Shri K.V. Thomas, Member of Parliament,

Shri K.J. Maxi, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Smt. Soumini Jain, Mayor, Cochin Corporation,

Reverent Peter Chadayangad, Vicar General, Cochin Diocese,

Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,

Shri C.J. Xavier, Covenor, HM Forum,

Reverent Father Joppy Koottumkal, Manager, Corporate Educational Agency, Cochin Diocese,

Adv. N.N. Sugunapalan, Trustee Prof K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust,

Dear Teachers, Parents,

Priyappetta Vidyarthikale,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.

       I am very happy to  inaugurate the renovated Santa Cruz School, Fort Cochin, and the Friends of Farmers Project in the school. This school which has a history of over 160 years, throws light on the exemplary service rendered by Christianity in the educational profile of Kerala.

Let me begin by acknowledging my respect for the vision of the Diocese of Cochin, which started this school in 1858. The Diocese of Cochin, established in 1557 for the Latin Christian community is  the second Diocese in India. I must also convey my profound respects to the vision of the teachers, who worked hard to keep this school as a treasured institution all these years.

I would also compliment Prof. K.V. Thomas MP, for helping the school to initiate the Friends of Farmers project through the Vidyadhanam Trust which has been assisting many children in their education.

I understand that among the various educational institutions in Kochi, the Santa Cruz school remains unique as a monumental educational institution of the Diocese of Cochin. Historical evidence shows that this school was functioning with all the modern facilities at the time of its inception.  The school was upgraded in 1888 as High School and was renovated in the Gothic structure with a good library and laboratory equipment imported from Europe. I am told that the School had a fountain working in the force of gravity and that it was not just a sign of the craftsmanship of the age, but also an object to arouse the academic curiosity in students. The War time Memorial constructed during the Silver Jubilee year celebration of the school in 1913 also stands as a reminder of the beauty of European architecture. In short, this school opens a window to our colonial past and reminds us of the progress we have achieved over the years.

Educational institutions, everywhere in the world, are known to change the socio-cultural profile of an entire locality. The Santa Cruz High School has also changed the profile of this locality by moulding the children of this area into responsible citizens capable of contributing to the welfare of society.

While we take pride in the renovation of this school, a few words about the aims of education cannot be out of place. Education in our schools should involve a continuous process of learning and unlearning, in harmony with the changing trends and tenets. What we learn in our childhood, especially in our schools, will certainly have a profound bearing on the formation of our potential and personality. The intellectual growth of a child depends on how the school and its teachers train him or her. Therefore, every school and teacher has a responsibility to impart the right knowledge and the right values to our children.

When a teacher educates a child or when a school grooms a child, it is the future of a nation that is being shaped. The standard of education tells upon the progress of an individual as well as that of the country, since it is the individuals who ultimately make a nation. Along with ensuring that the child develops a strong foundation of knowledge in each subject, we have to give special attention to the cultivation of a sense of social responsibility in him.

Through education, Schools must empower children to face the challenges of the future. Teachers must help them to develop the courage and the drive to break barriers and to explore new areas of knowledge. Moreover, the children must be trained to use their knowledge for the good of the society. I feel every school should train its students to ask themselves what they could give back to society. I also feel that equipping them with a sense of their duties as citizens should be a priority to each school.

I am happy to note that as institution upgraded in the year 2000 as a higher secondary school, Santa Cruz has been engaged in popularizing socially useful activities among the students. One of the duties prescribed for every citizen, by our Constitution is the protection of our environment. The Friends of Farmers programme that we initiate today is a good message about environmental protection. I understand that 10,000 Curry Leaf saplings are being planted by the students of the Ernakulam constituency and that students of this school are being part of this greening drive.

Some of us may think that planting curry leaf plants is not a great thing, but we are mistaken. You may be aware that this is one of the items in our vegetables that usually comes with a high dose of pesticides. Since we cannot avoid its use, it is better that we cultivate it in our homesteads. I would also request all students here to grow at least five vegetables at home either on the soil or in grow-bags. By resorting to organic farming you are earning two things : first, the pleasure and pride of eating home-grown vegetables, which are fruits of your own labour. Secondly, you would realize the real contribution of our farmers who work throughout the day to give us rice, milk and vegetables. We may have money to buy anything, but if the farmer does not cultivate, how will we buy our food? We will become real friends of farmers only when we truly realize their great contribution to our lives. I hope these saplings will grow in your minds as valuable lessons on the greatness of agriculture.

I hope the renovated facilities of the school would improve the quality of your education and make your future brighter. I wish the management, the staff and students of this school all the best. 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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