Mangaluru: It was raining talents at the AICS inter-school cultural competitions hosted by Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill on Saturday, July 8 as a part of its decennial year.

The inaugural programme commenced at 9 am in the presence of the esteemed dignitaries – Eric Ozario, Gurkar, Mandd Sobhann, the chief guest for the programme, Sr Maria Jyothi, the joint secretary of MCCS, Ananthesh Prabhu, PTA vice-president, Sr Melissa, principal and Sylvia Fernandes, event coordinator.

The MCs Craig D'Souza and Larrell Cutinho kick-started the programme ushering in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and the spirit of competition. Students of class IX invoked the blessings of God through devotional prayer song. The gathering was welcomed with a welcome dance in grace and beauty. Then Sr Melissa, principal welcomed the august gathering and in her words of encouragement she cited "Luck is not one day’s effort but the outcome of dedication, discipline and determination."

The programme was symbolically inaugurated by the chief guest Eric Ozario by setting the clock to 9.45 am, to mark the start of the events. He addressed the students with words of appreciation and encouraged them to be ambassadors of our rich Indian culture and heritage. It was heartening to hear from him about his humble beginning as an artist. Brinnel of Class X delivered the vote of thanks with a grateful heart.

Every student out of around 650 assembled, performed their very best. The atmosphere was filled with anxiety, excitement and enthusiasm at the Valedictory programme which began at 3 pm. The MCs for the closing ceremony Soumiya and Lolita, the ex-students of MCCS cheerfully greeted the audience. Students of Class XI thanked God for the wonderful day through a thanksgiving prayer song. Rebecca Albuquerque welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest Jadab Chandra Dekha, chairman, Assam Housing Board, Guwahati. In his short yet apt message, he made the students aware of the opportunities the government has provided in the field of education and sports. Principal Sr Melissa thanked all who helped in organising the event, specially the event coordinator and the ex-students who did most of the work in organising the various events of the day. Frizzell D’Souza officially delivered the vote of thanks.

Then came the most awaited moment for every participant. This time the discipline in charge fell off her duties. The atmosphere was still and silent, every lip sealed, the eyes wide opened and the ears eagerly waiting to hear only one name that is 'their'. The chief guest honoured the winners of various individual and group events and also gave away the overall championships.

The overall champions trophy was bagged by

Junior category

Winners – St Theresa’s School, Mangaluru
Runners-up – Lourdes Central School, Mangaluru and Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru

Senior category

Winners – Carmel School, Mangaluru
Runners Up – BGS Education Centre, Mangaluru