Moodubelle: Independence Day Celebrated in Church and Parish Educational Institutions

Report and Pictures by Eugene and Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

 

Moodubelle, 15 August 2010:  The 64th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in St. Lawrence Church and Parish Educational Institutions on 15 August 2010 between 8.30 and 9.30 am. In the morning, soon after the Mass, Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Parish Priest of Moodubelle hoisted the national flag in the presence of a large number of parishioners who had attended the morning Mass. The flag hoisting function was organised by the ICYM. Lloyed Rebello compeered the programme. Besides, Fr. Joswey, Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Arun Mendonca, Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Mr. Henry Fernandes-Vice President of the Parish Council and Bradley Martis-President of  ICYM were present along with other members of ICYM. In his message, Fr. Joswey Fernandes said that there are two feasts on 15 August , one that of the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven and the independence day. It was God’s plan that on the day the Virgin Mary was taken to heaven that India also got independence. Following the flag hoisting ceremony, the ICYM youths distributed sweets to all those who were present for the occasion.

The flag hoisting function in St. Lawrence English Medium School was held at 9 pm. Prior to the flag hoisting, the students did the march-past to the accompaniment of the band and the chief guest for the function Mr.  Alphonse Alva received the salute from the student leader. Thereafter, Mr. Alphonse Alva unfurled the national flag. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Correspondent of the Parish Educational Institutions, Henry Fernandes and Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School were present. 

Following the hoisting of the flag, the students assembled in the hall where the students gave speeches on the Independence Day. They also sang patriotic songs and presented a skit. The chief guest, Mr. Alphonse Alva distributed prizes to the winners in the patriotic songs competition. Vikas Amin who had stood second in the Udupi Taluk Karate competition was  honoured by Fr. Lancy Saldanha. Fr. Lancy and Fr. Joswey gave independence messages to the students.

Independence Day  programme in St. Lawrence Composite PU College was held at 9.30 am. Mr. Shankar Patwal, Manager of the Syndicate Bank, Moodubelle Branch was the chief guest, and Assistant Manager, Mr. Suresh was the guest of honour. Prior to the hoisting of the flag, the Guides and Scouts students ceremonially accompanied the guests and Principal Paul Sequeira to the flag post. Mr. Shankar Patwal hoisted the national tricolour.

The independence day function was held in the PU College hall. Fr. Paul Sequeira, principal of St. Lawrence Composite College presided over the function. Following the welcome by Mrs. Shyamala, Mrs. Hilda Arnaha in her introductory speech explained the students the meaning of independence, how independence was achieved for the country and how we can preserve this independence.

Students from the highs school section as well as PUC section presented group songs on patriotism.  Kum. Shriraksha from 10th standard B and Elston D’Souza from Second PUC Commerce gave speeches on independence. In his message to the students on the occasion of the Independence Day, Mr. Shankar Patwal said that the young generation and the students are the future of India and they should preserve this hard earned independence.

In his address, Fr. Paul Sequeira said that we should remember all those freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of achieving independence to India and also pointed out that if the country has to achieve greatness in the near future, it is the duty of each and every student to realise this dream.

Kum. Deeksha, the CPL proposed the vote of thanks. Following the end of the programme sweets were distributed to the students sponsored by the Moodubelle Branch of the Syndicate Bank.

Mr. Gilbert D’Souza, the member of the Belle Grama Panchayat was the chief guest for the flag hoisting ceremony and independence day programme in the Church Aided Higher Primary School. In his message to the students after hoisting the national flag, Mr. Gilbert D’Souza said that independence is the great gift that was given to us by the leaders of the national movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. We should preserve this independence with great care and building our future by studying well as being honest and sincere to our work.

Headmaster, Mr. Raphael Aranha presided over the programme in the school hall. The school children presented patriotic songs and skit associated with the independence day. Mr. Gilbert D’Souza distributed prizes to the students. The prizes and sweets to the students were sponsored by the Moodubelle Branch of the Canara Bank.