Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, Member of Parliament,
Shri C.F. Thomas, Member of Legislative Assembly,
His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Changanacherry,
Sister Grace Therese CMC, Vicar General of CMC Congregation,
Reverent Father Manoj Karukayil, Archdiocese,Changanacherry
Sister Jessy Thomas, Headmistress,
Dear Teachers, Parents,
Priyappetta Vidyarthinikale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am very happy to inaugurate the celebrations in connection with the 125th anniversary of the St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Changanassery, which is credited to be the first Girls’ school in Central Kerala.
I would begin by placing on record my deep sense of appreciation for the decision of the Congregation of Mother of Carmel (CMC) sisters of the Archdiocese of Changanassery to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school with different programmes.
As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of this institution, which has been an alma mater to hundreds of girls in this locality, we are reminded of a good number of teachers, whose dedication to the sharing of knowledge has always brightened the scholastic atmosphere of this school. Let me therefore pay my profound respects to the vision of those who founded this school and to the contribution of the teachers, especially to Rev. Sr. Mary Michael CMC, who is now in her nineties. I am told that she was a student of the school, then a teacher and later, Headmistress for 15 years, contributing to the development and glory of this institution.
Many eminent sisters who led this school in previous years are no longer with us. Let us also bow before their memory with utmost gratitude at this glorious moment.
I am informed that the establishment of this school as an elementary school was a noble idea conceived by Rt. Rev. Dr. Charles Lavinge, the first bishop of Kottayam Vikariyath, who had realized the necessity of educating girls. The school’s formation into a full-fledged high school in 1919, its upgradation as a Higher Secondary school in the year 2000 and the various steps of its development are too well known to be recounted in detail here. However, it merits mention that the growth of this school from its humble beginnings to become the largest Girls’ school in Kottayam district with nearly 2600 students and 84 staff, is the result of continuous hard work of several sisters belonging to the Congregation of Mother of Carmel (CMC) and the unstinted support of the society. I am informed that today, this school maintains an unbreakable record of success in both academic and
co-academic activities, especially in class Ten and Twelve.
The celebration of the 125th anniversary of this school should also remind us of a time in our State and our nation, when the light of education was denied to a majority of people who belonged to the oppressed classes. The government and aided schools and many institutions managed by religious organizations are actually historic memorials of the people’s intervention in education in the country. In this regard, the contribution of the Christian community deserves special mention. They came forward to spread the message of equality and gave the oppressed and ordinary people, education and the courage and determination to excel in society.
I am very happy to know that an all time unique achievement of St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School has been a truly cosmopolitan culture it followed even when social segregation was predominant. The school stood as a model by always treating its children with equality even when untouchability was raising its ugly head in society. In fact, our civil society has a duty to ensure that these schools grow from strength to strength. It is this obligation that the people of Changanassery have been showing by always respecting this institution and by acknowledging its credibility and commitment.
The life in the school plays a very significant role in shaping the values that a student must cultivate through education. Therefore, it is really important to acquaint the children with the social realities of their times and to make them aware of the need to help others to tide over the 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 125th year celebration also includes the contribution of a house to a child with the cooperation of the students of the school. That the school has been serving lunch to two homes for the destitute twice a week shows that the message of kindness runs deep in the minds of the children. After all, education must strengthen our commitment to the welfare of others and give us the courage to say NO to unwanted things.
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. 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 ladies who were groomed by St. Joseph's would also come forward to help in improving the facilities and for helping students in need. Let us remember that when we educate a girl, we educate a family. And, when we uplift an institution for girls, we are uplifting an entire society.
I once again convey my best wishes to the management, staff, teachers and students of this school on this happy occasion. May this school achieve many more laurels in future. I also compliment the school authorities for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Thank You
Jai Hind
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