Celebrating ‘Womanhood’ on International Women’s Day 2023

We celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2023 at the school auditorium. The celebration illuminated Venerable Mother Veronica’s Birth Bicentenary Year and the significant contribution she made to the society through education of the girl child. The students accentuated Mother Veronica’s relentless passion to educate girls for the future of all as a paradigm to every woman.

The programme for the seniors was hosted by grade VII A, B and E students. Mrs V Kavitha, Scientist, ISRO was the chief guest, and Ms Simonne L Pinto, alumna of the institution was the guest of honour. The programme commenced with a prayer song followed by a welcome address by Jinelle and Grace. A welcome dance depicting women in various classical dance forms were presented. The significance of the day was delivered followed by a Hindi skit on Women’s Rights. A dance dedicated to the women in the field of sports – of the world, our country and our institution brightened the programme.

The chief guest, Mrs V Kavitha and Ms Simone L Pinto, alumna of the institution were then honoured and felicitated by the administrator Sr Carissima, principal Sr Melissa, Vice Principal Sr Lathika and PTA Vice president Ms Jennifer Fernandes for their contributions and achievements. The chief guest, Mrs V Kavitha elaborated on her journey toward her dreams in spite of all the turbulence that crossed her life. She motivated the audience to keep faith in one’s dream and work tirelessly towards it. The guest of honour Ms Simonne Pinto expressed her gratitude to the alma mater and the influence the school and the teachers had on her to be what she is today. She encouraged students to strive for excellence and to believe in their potentials and capabilities. The programme concluded with a dance paying tribute to the teachers of MCCS and all the women across the world.

The theme of Women’s Day 2023 “Embrace Equity” was elaborated by the students of grade II B and C in their programme for the juniors, followed by a pledge to respect Gender Equality. Ms Shilpa Cutinha, a Hindustani Vocal Instructor and a renowned singer of Mangalore was the chief guest. A woman’s contribution and her worth was gracefully depicted by the students through their vibrant dance. They also narrated a beautiful poem encompassing the virtues of a woman.

The chief guest Ms Shilpa Cutinha was felicitated for her achievements in the field of music. In her message, she acknowledged and applauded the students for their fitting tribute to women. She urged the students to engage in a hobby and to nurture this hobby into a passion. She advised the women present to know their worth and to love themselves. She encouraged the boys to respect and embrace the gender equality. She also entertained the audience through a melodious song.

Principal Sr Melissa was overwhelmed as she spoke of the First Woman of the Congregation – Venerable Mother Veronica, the foundress of the Apostolic Carmel. She reminisced the toil of the foundress and the legacy of education she left behind a 153 years ago specially for a girl child. She appreciated the efforts put in by the students to show their love for the significant women in their lives through the meaningful programmes they put up along with their mentors.

The winners of the competition, “Look Alike” conducted on the occasion of Father’s Day on June 19, 2022 were honoured – both, the student and his/her Dad. The grade VII topper in the diocesan catechism exam too was felicitated. Students Anika and Sanika delivered the vote of thanks. The programme ended on a note of gratification and the words etched in the minds of the women present “I’m the daughter of God, I am a woman, I am happy.”

After both the programmes, a few recreational games were conducted for the women members of MCCS family and prizes were awarded to the winners. They left the campus with gratitude and appreciation for the love bestowed on them and with a desire to cherish their womanhood.

To celebrate women and positively inspire one another, a staff get together was organized later for all the teaching and non teaching staff of the school. The teachers were addressed about Financial Independence, creating an awareness of different saving schemes. The men folk then surprised everyone as they greeted the female staff and wished them well. The day concluded with refreshments that channelized the bond of family and feminine energy in the women led institution.