Students perform during Parents’ Day celebration of St Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima on October 31. (Image Courtesy: SMCHSS)
Kohima, November 2 (MExN): St Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Lerie, Kohima, celebrated Parents’ Day with the theme, “Parenting – The Greatest Adventure” at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Golden Jubilee Memorial Hall on October 31.
The event was graced by Kevileno Angami, Commissioner and Secretary, School Education & SCERT, as the Special Guest, and Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Thoppil described parents as “co-creators with God,” entrusted with an immense and sacred responsibility.
He stressed that the greatest gifts parents can offer their children are not material possessions but their time, attention, and presence and urged them to be grateful to teachers who play a vital role in the holistic development of their children.
Reminding teachers of their noble vocation, he said that educators leave an indelible mark on the lives of students.
To the students, he encouraged gratitude and respect for parents and teachers, not only through words but also through exemplary performance and responsible behaviour. He called on all parents to embrace the “greatest adventure of parenting” with love, service, and sacrifice.
Speaking on the occasion, Kevileno highlighted that parenting is indeed an adventure filled with uncertainties and challenges, yet deeply rewarding and joyful.
She stressed that every child has potential that can flourish through the consistent support and guidance of parents.
Acknowledging the growing concern of children being absorbed in digital devices, she urged parents to spend more quality time with their children to help regulate their lives.
The special guest also underlined three key aspects of parenting: promoting the use of the mother tongue or local dialect at home; upholding traditional values and discipline; and instilling in children the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom and moral strength.
The programme featured a variety of performances, including traditional fusion dances, folk songs, choral pieces, and other cultural items presented by students from all classes as a token of love and appreciation for their parents.
Rev FrAnthony Dukru, the Principal, delivered the welcome address, while Rev Sr Jessy, the Vice Principal, proposed the vote of thanks.
The celebration concluded with an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment to nurturing the bond between parents, teachers, and students in the shared journey of education and growth, informed a press release from the school.
