INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS: Our 71
st Independence Day was celebrated in the in a grand way in both the primary and high schools. The national flag was hoisted at both schools. The tricolour of our flag represents saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and truth and green for faith and chivalry. There is an ashok chakra in the centre of our flag which contains 24 spikes distributed evenly. At this special day, we remember the great sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Raj Guru, Mahatma Gandhi and other dared freedom fighters for their unforgettable contribution in the independence of India. The head teacher of the primary school and the assistant head teacher of the high school delivered speeches. The highlight of the celebration at the primary school was the impressive speech given by a fifth standard girl student in English for the first time. After the celebrations, sweets were distributed to all of the students and a small tea party was arranged for the guests and the staff. The chief guest and the correspondent at the high school gathering distributed prizes to the students who won the District Kabaddi Championship. It was the first time they received such kind of distinction in the regional sports competition among the schools in the local district. Fr. John Britto congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue their spirit.
KODIMANGALAM CHURCH PROJECT: Due to lack of availability of building materials as well the recent Government GST system (Goods and Services Tax) there was slow progress in the church project. There is a considerable price rise of building materials and the scarcity and the supply of river sand affected the construction work. We have been able to manage these difficulties and started the work slowly. The village people are very eager to see the work is completed soon. They have been praying for you all, remembering your love and concern for them. They do appreciate your sacrifices and are grateful for your generosity and kindness.
PARISH ACTIVITIES: We had reasonable rain in this month, but not enough for the upcoming cultivation. More rains are expected. Last year, due to monsoon failure, there was no cultivation and the normal lives of the people were terribly affected. The members of the Vincent de Paul Society are active and engaged in their usual business of visiting the sick and helping the poor. We all take this opportunity to thank you whole heartedly for all of your ineffable love and concern shown towards us the sister parish community. We are ever grateful to you. You are all remembered in our daily prayers. We are all very much aware that you remember us in your daily prayers and Rosary. Kindly continue to pray for us. God bless you all and grant you good health and happiness always.