Photo: Archbishop Rev Dr Peter Machado lighting the lamp to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration as Rev Fr Eusebio Fernandes, Fr Lucio Mascarenhas, Dr Vishal, Basavraj Horatti, Fr Allwyn and Fr Thomas look on.
By Louis Rodrigues –
Belagavi: Belgaum Diocese Board of Education (BDBE) has been the source of empowerment, moral and spiritual values for millions of students and families in north Karnataka and south Maharashtra region, said Archbishop of Bengaluru Rev Dr Peter Machado while presiding over the valedictory function of the BDBE that was held at the premises of St Xavier’s High School, Belagavi on Tuesday. Former Karnataka minister for education and MLC Basavaraj Horatti was the chief guest of the function.
In his speech Dr Machado said, “Three characteristics of Belgaum Diocesan Board of education needs to be mentioned. Firstly, they are a beacon of hope for the poor. Thousands of children especially from villages and rural areas have been fortunate to have been educated. Secondly the Board has been a source of empowerment with moral and spiritual values. The discipline and dedication in the institutions of the Board has been most edifying. Finally it goes to the credit of the Board that it continues to be progressive, smart and efficient. They have been innovative and modern in their approach.”
“With many rank holders, eminent sports persons, cultural artists etc from their institutions, there is no doubt that Belgaum Diocesan Board of education will forge ahead many more milestones in the years to come,” Dr Machado ascertained.
In his speech Basavraj Horatti lauded the role of the Christian institutions in the state and said that the sacrifice and hard work of the priests and nuns belonging to the community, who he said are the assets to the state of Karnataka. “People of Karnataka are thankful to the Christian institutions across the state that are engaged in selfless services that are rendered amid great commitment and sacrifice,” he said advising parents and teachers to spend some time in inculcating moral values of life.
Dr Vishal urged students to focus on their career through reading and value system. “Enjoy what you do and do it well and live well in life,” he advised.
MP Dr Prabhakar Kore and Suresh Angadi too thanked the BDBE management for brining name and fame to Belagavi city and north Karnataka region. A tableau presenting the history of BDBE impressed the gathering. Administrator of the Diocese of Belagavi Rev Fr Eusebio Fernandes, BDBE Secretary Fr Allwyn Sudhir and principal of St Xaviers High School Fr Thomas Champakara also spoke.
Students of various BDBE schools namely first ranker to Karnataka in SSLC Kaif Mulla, prolific singer Shivaprasad and champion in skating Rohan Kokane were felicitated on the occasion.
Students and parents representing all the 107 schools and institutions of the BDBE from north Karnataka were present.