LABOUR DAY
LABOUR DAY
LABOUR DAY
"All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance, and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has rightly captured the true essence of our working class brethren in St. Joseph's College, Prayagraj. The dignity with which they conduct themselves in carrying out their tasks and assignments dutifully with excellence of spirit and perfection is highly commendable and well appreciated as was reflected by the programme conducted in their honour.
Labour Day was celebrated in SJC on the 1st of May 2024 with great enthusiasm and gratitude for our helpers. The Guests of Honour were escorted onto the stage by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar, the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais, the Additional Administrator, Mr. A. McGowan, the Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube, led by the College Band amidst thunderous applause and cheers from the students gathered on the field.
The event compere, Aditya Mishra welcomed them to the stage after which the programme commenced with a reading from the Holy Bible and a prayer by Mrs. S. Lyall followed by a prayer song by the College Choir. The Guests of Honour were then florally felicitated by the students of Class 9 G with lovely fresh flower garlands signifying the sweetness of appreciation for and gratitude towards our Support Staff. The students exhibited their reverence by touching the feet of the Staff members with deference and respect.
Aditya Mishra of 12 A in his speech threw light on the fact that no Nation has been able to advance without the assistance and support of its Labour Section and that our College's Workers are like our very own "Frontline Warriors due to their continuous and consistent efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of our College.
This was followed by a beautiful rendition of "Hum Majdoor" highlighting the significance and dignity of honest labour by the College's Choir under the able guidance of Mr. S. Nayak.
A heartfelt speech in Hindi by Pranav Tripathi of Class 11F warmed the hearts of all present in which he emphasised upon all the work done by the Support Staff - how they labour tirelessly behind the scenes to clean the classrooms, corridors and grounds thereby providing the students a healthy environment to study and progress in their lives. He encouraged the audience to live in such a manner as to show regard and respect to all levels and classes of workers in order for society to move forward as a whole.
A poem recitation by the students of the Primary Section, praising the diligence and dedication of the members of our Support Staff was a delight to witness. This was followed by a speech by the Senior Section Hindi Lecturer, Dr. R. Dwivedi in which he expounded on the immense worth and value of the workers, emphasising on how society is completely dependent upon them and that should they treat them with respect and genuine regard. He concluded his tribute by melodiously singing a poem by Shri. Ramdhari Singh based on the selfless service of the "Mazdoor".
The Support Staff Supervisor, Mr. Peter Kumar, speaking on behalf of all the Workers, expressed his emotional gratitude at the immense expression of love and respect they have received throughout the year and especially on this special day. He thanked each and every person who had worked towards the organisation of the beautiful Programme with special thanks to the Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar and the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais.
In his speech, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar gave his blessings to the Support Staff, praising them for their perseverance, diligence and dedication. Rev. Fr. spoke of their incredible work ethic citing how Mr. Manoj was back at his duty outside the Principal's office within a short period of time in spite of having a serious accident and undergoing surgery. Acknowledging their genuine dedication to their work, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar blessed them, praying for their good health and sustained happiness.
The Programme came to a conclusion with the singing of the National Anthem by all present.
