Kids Got Talents! Cultural Talents Unleashed at ‘Mount Carmel Decennium Fest’
Mangaluru: It was a one-day cultural fest, named ‘Mount Carmel Decennium Fest’ where 25 schools in and around Mangaluru, including CBSE and ICSE schools participated in this fest. It was raining talents at the AICS inter-school cultural competitions hosted by Mount Carmel Central School Mary Hill on 8th July 2017 as a part of its Decennial Year. An interesting mix of individual and group events were held which included various fun filled activities, and as propounded by Sr. Melissa A.C, Principal of Mount Carmel Central School, this Fest was conducted in order to utilise the hidden talents embedded in the students belonging to various institutions. Moreover, it also provided a platform for students to explore and appreciate the untapped talent concealed in them and showcase it in an enthralling manner.
The compere Master Craig D’SoD’Souza and Larrell Cutinho kick-started the programme ushering in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and the spirit of competition. Students of class IX invoked the blessings of God through devotional prayer song. The gathering was welcomed with a welcome dance in grace and beauty. Then Sr. Melissa, Principal welcomed the august gathering and in her words of encouragement she cited “Luck is not one day’s effort but the outcome of dedication, discipline and determination..”.
The Inaugural programme commenced at 9.00 am in the presence of the esteemed dignitaries – Eric Ozario, Gurkar, Mandd Sobhann, the Chief Guest for the programme, Sr. Maria Jyothi A C – the Joint Secretary of MCCS, Ananthesh Prabhu – PTA Vice President, Sr. Melissa A C – Principal and Sylvia Fernandes – Event Coordinator. The programme was symbolically inaugurated by the Chief Guest Eric Ozario by setting the clock to 10 am, to mark the start of the events. He addressed the students with words of appreciation and encouraged them to be ambassadors of our rich Indian culture and heritage. It was heartening to hear from him about his humble beginning as an artiste.
Ozario said, “During our younger days we never had opportunities and facilities like you all have today. Time has definitely changed- you are provided with lots of opportunities and facilities, and you should avail them. Just talents are not enough, you also need skills, intelligence and determination to explore your talents. I am really flabbergasted looking at the present generation, who are smart, intelligent and talented, unlike us during our younger days. You need to make the best use of your talents during today’s fest, and come out in flying colours. These days due to the invasion of Western culture, everything is done in English- but you should not forget your local language and local heritage and culture. Also sadly, these days there’s a lot of communal disharmony, hatred and tension in the society between various communities- we need to stay away from such bad activities, and try to create peace and harmony in the society”. Brinnel of Class X delivered the Vote of Thanks with a grateful heart at the conclusion of the inaugural ceremony.
“The winner takes it all”. But winning is not important but taking part is important. Competition is not just about winning. It’s more about finding the potential in you and nurturing it as knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Happiness and fun develop in school -students should avail all the opportunities that the school offers in co-curricular activities and such. In the same time, you should also respect your teachers and adults without any discrimination of caste and creed. Work in unity for the betterment of your school, yourself and the community”.
Every student out of around 650 assembled, performed their very best. The atmosphere was filled with anxiety, excitement and enthusiasm at the Valedictory programme which began at 3.00 pm. Few students from participating schools expressed their opinions, and all of them thanked the school management, staff and students for organising this event very successfully. They all had praises for the organisers for hosting an excellent event-one participant said that he felt that Mount Carmel was a school away from his school. Some participants said that the escort and royal treatment that was provided by the organisers when they walked into Mount Carmel, that they felt like they were like Kings and Queens!- and with such kind of hospitality and arrangements they want to return again.
The MC’s for the closing ceremony Ms Soumiya & Ms Lolita, the ex-students of MCCS cheerfully greeted the audience. Students of Class XI thanked God for the wonderful day through a thanksgiving prayer song. Ms Rebecca Albuquerque welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest Jadab Chandra Dekha, Chairman, Assam Housing Board, Guwahati. In his short yet apt message, he made the students aware of the opportunities the Government has provided in the field of Education and Sports. This event, for sure has successfully achieved many aims. Kudos for the great job done by the students and staff of Mount Carmel Central School- you all simply rocked!
Principal Sr. Melissa thanked all who helped in organising the event, especially the Event Coordinator and the Ex-students who did most of the work in organising the various events of the day. Frizzell D’Souza officially delivered the vote of thanks. Then came the most awaited moment for every participant. This time the discipline in charge fell off her duties. The atmosphere was still and silent, every lip sealed, the eyes wide opened and the ears eagerly waiting to hear only one name that is “their”. The chief guest honoured the winners of various individual and group events and also gave away the overall championships.
The Overall Champions Trophy was bagged by: In Junior Category – Winners were St. Theresa’s School, Mangaluru; Runners Up – Lourdes Central School, Mangaluru and Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru. In Senior Category, the Winners were Carmel School, Mangaluru, and Runners Up – BGS Education Centre, Mangaluru.