Shri P. Sreeramakrishnan, Hon'ble Speaker, Kerala Legislature,

Prof. K.V. Thomas, Member of Parliament,

Shri V.K. Ebrahim Kunju, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Shri Justice Kurian Joseph, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India,

Smt. Rukhia Jamal, Municipal Chairperson,

Reverent Father Jose Kuriedath CMI, Provincial and Manager,

Reverent Father Varghese Kachappilly CMI, Principal,

Shri Sam Thomas, PTA President,

Dear Teachers, Parents,

My beloved children,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

It gives me great joy to address you at the Annual Day celebrations which mark the grand finale of the Silver Jubilee Celebrationsof Rajagiri Public School.

Let me at the outset, congratulate the school management, staff and students on the notable progress this institution has achieved over the last two and a half decades. The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate [CMI]of the Sacred Heart Province, Rajagiri, Kalamassery, who started this school way back in 1994 deserve appreciation for the meticulous manner in which the affairs of the institution are carried out.

I am informed that this school which began with just 13 teachers and classes up to sixth standard, has now grown to become one of the most sought after schools with more than 2000 students and 150 staff.

But, much more than the infrastructure and the number of resources, what is important in a school is a comprehensive programme of learning which combines infrastructure, academic and co-academic activities and international exposure for teachers and students. I am happy that this school has been endeavoring to provide all these so as to enhance the quality of the education that is imparted.

As we all know, the educational scenario in Kerala is now undergoing a sea change through the modernization efforts of the Government. The target was to ensure that around 40,000 smart classrooms are established in government and aided schools so that children get acquainted with the technological advances in education. And I think, we have achieved more than 50% of the target.  I am sure that institutions like Rajagiri had ensured such facilities much earlier. With schools in the government and aided sectors also rising to higher levels of technological preparedness, we can hope to bridge the digital gap that existed among the students in the different sectors in school education.

Infrastructure and technological advances are certainly essential in improving the quality of education and we should   avail ourselves of the vast possibilities of information and communication technology for effective sharing of knowledge.   However, much more important is how we use them to improve ourselves through acquisition of skills and the cultivation of a positive attitude to life. Besides, the measure of the Knowledge we have gained is also decided by the wealth of the values we have acquired.

Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister once outlined his three priorities for Government as : Education, Education and Education.  Undoubtedly, Education has to be seen as the greatest asset of a human being. A school that gives a stable education actually strengthens not only the students’ personality but also the foundation of a nation’s sustainable development. For a student, it is the key to his or her right to a decent life and individual development.  Education must also strengthen our ideals of equality, democracy and social justice.

Unfortunately, education has now become a rat race to secure high marks and admission to the most desired institutions. In spite of the reach of modern communication technologies, we see a very reduced level of meaningful interactions among children.  The aim of education should be to equip children to face the world with courage and compassion.  It is through social interactions that our children should develop compassion and social commitment.

Our children should learn the lessons of social responsibility from schools since there is no enlightenment greater than social commitment. I am happy that as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, Rajagiri School had engaged in many useful interventions which are in keeping with the traditions and principles of social commitment adhered to by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. It is satisfying to know that the school’s charity initiatives like I-Shareand Prathyashahave helped the students of many schools in the neighbourhood and have made a deep impact on the community around.  The plan to adopt a Lower Primary School and to provide improved facilities to it will also give the students of this school a clear idea about the backwardness suffered by many schools around us.

I must specifically appreciate the formation of Palliative care units in association with health and medical institutions in the district. This scheme will certainly sensitize students on the need to help people in need. It will also be an eye opener to students on the significance of a healthy life style that involves a proper diet and regular exercises to keep themselves fit. One of the simplest facts in life is that a healthy mind can reside only in a healthy body. 

As a person hailing from Judiciary, I think it is my duty to remind the teachers and management of this school that children should be smart not only in academics and technology but also in the knowledge of their rights as well as fundamental duties. I hope the school would take up as a Silver Jubilee project, an awareness campaign among students about the fundamental duties mentioned in the Constitution and about Child Rights which no institution can deny our children.

The Silver Jubilee is also a time to bank on the support of the former students of the institution. I am certain that many of the former students of this school would have begun to contribute to society in their own creative ways. I hope the school would benefit from their cooperation in the coming years and future jubilees.

Let me once again wish the Rajagiri Public School & Kindergarten greater strength to inspire and initiate the children to become vibrant participants in the progress of our nation.

I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner and wish the students, parents, staff and teachers all the best.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

***