Mangaluru: A hundred years of existence, service and influence in education, calls for celebration, reflection, a bigger vision and greater inspiration. St Joseph’s Higher Primary School, Bajal, here was thrilled to celebrate their momentous inaugural ceremony on April 30. The inaugural mass was celebrated by Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, monsignor of Mangaluru diocese. A moment to stop, unite our hearts and join in the worship of God and celebrate His faithfulness during these 100 years was followed by the inaugural function.

The function was presided over by Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, and the centenary celebration was inaugurated by Ivan D'Souza, MLC.

The chief guests of the day were A B Ibrahim, district commissioner of DK, M P Jnanesh, BEO Mangaluru South, Fr Jerald D'Souza, secretary Catholic Board, Swami Jitikamananda, president Mangaladevi Ramakrishna Matt, Janab Syed Ismail, president, Mangaluru Muslim Writers Association, R Srikar Prabhu, proprietor Sri Nidhi Associates, Vijaya Kumar Shetty, Praveen Chandra Alva, J Surendra and Sumayya Ashraf, the corporators. Other dignitaries present on the dais were Fr Cyril Pinto, the correspondent of the school, Sr Arpitha, the headmistress of the school, Alwyn D'Souza, the president of the centenary celebration committee, Maurice D'Souza, the general secretary, Premnath hedge the vice president, Nagendra, convener welcome committee and Kiran Rai, convener finance committee and Monica Pinto, convener magazine committee.

During the programme Mary Vas, retired teacher who served the institution for 37 years as headmistress was honoured by A B Ibrahim, along with other dignitaries on the dias.

One of the highlights of the centenary celebration was the dance ensemble by the old students and the cultural programme by the primary school children.

The dances and cultural programme were unique, dazzling and enthralling. The entertainment that followed was well designed. A comedy play ‘Bangar’ directed and produced by Devdas Kappikad was staged on the occasion. The school ground reverberated with the soul stirring audience.

The alumni showed tremendous support and played a steadfast and encouraging role. Fr Cyril Pinto welcomed the guests and the gathering. The vote of thanks was proposed by Nagendra Kumar, convenor of the inaugural committee and the entire programme was anchored by Sunil Kumar Bajal and Gloria D'Souza.