Mangaluru: The school annual day of Lourdes Central School (LCS) was celebrated with great zest, vibrancy and elation, at Bejai church hall, here with a medley of events from each class woven around the theme 'Happy children happy world'.

The programme commenced with a scintillating welcome dance.

Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu, vicar general, diocese of Mangaluru was the president of the function. The other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Fr Wilson L Vitus D’Souza, manager, Lourdes Central School, Fr Rohan Lobo, asst parish priest, Bejai parish, PTEC president Dr Vasudev Pai, joint secretary of PTEC Ramona Mathias, Stany Vaz, vice president, Bejai parish pastoral parishad and members of the managing committee.

Principal of the school Fr Robert D’Souza extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries present.

Dilla Colaco member of the faculty, introduced the president of the school annual day celebrations.

Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu was felicitated for the valuable service rendered to the diocese and society at large by Fr Wilson D’Souza and Fr Robert D’Souza.

The principal Fr Robert D’Souza presented the school annual report 2016-17.

Msgr Dennis Moras Prabhu in his presidential address, appreciated and congratulated the participants. He congratulated the school for taking up such an edifying topic which requires a quick moral action on everybody’s part. "Young students are the future of our country and the world at large. Education should aim at a holistic development of the students. He highlighted the simple life of the late President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam which he said must be emulated by our young students and become Abdul Kalams of tomorrow."

Manager of the school Fr Wilson Vitus D’Souza, in his addressal to the parents said, “Important values have to be inculcated and cherished in children. Education is growing in wisdom and not gathering knowledge.” He summarized education saying that education is competency, consciousness, compassion and commitment.

A cultural bonanza followed. Ebullient students of the school presented an array of cultural programmes with colourful props depicting ‘Happy Children Happy World’. The two–hour long cultural show held the audience in awe and left them enlightened as the show culminated.

Students of class 6 adorned in their finery presented ‘Unity in diversity, which brought out the essence of cultural diversity and rich heritage of the country through a glittering dance and music.

‘Mangaluru’ showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kodial through vibrant folk dances, by students of class 7.

‘LCS instrumental in manifesting happiness’ by the students of class 8 displayed the world of a happy child in LCS through fusion of varied dances.

‘Happiness of a girl child’ by the students of class 9 projected the journey of a girl child from an unwanted thing to a celebrity in society was depicted through a brilliant musical drama.

‘A quintessential pantomime’ performed by students of class 10 with exuberance, unmatched zeal and rhythm is a musical comedy of gags, comedy dancing, topical humour with a story loosely based on fairy tales, exuding a message that after all trials there is hope for a better tomorrow.

‘Worldwide happiness’ a blend of dance, drama and mime by the students of class 11 and 12 was truly amazing: amazing act, amazing dance steps and amazing costumes that sent forth a powerful message - be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both and you will not have to hunt for happiness.

Belita Mascarenhas vice principal rendered the vote of thanks.

The programme was beautifully compered by Shaina, Riya, Aleena, Vailusha, Janice, Afnan, Manish, Danish and Joshua.