Udupi, 16 Aug 2017: Pangala Parishioners began their double celebrations i.e. Feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary into Heaven and 71st Independent Day with a Holy Eucharistic Mass and then proceeded with flag hoisting ceremony under the leadership of ICYM Pangla Unit near the St. John Evangelist Church.
Nihal Alan (President ICYM) welcomed the parishioners along with guests assembled at the function were Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves (Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes (Asst. Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, St. John’s Academy) Mr. Mark Vaz (VP Parish Council), Ms. Clara Mendonsa (Secretary, Parish Council) who were present during the celebration.
Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves unfurled the National Tricolour Flag and in his message to the parishioners he said we must appreciate the hard work and tremendous efforts and sacrifices done our Freedom Fighters. Also we must be very proud of our Nation as we live in peacefully in diversity. Our Nation has 29 states, 122 major languages and 9 major Religions and yet we leave in harmony like brothers and sisters in this great Nation. Further he said we must instil the values taught by our great leaders into the minds of our children and make them fine citizens of our great country.
Fr. Ferdinand reminded a quote from Former US President John F. Kennedy ’’ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.’’ Referring to this quote he said, it is our duty to be the responsible citizens of this country and do our part for the Nation in whatever capacity we can and not depend on Nation to do everything for us.
Joyson Charles proposed the vote of thanks. He also conducted the Flag Hoisting ceremony.
At 9pm another Flag Hoisting ceremony took place at the St. John’s Academy attended by Cheif Guest of the day Mr. Prasad Amin (Manager, Syndicate Bank Shankerpura) along with Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, St. John’s Academy), Mr. Mohan Shetty (HM Kannada Medium High School).
Mr. Prasad Amin unfurled the National Flag and his independent speech he requested the children to learn the values taught by our great leaders. This Nation has given ample opportunity to grow and develop our talents and education. The students must give top priority to their education first and foremost and besides also involve loads of extracurricular activities. The students must grab every opportunity to enhance their talents he said. He also stressed on students to become fine citizens of this country by adhering to the moral values and teaching of their leaders and teachers.
PT Master Damien Noronha proposed the vote of thanks while Miss Leena D’Souza compered the programme.
The Independence Day was collectively celebrated by St. John PU College and St. John Kannada Medium High School and St. John English Medium School. More than 600 students participated in the 71st Independent Day Celebrations.