Super Kids & Super Show! Vidya Jyothi Students of Lower Class Families Rock on School Day
Mangaluru : The children of this school don’t get dropped to school in high-end cars like Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Indian made SUV’s or by two-wheelers by their parents- they all come to school walking, some of them from nearby, others from far distance -because they belong to the very low class of community. And trust me- they too were fabulous and energetic unleashing their hidden talents just like the rich kids. These kids are not fortunate to own the latest electronic gadgets nor laptops nor Smart-Phones- they all live a very simple life, listen to their teachers and parents- and give the utmost respect.
Talk about Annual School Day-this one was much more than that- it was a Showbiz, a Extravaganza, a Entertainment, a Mega Nite- all full of music, dance and act- and the students enthralled the audience with their hidden talents which was spectacular and mesmerizing. These students went beyond their capacity and to the maximum in entertaining the audience which was predominantly a mixture of well-wishers, nuns, laborers, low-wage workers, few rich people and entrepreneurs, and majority of them hailing from the surrounding low class housing areas. The children gave their best performances to please the management, teachers, staff and especially their parents who applauded them throughout the programme.
The Annual School Day of Vidya Jyothi School ended after whopping 5 1/2 hours comprising of entertainment and sheer fun. The dignitaries for the occasion namely chief guest was Sr Maria Shubha AC-Secretary of Apostolic Carmel Congregation; with guests of honor -Sr Agatha Mary AC- Former Provincial Superior of AC congregation; Ms Renuka Arun- Vice Principal of Narayana Guru College, Mangaluru; Fr Cyril Lobo- Asst Parish Priest, Bondel Church; Sharath Kumar- MCC Corporator of Kunjathabail; Sr Stella Mary AC- Joint Secretary Vidya Jyothi School; Anil Kumar- Corporator of Panjimogaru; Shivaraj -President of Old Students of Vidya Jyothi School; Yathiraj Shetty- Manager of Hotel Mathrashree-Jyothinagar; Shiva Kumar- President Vidya Jyothi PTA; among others were escorted to the event venue by the school marching band.
Headmistress of the Vidya Jyothi Primary/High School Sr Premika AC and Sr.Vijaya Crasta AC also joined the dignitaries on the dais. The function began with invoking God’s blessing through a prayer dance, followed by the welcome address by teacher Ms Seraphine D’souza. Following the school reports of Primary school and High School read by the respective Headmistress, students were honoured for their achievements in academics, sports and co-curricular activities by the chief guest and guests of honour. The three dignitaries addressing the audience praised the school run by the Apostolic Carmel sisters for their service, dedication, commitment and care towards the children in providing them the best education and manners. The school management and teachers who nurture the students right from the primary till SSLC have received high compliments from the community for their service and love towards the children hailing from slum and low-class families.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Cyril Lobo said, ” Parents should play an important role in their kids lives. Specially mothers should encourage their children to take up co-curricular activities apart from academics. Teachers come next, who will train your children to be better children and future citizens of the nation. Parents and teachers should communicate with each other for the success of their children in their academics and other activities. We need to commend the Sisters for their dedicated service and commitment towards these children”.
Ms Renuka Arun speaking said, “What is the importance of education in our life? First, do you know what education really is? Education is not limited to schools or colleges only, nor it is limited to age. The things happening in the practical life also educate us. It is the education that teaches us many things, teaches the manners, rules and regulations of life etc. All these things result in converting all of us to well-mannered citizen. Education brings self-confidence. better qualities of educated persons help them play a vital role in the progress of their country. And you students are lucky to get education here from the Apostolic Carmel nuns where you will turn into better students”
Corporator Sharath Kumar also speaking said, ” I have heard about this school from many years, and they have students who have excelled in their academics with ranks. Even a Kannada medium school reaching greater heights in the education field is something to be proud of. The future and success of a student lies in the hands of the teachers, including the parents. Parents also need to play an vital role in their children lives. I am very indebted to the management for inviting me-it was indeed a privilege and I will cherish the moments that I spent here among these children”
Sr Agatha Mary AC, the former Provincial Superior of AC Congregation for her dedicated service on the occasion. Following the formal function, the cultural programme comprised of various dances, songs, music, and skit , which was brilliantly performed by the students which received high applaud from the crowd. The performers ranging from tiny kids to youth gave their best act to impress their teachers and parents. The vote of thanks was proposed by teacher Ms Premalatha. Everyone enjoyed the programme, including the parents, who went home with happy faces feeling proud of their children talents.
Who said that kids from poor and low class community can’t entertain? These children were truly amazing, smart, energetic and active- the best name for them would be “SUPER KIDS!” who gave a “SUPER SHOW?” . For the formal functiuon, the MC was teacher Ms Gunavathi, and the cultural programme was compered by students- Manjula, Anuprabha, Usha and Amritha.