Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: St. Francis Xavier Girls’ High School, a renowned educational institution in Bengaluru, in the south Indian State of Karnataka, celebrated its 135th anniversary with the launch of a coffee table book titled “Foundation of the Future.” The event, held in the presence of Mysore Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. K A Williams and other dignitaries, commemorated the school’s rich history and legacy of empowering young women through education.
The proceedings began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Mysore Bishop Emeritus K A Williams, followed by the book launch. The book serves as a repository of the school’s history, chronicling its journey from its establishment in 1889 to its present-day success.
Bishop Williams emphasized the importance of value-based education and the need to bridge the gap between education and human relations. He congratulated the school’s management, teachers, and staff on their achievements and contributions to society.
Other guests of honour were Reverend Sister Catherine Charles, the Provincial of the Bangalore province; Sister Georgina, the former provincial of SJT Bangalore; Rev Fr. Christopher Vimal Raj, an adjunct professor of bioethics at St. John’s Research Institute and Director at Germain Academy; former student teacher and Hockey legend Rita Britto; Gita Chengappa, another former student and sportswoman; and former journalist Stephen David, besides Authur B Pais, who was felicitated for his contribution to documenting the institution’s achievements and memories.
In his address, Stephen David, editor of the book and an award-winning political journalist, recalled the school’s founding by the French Foreign Missionary Fathers and its role in shaping the city of Bangalore. He highlighted the contributions of the school’s founders and the language of love that the sisters communicated through their example and devotion.
Sister Catherine Charles, the Provincial of SJT, exhorted the students to transform, revive, and contribute to society, embodying the school’s motto of faith and courage. Sister Catherine Charles’ journey is intricately woven with the remarkable success story of St. Francis Xavier School.
Celebrating Accomplished Alumni
The event also celebrated the achievements of the school’s alumni, including former national hockey player and teacher Rita Britto, who reminisced about the school’s glorious days and the contributions of the MEP priests, former provincials, principals, and teachers. Hockey enthusiasts would recall Ms Rita of the famed Britto sisters – Mae, Elvera, and Rita – who were part of the state hockey team that won the national championship for eight years in a row!
Gita Chengappa, another former student and chairperson at Cheshire Homes India Coorg, shared her experiences at the school, including an incident where she was tenderly pulled up for placing a rubber lizard in the palm of her principal. Her sports achievements include representing Karnataka in Hockey and Softball. Beyond that, she excelled in golf, tennis, shuttle, basketball, cricket, and swimming.
Principal’s Welcome Address
In her welcome speech, Sr. Malar Joseph, the Principal of St. Francis Xavier’s Girls High School, acknowledged the giants upon whose shoulders the school stands today. She expressed gratitude for the sisters who envisioned the school, the dedicated principals and staff who ignited young minds, and the countless students who have walked the halls, shaped by the values instilled within the institution.
Others who were present were Fr Amruth, Sr Basil and Sr Louisa Sebastian, Rev Fr Amarnath, Dean of SFX, Fathers Santhosh, Naveen Kumar, Vijaya Raj, and Melwin, besides well-wishers and friends.
Celebrating 135 Years of Excellence
The event celebrated the school’s 135-year journey, marked by its mission to provide quality education to girls. The school takes pride in the countless achievements of its students and alumni, who have made significant contributions to society.
The release of the coffee table book “Foundation for the Future” serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to preserving its history and inspiring future generations. The book is a work of art that captures the essence of the institution’s legacy and the vibrant energy of its community.
As the school looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower young women and contribute to the betterment of society. The 135th anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring spirit of St. Francis Xavier Girls’ High School and its unwavering dedication to excellence in education.