Reverend Dr. Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan,
Shri Anto Antony, Member of Parliament,
Shri Raju Abraham, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Shri Jacob Punnoose IPS, Former Director General of Police,
Reverend Mathew Skariah, School Manager,
Adv. Abraham Mathew Panachamoottil, Convenor,
Shri T.P. Philip, Secretary, Managing Board,
Smt. Leena Anie Abraham, Principal,
Dear Teachers and Parents,
Priyappetta Vidhyarthikale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to inaugurate the Centenary Celebrationsof Syrian Christian Higher Secondary Schoolat Chellakkadu, Ranni.
First of all, let me partake in the joy of the students, teachers, staff, management and former students of Syrian Christian Higher Secondary Schoolas 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 1920, during the tenure of the Most Reverend Titus Second Marthoma Metropolitan, this school has been on the path of development. It was up-graded in 1950 as high school and in 1988 to the Higher Secondary level. The school has also been contributing to the educational and cultural uplift of this locality.
At this centenary year, it is heartening to note that this school, which had begun with just 48 students and four teachers, has now grown into a reputed institution with 1580 students, 85 teachers and 8 non-teaching staff. The school, which enrols the highest number of students for the class Ten and Twelve examinations in Pathanamthitta District, also maintains modern laboratories, a spacious auditorium and a well-scheduled transportation facility for the students.
It is said that the real merit of a school is measured not only by the educational achievements of its students, but also by how its students serve society. I am told that some former students of this school have adorned high positions in society, like the Late Most Reverend Dr. Augen Mar Divanios, Metropolitanof the Malankara Orthodox Church, Shri Jacob Punnoose IPS, Former Director General of Police etc.
I am happy that Syrian Christian Higher Secondary Schoolhas been getting the wholehearted cooperation of the Parent Teacher Association. Financial and Medical aid to the deserving students, free Medical Camps to spread awareness on lifestyle diseases etc are praiseworthy gestures of the school community.
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 once forced to remain unlettered. Many organizations, including religious and charitable agencies had volunteered to start educational institutions in the State in the last two centuries. This had helped the government in realizing its aim of extending the facilities for education to as many areas as possible.
I am happy to know that Syrian Christian Higher Secondary School, as part of the Centenary celebrations, intends to adopt a neighbouring village and provide some families with means of livelihood. I hope that the Fund-raising Program to institute a Centenary Scholarship, the construction of a Centenary Block, the digitizing of the Library and upgrading of the computer labs would be completed successfully this year itself.
While we talk of achievements in education, we usually highlight the technological improvements as proof of progress. We feel it very important to keep pace with the changing technology, which is revolutionizing the process of education. However, let us also regard the cultivation of a human vision and values as complementary to technological growth. Let noble values guide our children to use modern technology for the betterment of the society in general and the less privileged sections of society in particular.
I have observed that this school, which has won recognition in many areas including academics, sports, art and literary events etc., also wishes to make its campus a plastic-free zone and to promote the use of cost-efficient and eco -friendly materials, as part of the ‘Go Green Mission’. As a person hailing from the Judiciary, I am greatly impressed by this love for maintaining the environment, since reminds me of one of the fundamental duties mentioned in our Constitution, namely, to protect the environment. The aim of education should be to create responsible citizens to whom, such duties will always be a way of life. Therefore, I see this Go Green Initiativeas a step towards the development of the students as responsible citizens of the future.
The school's devotion to the programmes like the Student Police Cadet [SPC], the National Cadet Corps [NCC], the Scout and Guide, the National Service Scheme [NSS], and the Junior Red Cross [JRC] units also merits mention. Such programmes provide the students opportunities for social interactions through which they can learn the pulse of society.
I would also suggest that our schools should devote time to equip 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 rights and 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. Schools should think of organizing a group of students who would highlight the importance of gender equality among the school communities in neighboring areas.
To conclude, I once again convey my best wishes to everyone at the Syrian Christian Higher Secondary Schooland hope that the institution achieves greater progress in the years to come.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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