JK News Today
Jammu, Nov.19
Carmel Convent School reverberated with appreciation and gratitude as the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society (Regd.) organized an Award Ceremony in the school campus with the view to applaud the triumphs of students who secured positions in board examinations of classes X and XII as well as to appreciate the commendable efforts of teachers who have rendered more than 25 years of dedicated service in schools owned by the Society.
Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Surinder Kumar Gupta, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range and Rt. Rev. Ivan Pereira, the President of the Society were the Guests of Honour.
Welcoming the dignitaries and guests, Fr Antony Peppin, the Chairman highlighted the history of missionary endeavor in education in the state of Jammu & Kashmir that is dated back to the 19th century. The first Catholic School was established in Baramulla in 1905 and since then the Church has been playing a lead role in taking education to the masses. Sharing the details of the Society, Fr. Peppin informed that while the Society operates 25 schools in the state, there are 37 schools under the banner of the Catholic Church, two of which are under the CBSE. As for results, academic Session 2015-16 witnessed remarkable performances by the students that more than 200 of them registered their names in the rank list.
Students from various schools laced the colorful event with soulful cultural programs. The program also witnessed participation of parents and teachers in huge numbers. All the position holders were presented with mementoes, certificates and cash awards.
In his address to the achievers, Chief Guest of the day, Pawan Kotwal praised the contributions of the missionaries in providing quality education to the people of the state. Recalling his past associations with the missionaries he also appreciated their commitment to go to the farthest pockets of the state to education and together with it lessons in high moral values. Congratulating the students, Kotwal exhorted them to choose studies and careers based on their aptitude and not merely on pressures and pulls from the families.
Speaking on the occasion, Surinder Kumar Gupta congratulated the students on their achievement and advised them to remain focused in their life. He asked the parents to let the children be what they are and support them in their progress.
Rt. Rev. Ivan Pereira congratulated the position holders and hoped that such events will inspire more and more students to excel in their studies. The Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society, with its motto “to reach out to the less literate” has made every effort to go to the farthest of the State to provide quality education. Top positions by students in Ramkot, Leh, Poonch, Arnia, Udhampur and Jammu bear testimony to this commitment of the Church and dedication of our teachers, he stated. He expressed gratitude to the teachers particularly those who completed twenty-five years or more with the Society. Reaching out to the State Government for expansion of its network of schools, Bishop Ivan expressed readiness to establish more schools if the government is willing to facilitate procuring resources for the same.
Subsequently, Bishop Ivan honoured the teachers on completing 25 years or more of their service which was followed by the vote of thanks proposed by Fr. S. Joseph. The honourees stood tall proudly holding high their tokens of appreciation and the event drew to a close with the moving rendition of the National Anthem.