, Nigeria, Syria, Turkey, Afghan etc, and enthralled the audience who were seen glued to their seats throughout the entire programme enjoying the performance of these talented young children. The celebration began with the “The Aloha Spirit” of Hawaii Island brought to Kudla by these young Gonzagaites in the form of a welcome dance, and they were part of the world thereby bringing an awareness on Peace and harmony.
And as one early teaching on Aloha _Hawaii goes like this: “Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain – it is my pain. When there is joy – it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian – this is Aloha!” Truly a well portrayed concept by the choreographers of the school, escorting the dignitaries of the occasion through a Hawaiian dance.
As the chief guest and other guests of honor walked into the hall with lei’s (Hawaiian flower garland) around their necks, it seemed like they had just got back from a pleasant vacation in Hawaii Island- and ready to party at the Annual Day Celebrations. Among the many VIP’s , well-wishers were also -Fr Denzil Lobo-Former Rector; Fr Leo D’souza- Director of Bio-Tech Lab at SAC; and Fr Eric Mathias-Director of St Aloysius ITI. And the Hawaiian dance was very nicely performed by the students, greeting the audience with “Aloha,” which held its meanings close to the heart- after all it is indeed a beautiful world that we live in. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a Hebrew song ” Gadol Adonai” (Great is Our Lord), which declared the praises of the Almighty God. Hallelujah!
Despacito! That’s right- the World’s popular number by Luis Fonsi along with Justin Bieber, and Daddy Yankee was performed through a dance by the Gonzagaites, but in the Bollywood version of it- and then added with other form of dances including Bharatanatyam etc. Well done -bravo! The welcome address was delivered by Fr Melwyn Mendonca Sj-the Manager of SAGS, where he also thanked those who were responsible for the growth and success of the School, and said that with God’s grace, the loving care of School patron St Aloysius Gonzaga, the constant support and encouragement from parents and staff, management will strive to impart quality education to the students without compromising on values and principles. The Annual Report comprising of the highlights of the special events of the year were briefed upon by principal Ms Grace Noronha supported by a power point presentation, which boasted about status of the school.
The chief guest Dr Ravishankar Rao addressed the gathering with a thought provoking message for the management, teachers, students and parents, and said he was happy to be at the function being a Alumni of the institution. He further said, ” I believe in education, because I know we can make a difference. Parents need to be a positive influence, an encouraging presence, and make a lasting impact on the life of their children. In the same time, parents should not give excess money to their children. Looking at the talents of these children and also their achievements mentioned in the Annual report here today, it shows that the management and teachers are nurturing these children with best education and other talents. “
“Remember there are always failures when you study, but many a times failures make you stronger. You need to be fluent in English since it is a universal language, but in the same time should not neglect your local language or mother tongue. Parents should let their children decide their future career, and not force them as per their wish. ‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character’ had said Martin Luther King, Jr. Similarly you should all follow your dreams and try to make your dreams come true. Wish you all success in your academics” added Dr Ravishankar.
Fr Dionysius Vaz Sj addressing the audience said, ” I am really overwhelmed to see the progress of this school year after year, and for that I compliment the staff, teachers and students for making that happen. Yes, children these days learn fast, because we are in a informative age. I am happy that all these Gonzagaites have brought great glory and name to their school. In the same time we should also remember that the school patron Aloysius Gonzaga loved God by loving others, especially the needy. We are called to love God by loving others as well – all those who need God’s comfort and care and assurance. If we do this in a particularly single-minded way we can even develop our own experience of perfection to a greater degree than what might be ordinary, and we will know a greater fullness of joy in God’s presence and delights at his right hand! Love one another as I have loved you! So students, remember that we could make our life more beautiful by caring and helping others. And this Christmas season, Do what God did by becoming Human! When you get out of this prestigious institution, earn and make money, follow in the footsteps of St Aloysius Gonzaga, to share some of your wealth with others who are in need and the destitute. You will be truly blessed”.
Outgoing Tenth standard student Anya Aranha shared her experiences and views as a Tribute to SAGS. The vote of thanks was proposed by School Head Boy Ayan Abdul Rehman, and the entire programme was compered by young and dynamic MC’s Akif, Pranav and Malavika. In the theme ‘Peace and Harmony’, Gonzagaites decide to go on a ‘Peace March’ in order to bring peace to the wounded parts of the world especially Nigeria, Turkey, Syria and Afghanistan. They succeed in this endeavor by spreading awareness through a pledge, a song of peace and highlighting the culture of these places through different dance forms like- Kudla Dance with Fusion, Baila and Suggi; Nigerian-Turkey-Syria -Afghan dances. Being a Christmas season, the children sang some Christmas carols, thereby bringing the joy and spirit of the blessed season among the audience. The glittering and mesmerizing fun-filled Annual Day extravaganza ended with school anthem.
