Carmel School, Mangalore, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti

Carmel School, Mangalore, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with great reverence on the 2nd of October 2024. The program, held in the school auditorium, began at 9:30 AM and was hosted by the students of Class 3. The event not only honored the memory of Mahatma Gandhi but also paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birth anniversary coincides with Gandhi Jayanti.

The ceremony commenced with the garlanding of the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri by the school's Principal, Sr. Lilly Pushpa, Vice-Principal, Administrator, and representatives of parents, teachers and students. They also showered petals on the portraits, followed by the lighting of lamps to symbolize enlightenment and respect for these great leaders. This serene act set the tone for the day’s celebrations, imbued with a spirit of unity, truthfulness, and love for the environment.

As part of a special initiative, Carmel School also inaugurated the "Season of Creation," a campaign aimed at promoting environmental stewardship by planting saplings. The school emphasized the need to give back to nature by nurturing greenery. The campaign was officially launched by watering the saplings, symbolizing a commitment to the environment and sustainable living.

Following the inauguration, a meaningful prayer service took place, focusing on the values Gandhi lived by—unity, truth, and harmony. The prayer also underlined the urgency of nurturing life on Earth, reducing pollution, and fostering environmental care. The service concluded with the students' soulful rendition of "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," a favorite hymn of Mahatma Gandhi, filling the atmosphere with respect and reverence for the Father of the Nation.

A series of videos were then screened, showcasing Gandhi’s relentless efforts towards cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and his vision for a self-sufficient India. The videos served as an eye-opener for the students, making them aware of the pressing need to follow in Gandhi’s footsteps by embracing cleanliness and self-sufficiency in their own lives.

The significance of the day was comprehensively explained by the students and the program was emceed by Hajira Erum and Manasvi.

The students who have excelled in the National level Spell Bee competition were awarded with memento and the certificates.
The students were Reuben Mark Ignatius of class 3, Ezzah Kadeeja of class 6, Thanishka of class 8, Mohammed Rayyan Rizwan of class 3, and Menha Mohammed Rafeeq of class 8 .

The students who had excelled in the handwriting competition were also awarded the prizes. The students are as follows: Advith B O of class 2, Samanvi M S of class 4, Monish of class 2, Disha N P of class 5 and Arshith B O of Class 5.

To further drive home the message of cleanliness and environmental protection, the Eco Club students presented a skit. The skit emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment and planting trees, echoing Gandhi’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

Additionally, the students and teachers of Class 10, who had visited a PET bottle recycling industry the previous day, shared their experiences. They raised awareness about the importance of segregating plastic waste and recycling it to reduce environmental impact. In line with this initiative, the school arranged for the collection of segregated plastic bottles, encouraging students to actively participate in this eco-friendly endeavor.

The Principal, in her speech, passionately urged students to take responsibility for their surroundings. She emphasized the importance of being proactive in maintaining cleanliness and segregating waste. Her words resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to take concrete steps towards a cleaner, greener future.

The program continued with an inspiring and symbolic activity in the school grounds—a human chain was formed, connecting students, staff and the parents. During this event, saplings were passed from parents to students, signifying the passing of responsibility for nurturing the environment from one generation to the next. This powerful gesture embodied the collective commitment to preserving nature.

As a part of the Gandhi Jayanti observance, students of Classes 6 to 8 participated in a rally outside the school premises. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they raised awareness about the importance of cleanliness and the need to plant trees. Meanwhile, students of Classes 9 and 10 actively engaged in cleaning the school grounds and premises, planting saplings, and distributing them to their families, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

The event concluded with a second rally, led by the students of Classes 9 and 10, who took to the streets to promote the values of cleanliness and environmental protection. Through their slogans and placards, they reinforced the message of preserving nature and keeping our surroundings clean.

Carmel School's Gandhi Jayanti celebration was a perfect blend of tribute to two national heroes and an expression of the school’s deep commitment to environmental conservation. The day's events not only honored the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri but also instilled in students a sense of responsibility towards nature, reminding them that even small actions can lead to significant change.

The program was a true reflection of the school's values—nurturing the environment, fostering cleanliness, and creating a future where the earth and its resources are cherished for generations to come.