St Agnes School (CBSE), Bendore, hosted a spectacular event on February 21 to commemorate International Mother Language Day, a worldwide occasion aimed at celebrating the richness and diversity of languages. The day underscores the significance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity while safeguarding mother tongues that play an essential role in shaping cultural identities and enhancing intergenerational communication.
The celebration was a vibrant display of creativity, enthusiasm, and cultural energy, bringing together students, staff, and distinguished guests to honour language and heritage.
The event began with a moving prayer service, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment. This was followed by an elegant and engaging welcome dance, setting the festive tone. Anishka R Prabhu warmly welcomed the distinguished chief guest, Abdul Majeed, CEO of Honest Company. Sr Meena Fernandes AC, the vice principal, presented a blooming potted plant to the chief guest, symbolizing the essence of the occasion. The event’s inclusive spirit was evident in the warm reception extended to all attendees.
The day’s significance was highlighted through various student performances that illustrated the vital link between language and culture. A stunning cultural dance displayed the diversity of languages and customs, while a captivating action song mesmerized the audience. The program’s highlight was a touching skit, The Power of the Mother Tongue, performed with emotional depth and artistic brilliance, emphasizing the importance of preserving mother tongues to maintain cultural heritage.
In addition to the performances, students participated in diverse activities to deepen their understanding of languages and cultures. Grade 1 students greeted one another in multiple languages, embracing the beauty of multilingualism. Grade 2 students sang in different languages, celebrating linguistic diversity. Grade 3 students shared multicultural stories, fostering a sense of unity through storytelling. Grade 4 students participated in the Polyglot Challenge, learning words in several languages. Grade 5 students explored food-related words in various languages, while Grade 6 recited multilingual poetry to highlight the importance of preserving native languages. Grade 7 students created a captivating collage with proverbs from different languages, honoring linguistic wisdom.
The event was meticulously organized by the dedicated teachers of Grades IB, II C, and VII C, whose commitment ensured its success.
Chief guest Abdul Majeed delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of mother tongues in preserving cultural identity and urged the community to cherish their native languages. Sr Meena Fernandes AC, Sr Reshma Dsouza AC, faculty, and students contributed to the celebration’s vibrant atmosphere.
The event was expertly compered by Anvi SK, Simra Mariyam, Bhavishya R Kulal, and Neethal Shreya D’Sa. Adheesh S K offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who made the event memorable. The program concluded with a powerful rendition of the School Anthem, leaving the attendees filled with pride and a renewed appreciation for the significance of mother tongues.
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