BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF YOU

Recently I was going through the June issue of “Teenager Today” where the editorial was titled, “On Her Way To Athletic Stardom”! The camera captures an 18 year old Alifiya Pathan, of Std XII student of Palloti School, Nagpur who has brought laurels to her school, her family and to Nagpur as she won gold  medal at the world youth Boxing Championship organized by the International Boxing Association held in April 2021.

She speaks of being focused, of hard work, determination and a strong sense of value system. With the outset of the pandemic we have all entered into a virtual world, with online classroom teaching, webinars, online assignments, work from home etc. The world of internet and technology has taken complete sway in the privacy of our homes. So much so that what is real and fake need to be ascertained, what is unimportant should be ignored & what is important should be enhanced.

We need to be aware of our convictions and stand up for our principles. Principles, convictions are built gradually from the values inculcated at home and in school. When we inculcate the right values – values such as empathy, compassion, tolerance, justice, equality, sincerity, sensitivity for others and many more, slowly they become a part of us and automatically we will act firm on these values because our foundation is strong and well built.

Our school, our city, state, nation and world need persons who are men and women of character, of principles. We have a whole lot of ‘so called leaders’ who have destroyed the fabric of our nation, our democracy with unethical values and by their corrupt nature. We need individuals, young minds ignited with passion and enthusiasm who will question, explore , create, develop and shape their future and contribute to the building of a just & human society.

In this fast changing world we may attain many degrees, get fat pay cheques, live a sophisticated life style, however, if we do not possess simple values of life we are nothing. All our education is zero. People will forget our degrees but they will not forget how we made them feel.

Keep your light shining, tiny lights guide even great ships into harbours. Believe in the power of you, that you can change yourself, society and the world.

Pope Francis has exhorted all who care for the education of the young generation to sign a global Pact to create a global change of mentality by educating young people to leaven and overcome their diversions and conflicts and promote hospitality, justice and peace. This is a clarion call for all.

I wish the Principal, Staff , Parents and students who have braved the odds of life and continued to believe in the power of ‘YOU’ by doing much in the pandemic time, which otherwise they would not and thus have grown emotionally, mentally socially, spiritually and holistically.

God bless you all.

Sr. Dr. Romana Fernandes

Superior General