Udupi: “School are not for academic learning alone but also houses of formation,” said Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the Supreme Head of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church.
He was speaking after participating at a public meet held as part of his maiden visit to the district. The inaugural ceremony of the Centennial Celebrations of the Cosmopolitan Higher Primary School Brahmavar (the first educational institution of St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar) was also held at the SMS Auditorium here, on December 4.
“Along with all the skillful learning, we all need to develop social skills too. Schools are places where we need to impart good social skills. Our children should develop the ability to face the challenges of life, without losing their morale and morals. Our schools should impart good social skills, morals and moral along with learning and teaching of academic subjects,” he said.
The Catholicos expressed his admiration to the ever expanding educational openings and the support offered by the Government of Karnataka. “It is our responsibility that we should give our nation prospective young civilians who have developed greater civic sense. India is blessed for its diversity – the diversity of languages, philosophies, religions and what not. A singular existence cannot become vibrant whereas diversities will help in expanding our horizons. Cultural homogeneity will not help our children in getting to know the world they live; multi-cultures will help our children to know the world in a better way. It has always been a matter of greater happiness to learn that our places of learning are becoming adaptable to diverse cultures and religions. This will certainly impart openness in our generation.”
He further said that the founder of the school, Padre Nuronah, was living example of one who would uphold these diversities. He believed in equal opportunity and he advocated non-discrimination. Loyalty to the true faith is something that should be followed by the whole of the church. This commitment has helped the community in extending good educational service to the wider communities.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, district minister in-charge, said that Christian educational institutions have played a prominent role in imparting quality based disciplined education to students, thus influencing them to become ideal citizens of the country.
Bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Metropolitan of Calcutta Diocese Dr Joesph Mar Dionysius, area representative of CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese Jeevan Sarvotthama and Fr Dr John Abraham Konattu Priest Trustee MOSC also spoke on the occasion.
Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II unveiled the Centennial Plaque and parish directory on the occasion. Dr Johnas Abraham, Lay Trustee of MOSC – George Muthoot, Malankara Association secretary – Dr George Joseph, Trustee of St Mary’s Cathedral – Anil Rodrigues, general secretary of OSCES – Johnson Crasta, Chairperson of KSDL – Veronica Cornelio and others were also present.
C A Isaac, Vicar General of St Mary’s Cathedral, welcomed the gathering. Fr Abraham Kuriakos, convener of the programme, delivered the vote of thanks. Jeevan Rodrigues and Anil Lobo compered the programme.
