St Jacob's Aided Higher Primary School, Farla, in Bantwal taluk celebrated 100 years of service on Wednesday, 4 November. The centenary marked a century of education for generations of children in the area, since the school was established in 1926.
The theme of the celebration was, A journey of one century, Building many generations. The school's motto is, Enthusiasm of all in education is encouragement to the talent of children, and its message for the centenary was, Peace and co-existence.
Bishop inaugurates the centenary
The centenary was inaugurated and presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Former minister B. Ramanath Rai was the chief guest at the celebration.
Benefactors felicitated
Benefactors of the school were felicitated at the celebration. They included Prabhakar and family of the Prabhakar Bantwal Foundation, Bernard Saldanha, a businessman based in Dubai and China, and Jacintha T. D'Souza, a retired headmistress of the school.
Dignitaries and teachers honoured
Dignitaries at the event included Fr Praveen Leo Lasrado, secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, Fr Michael Almeida, Fr Gilbert Mascarenhas, Fr Mark Arun D'Souza, correspondent of the school, Block Education Officer Malathi K, and headmaster Y. F. Kalawad, known as Babu F. K.
Senior and retired teachers and distinguished old students were also felicitated, recognising the people who taught and learned at the school across its century. Students presented cultural performances as part of the celebration.
A century of learning
One hundred years after it was founded in 1926, St Jacob's School, Farla, stands as a reminder of how a small primary school can shape generations. The centenary brought together the bishop, former students, teachers and benefactors who have been part of that journey.
