Shri V.P. Sajeendran MLA, Kunnathunad,
Hon’ble Baselious Thomas 1st Catholicos,
Dr. Abraham Mor Severios Metropolitan,
Shri Jijo V. Thomas, President Kunnathunad Gramapanchayath,
Shri K. George Abraham, Manager,
Reverent Fr. Babu Varghese, General Convernor,
Shri M.K. Varghese, Convernor,
Smt. Elsy C. Kuruvilla, Principal,
Shri Jose Mathew, Headmaster,
Shri K.K. Alias, Cathedral Trustee,
Priyappetta Adhyapakare, Vidyaarthikale,
Madhyama Suhruththukkale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am happy to be here in your midst this afternoon to inaugurate the Centenary Celebrations of St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, Morakkala, Ernakulam district.
While we celebrate the Centenary of this institution, which has been an alma mater to hundreds of people in this locality, we are reminded of a good number of teachers, whose dedication to the sharing of knowledge has always enriched this school. Let me therefore begin by paying my respects to the vision of those who founded this school and the contribution of the teachers, especially the first Head Master Shri K.A. George, whose expertise and dedication brought glory to this institution.
The establishment of this school at Pallikara by St. Mary's Cathedral, as the V.V. School in 1919, its relocation to Morakkala, recognition as an Aided school in 1955, up-gradation as High school in 1968 and as Higher Secondary school in 1988 etc., are too well known to be recounted here. However, it merits mention that the growth of this school from a small building and just twenty students to one with nearly 2000 students and eighty teachers is the result of continuous hard work and the support of the society. Today, I am informed that this school which records the highest pass percentage in the Taluk, is providing facilities at par with city-schools in the serene atmosphere of a village.
It is good to know that St Mary's School relies on the maxim different children learn different things at different paces, in helping students to understand the values that guide our lives. By following a varied and flexible approach in teaching and by ensuring a safe and stimulating environment, it has been motivating the students to develop social and emotional competencies. I was happy to learn that two students of this school are State level champions in Karate. It is good that the school encourages such activities too, because good physical training is essential for better performance in studies.
The celebration of the centenary of this school should also remind us of a time in our State when education was open only to a few privileged classes. The government and aided schools are memorials of the people’s intervention in education in the country. They spread the message of equality and gave ordinary people the courage and determination to excel in society. Our civil society has a duty to ensure that these schools grow from strength to strength. I hope the people of this village would extend such support to St. Mary's School also.
In fact, Kerala's success in education has been scripted through the cooperation of many agencies. Religious and charitable agencies had volunteered to start educational institutions in the State in the last century. This had helped the government in extending the facilities for education to as many areas as possible. I must mention the contribution of the Church in Kerala in setting up schools even in remote villages, thereby changing the cultural profile of such places. Besides, these schools also played a constructive role in improving the educational infrastructure in Kerala. It is this constructive role that has worked behind the success of many schools including the St. Mary's Higher Secondary School.
As you may be aware, Kerala has embarked on a mission to provide nearly 40,000 Smart classrooms in the schools. The work is progressing well and I am certain that the introduction of such infrastructure in Government and aided schools would help to attract more students to study in such schools. This would also help out students in being updated with the latest technological advances.
However, in our efforts to keep pace with the sweep of Information Technology, there is a danger of our attention getting concentrated on updating of technical facilities alone. While being up to date with the new technology is essential, let us also regard the cultivation of a human vision as complementary to technological growth. After all, true education aims at the blossoming of human personality, through a harmonious blending of knowledge and human values. Let these values guide our children to use modern technology for the betterment of the society and the less privileged sections.
The school plays a very significant role in deciding the values that a student imbibes through education. Therefore, it is really important to expose the children to the social realities of their times and to sensitize them to various inequalities that prevail in society. It is through such social interactions that children shape their opinions and attitudes as they grow up. I am happy that your centenary celebration also includes the contribution of a house to a child with the cooperation of the students of the school.
I would also like to mention a word about the former students of this school, since a visit to any school reminds me of my student days in a government school with tiles on its roof. We had no fans and you can imagine how hot it was during the summer. But, I feel proud when I recall that it was that humble classroom that gave me the energy to move ahead. And, the first institution that I visited after being Chief Justice of India was that primary school. I am certain that many former students of St. Mary's would also have great love for this school. I hope their attachment would translate into cooperation for improving the facilities here and for helping students in need.
I hope all the programmes to be conducted as part of the Centenary celebration would add to the stature of this school in society. I convey my best wishes for the success of these programmes.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
