Shri V.S. Sivakumar, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Most Reverent Dr. Christhudas R., Auxiliary Bishop of Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum,
Reverent Father Dyson Y., Manager,
Shri P.J. Varghese, Principal
Shri Joseph Jose, Headmaster,
Shri Raju Y., President, Parent-Teachers Association,
Shri Raju D., Staff Secretary,
Dear Teachers, Parents,
Priyappetta Vidyarthikale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am very happy to address you on the occasion of the 161st Annual Day Celebrations of St Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram. Today's function also marks the culmination of the yearlong celebration of the completion of the 160th anniversary of this school.
First of all, let me partake in the joy of the students, teachers, staff, management and former students of
St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School as their institution crosses a significant milestone in its history. Let me also recall the contributions of the teachers of this school, past and present, who have worked with utmost devotion all these years, to enlighten students and to mould them into responsible citizens.
It is well known that ever since its inception in 1857 by the Carmelite Missionaries, the St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School has been contributing to the educational and cultural uplift of society. Though this school had been managed by different agencies in the last 160 years, the institution's reputation always remained intact, with cent percent success in class Ten and 95 percent success in the higher secondary level. I was happy to note that among the former students we have people like veteran actor Shri Madhu, Minister Shri Kadakampalli Surendran, Shri K. Muraleedharan MLA and former Chief Secretary Shri S.M. Vijayanand etc.
The real merit of a school is measured not only by the educational achievements of its students, but also by how they serve society. The variety in the areas where the former students of this school serve, points to the balanced mix of knowledge and social awareness it has imparted to students. I am happy that St. Joseph's school has been providing opportunities to students to respond to the events in society. The drafting of an action plan to provide food and home utensils to families affected by Cyclone Ockhi and serving as bystanders to fishermen admitted in various hospitals are praiseworthy gestures of the students and teachers of this school.
The school's response to the recent floods also merits mention, since the students and teachers could hand over relief material worth Rs.Twelve lakh to people in Thrissur and Pathanamthitta districts. The gesture of the students in providing notebooks and now dresses to children affected by the floods in the Kuttanad region also speaks volumes about the social responsibility nurtured by the school.
Kerala's success in education has been scripted through the cooperation of many agencies, which brought the light of education to thousands of people, who were forced to remain unlettered. Here, I must mention the contribution of the Church in Kerala in setting up schools in even remote villages, thereby changing the cultural profile of such places. Besides, the schools run by various organizations also played a constructive role in improving the educational infrastructure as well as social awareness in Kerala. It is such a constructive role played by St Joseph's school that has helped this institution to earn the trust and never failing support of our civil society.
I am happy to know that St. Joseph's school has also improved its infrastructure in tune with the State's mission to provide Smart classrooms in the schools. The digitizing of the Library in the higher secondary section and modified computer labs are certainly achievements since we have to keep pace with the changing technology, which is revolutionizing the process of education. However, let us also regard the cultivation of a better human vision as complementary to technological growth. After all, true education aims at the blossoming of human personality, through a harmonious blending of the knowledge and human values. Let these values guide our children to use modern technology for the betterment of the society at large and the less privileged sections of society.
One of the things that I feel to be impressive is the interest shown by the students of this school in maintaining a plastic-free campus and in planting 160 saplings in the compound, which is situated at the heart of this city. As a person hailing from the Judiciary, this love for maintaining the environment reminds me of one of the fundamental duties mentioned in our Constitution. The aim of education should be to create responsible citizens to whom, such duties are a way of life.
I have observed that the school, its teachers and students have won recognition in many areas including academics, sports, art and literary events etc. However, it would be good if the school devotes time to equip our students with awareness about their rights and privileges as children. Education is now a fundamental right of every child. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 obligates the State to provide education to children in the age group of 6-14 years.
And when we talk of Freedom, let us not limit it to boys alone. Every boy should consider it his duty to stand up for the rights of the girl child, be it at home or in society. St Joseph's should think of organizing a group of students who would become the ambassadors of gender equality among the school communities in Thiruvananthapuram.
To conclude, I once again convey my best wishes to everyone at St Joseph's school and hope that the school achieves greater progress in the years to come, both in terms of facilities and in terms of intellectual output.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Thank You
Jai Hind
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