Kohima, October 9 (MExN): St. Mary’s Cathedral Hr. Secondary School celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a cultural extravaganza on October 8. Dr. Niekiesalie Kire, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was the chief guest, while Asano Sekhose and Bishop James Thoppil were the guests of honour.
A press release from Fr. Sojan Xavier, Bishop’s House, Kohima informed that James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima diocese lauded the achievement of the school for the last 25 years. Referring to the famous seven deadly sins mentioned by Gandhi, namely wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, business without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principle, he exhorted the students to unwind these deadly sins and become new band of students with principles and values in their lives.
Asano Sekhose, NBSE chairperson, in her speech, recalled the manifold blessing the school has received from God. She said that the school is what it is today because of the vision, sacrifice and dedication of the management. She also heaped adulation on the school for inculcating values and producing toppers in the state and thus contributing to the progress of the society. “It’s a day to remember the effort of the great teachers,” she stated.
She reminded that the foundation laid by the school for the growth of the children helps in forming them to be responsible persons in the society. She also invited the students to follow the formula, ‘pay attention and work hard’. She further reminded them that opportunity will not wait for them, rather it needs to be grabbed when it comes in their way. “For your better tomorrow, do the best today,” she added and also encouraged the institution to keep up the standard and pursue greater excellence in the future.
Meanwhile, Nicky Kire called St. Mary’s Cathedral Hr. Sec. School a mini Nagaland as it is a home for students who belong to various tribes. “Today we need to look at education from different perspectives, not only from the academic point of view,” he stated. He also said that while many of the students’ aim is to have government job, “we” also need to earn through other jobs as well. “No job is too small for anybody,” he added.
While referring to the alumni holding different positions in the society, he invited them to return to the school and contribute in whichever way possible.
In a direct reference to the teachers, he said that the teachers must be able to discipline and motivate the students through loving kindness, and they need to look at the children differently because they have all different talents and abilities.
He also emphasised on the dedication and support of parents towards their children. “We need to take responsibility for our children,” he asserted.
During the programme, the past and present Chairmen and Principals and Headmistresses of the school were specially honoured. Notable among them were Frs. OC Abraham (who founded the school), James Mlakuzhy, James KC, George Antony, and headmistresses.
A moment of silence was also observed to remember Late Sedeseno Isabella, one of the two teachers who served the institution since its inception.
