Udupi/M’Belle: Sponsors donate books and uniforms to 57 students of St. Lawrence Kannada Mediu
By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 16 Jun 2015: In order to support the cause of education, generous sponsors donated note-books and uniforms to 57 students of eighth standard of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School at a function held at the St. Lawrence PU College hall on Tuesday, 16 June 2015 at 10.30 am. Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Correspondent of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions presided over the function. Srinivas Ballal, the senior teacher of the high school who had retired in the month of May was the chief guest. Other guests on the dais included Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Principal of St. Lawrence PU College, J.B. Miranda, member of the Managing Committee, Joseph Martis, President of Parents-Teachers Association and Mrs. Leena D’Silva, Senior Teacher of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School.
The programme began with welcome dance and prayer song by the students. The newly enrolled eighth standard students welcomed the sponsors with flowers.
In his key-note address, the chief guest, Srinivas Ballal appreciated the sponsorship of the generous donors in order to promote education among the marginalized students of the village. He made an appeal to the parents to see to it that their children utilize the good will of the sponsors by keeping a watch on their study and behaviour. He also asked the students to devote at least five minutes a day, especially in the morning by sitting in ‘padmasana’ on the floor and meditate in order to concentrate on their studies.
The dignitaries on the dais distributed books to the students. The sponsors also came on the stage to distribute books to the students.
Suraj, the eighth standard student, on behalf of the beneficiaries of his class, thanked all the donors and assured them that they would study and live up to their expectations and would utilize their support in improving their studies.
Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira in his message outlined the circumstances that led to seek sponsorship from generous donors for books and uniform since last year as the government had asked the schools not to charge any fees to the students when they seek admission to eighth standard. He said that the teachers approached the prospective donors and sought their support who willingly came forward to sponsor the books and uniforms to the students. This year the donors have collectively contributed Rs. 50,000/- He urged the parents and the students to make good use of the support given by the sponsors by improving their educational standard.
Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas expressed happiness at the good results that St. Lawrence Educational Institutions had achieved year after year. He greatly appreciated the generous contribution of the sponsors and wished well to the students. He also assured to make good the shortfall of Rs. 7,000/- at the rate of Rs.1,000/-per student.
Mrs. Leena D’Silva, the Senior Teacher of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School welcomed the guests, Harald D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and John Castelino compered the programme.