[From L to R] Advocate Sanjay Usgaokar (Chairman), Ajay Sardesai (Trustee), Mohan Kaul (Manager), Raj Amonkar (Executive Trustee), Dr Gurudas Natekar (Trustee), Dr Narayan Sardesai, Clayton Barreto, Sanjay Naik (Trustee), Pooja Dalvi (Headmistress) and Zena Viegas (Assistant Headmistress).
PANAJI
The Founder’s Day of GS Amonkar Vidya Mandir at Mapusa was celebrated in the school premises on December 12, as staff, students and well-wishers recalled the achievements of the school’s founder, Gundu Sitaram Amonkar, an educationist, writer and social reformer.
The programme began with the Lighting of the Lamp, followed by a cultural display by the students as well as the teachers.
According to the prevailing tradition, School Manager Mohan Kaul on behalf of the school managing committee felicitated Dr Narayan Desai with the G S Amonkar Excellence award.
Former student Clayton Barreto, who is presently Social Secretary to the High Commissioner at the High Commission of India in London, was presented with the G S Amonkar Alumnus Award from the School Trustee Gurudas Natekar.
Dr Narayan Desai addressed both parents and teachers on ways in which they can tackle various problems which have arisen in the current educational system.
Requesting them to be a part of the solution and not the problem, Dr Desai advised the parents to try and not to own their children as children have their own ways and dreams, and also to educate their children in social mannerisms.
Clayton Barreto acknowledged the warm welcome given by dignitaries, staff and specially the students. Addressing the students especially, he said: “It's never too late to dream big. If you can lay a finger on your goal and you find a perspective you can achieve the impossible”.
He expressed the feeling of being a proud New Goan and representing the school, Goa and India on an international level and doing away with the existing label of a ‘Susegad Goan’ through hard work and constant dedication towards his job.
Former headmaster Aurio Cunha Gomes praised the founder saying he was a man of few words down to earth, and very approachable as a teacher.
The Manuscript Magazine for the year 2024-25 was released at the hands of the awardees for the day, Art Teacher Ajay Kothawale and School Leader Miss Seva Parab. The comperes for the day were Rupa Parab, Pritam Halarnkar and Alok Barve.
