Mangalore: St. Agnes High School Day was celebrated on Wednesday (Nov 30), with Dr. B.M. Hegde, first vice-chancellor of Manipal University, now retired, presiding on the occasion.

Dr. Hegde in his remarks stressed that education cannot be had only to get a job, as its purpose is larger that merely holding a job after school or college studies. There is a need to complete for excellence in one way or other, within oneself. Competing with others may spoil the good feeling by anger or hatred, he pointed out.

Dr. Hegde praised the institution for providing opportunities to excel in sports and literature to girls. He regretted about those who made a business out of education and learning. He referred to Kannada medium schools which were being discarded. It is only when one is good in ones’s mother tongue or state language (say, Kannada) that one could thrive in English too.

He said British schools had introduced Sanskrit, as reciting Sanskrit words improves intellect, making it rich. Dr. Hegde criticized TV channels showing violence as against enlightenment. Senior teachers were present. Merit certificates were distributed. Cultural programmes followed by students.