EARly Times REport
Jammu, Nov 5 : The Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society celebrated “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” with a spectacular display of folk dances from all the regions of India titled “Utsav” on 5th November 2022, at Gen. Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
The cultural extravaganza, organized on the occasion of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, also felicitated the staff members who completed 25 years of meritorious service in different schools of the society. The function was graced by Dr. Ravi Shankar Sharma JKAS, the Director of School Education, Jammu as the Chief Guest. Bishop Ivan Pereira, the President of Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society, was the Guest of Honour while Shri Jasmeet Singh, JKAS, the Asst Commissioner Nazool, Jammu was graced the event as the Special Guest.
The main highlight of the program was the folk dances representing the different regions of India which showcased the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India. Students from the participating school presented a total of 10 folk dances from 8 states and Jammu & Kashmir. Among the dances were “Rouf from Jammu and Kashmir; Bihu from Assam; Mohiniyattam from Kerala; Lavani from Maharashtra; Sambalpuri from Odisha; Raas Leela from UP; Dekhni from Goa; Jhoomer & Jaago from Punjab; Bathukamma from Telengana and Jagaran & Rouf from Jammu and Kashmir”. The dances helped the audience traverse the length and breadth of India with ease and be amazed by the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the country. The experience was accentuated by the lively presentation, colourful costumes and meticulous choreography.
Apart from the cultural delight, the event also felicitated the staff members who completed 25 years of service in the different schools under the administration of the society. 16 teachers from 8 schools were honoured on this occasion with mementos and awards for their wonderful service.
The Chief Guest of the day, Dr. Ravi Shankar Sharma appreciated the work done by the Education Society especially in the rural areas. He also said that Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society, along with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, is an agent of social change because “with education comes change”. He congratulated the staff who completed 25 years in different units of the Education Society. He also praised the gesture of the Education Society in involving all its schools in the meaningful celebration of 75th year of independence and for honouring and felicitating the employee who completed 25 years of their service in the Society.
His Excellency Bishop Ivan Pereira, the President of the Education Society and the Guest of Honour of the day, in his address stressed on the need for becoming aware of the rich cultural and literary traditions of our country. He said that events such as these will help in understanding other cultures and thus remove many deep-rooted prejudices we have towards other cultures, languages and religions. He appreciated the efforts of Fr. Shaiju Chacko, the Chairman of the Diocesan Education Board for his initiative and hoped that many more such events would be organized at zonal and local levels. He also gave away prizes to the winners and runners-up of zonal folk dance competitions.
It is pertinent to mention that the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society is the parent body of all Catholic schools within the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It has under its administrative jurisdiction 24 schools within the two UTs. The schools under the ambit of the Society have been pioneers in field of the education especially in the Kashmir Valley. The society, which has most of the schools in the far-flung villages of the Union Territories catering to the needs of the rural population, has been acclaimed for rendering quality education especially focussing on the poor and less privileged.
The event was well-attended by academicians, fathers, sisters, student, teachers and parents of different schools. Students of St. Peter’s School, B.C. Road, Jammu hosted the event as masters of ceremonies and Fr. Bijo Mathew proposed the Vote of Thanks.
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