Chandigarh,15 July:It all began in 1959 when the deeds of Carmel Convent were sown by Mother Sylvia A.C the Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel and founded by Sr. Blanda, Sr. Austina, Sr. Evangeline, Sr. Jane, Sr. Mercia and Sr. Cleopha. The school was inaugurated on July 16, 1959 by Mr. Amar Nath and Vidyalankar, the minister of Education.
To begin with it was a Co-educational School, for classes Kg to Class 3. It became an all girl’s school in 1987.The school which initially started with strength of 60 students in 1959, today boasts of 1500 students. Apart from being the leading girls school of the region, several students of Carmel have excelled both in academics and extra-curricular. The school has produced leading doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers, actors, media personalities and bureaucrats.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations which will continue for the whole year commenced on a sombre note with a short prayer service, followed by a power point presentation tracing the origin of The Carmel Congregation.
A tableau, titled Mamma Mary reflecting the life and times of Mother Veronica, the school foundress held everyone in their spell.Speaking on the occasion Sr.Maria Christi says,"I feel thrilled that apostolic Carmel has been instrumental in educating thousands of students and enabling them to serve humanity for the past 50 years.My heart is filled with gratitude to god for His marvellous ways in my life:Children have always been my JOY and it gives me immense pleasure to work for them.God has chosen each individual for a mission.I rejoice in giving my best in making this world a better place to live in."
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee a new primary block has been constructed. All the individuals concerned with the construction and completion of the building were honoured by Sr. Veronica, the manager and Sr. Maria Christi the school Principal. A Souvenir was released and a brochure launched by Sr. Vincent and Sr. Maria Christi. Sr. Vincent also shared with the students a few wisdom words. Before the building was inaugurated by Sr. Vincent it was blessed and sanctified by Fr. Premanad.
An energetic Bhangra the trademark of Punjab, an epitome of joy and happiness, preformed by the students enlivened the proceedings.
In Carmel from teachers to students it’s been an overall rejoicing journey for all "Teaching in Carmel Convent school has not only been a learning experience but also a cherishable one. Each memory is a golden one, each moment, a treasure. A home away from home, a temple of learning, the experience so far has only been an enriching one. Carmel is at thought, a way of living, an experience. May the Golden Jubilee become a platinum one and may the school continue to grow and bloom and cross all pinnacles of success" says our beloved teacher Sonia Ma’am.
From Carmel I have received, in abundant measure, love, respect and a sense of security. It has taught me to accept life as it comes and to go along wit it bravely trying to change what needs to be changed and severely adapting to what cannot be changed .
It has made me inspire in those I teach to rise great heights and to Outdo themselves in miraculous, works: to find inspiration in the words of Browning" A man’s reach should exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for, "says Mrs.Harmala, a senior teacher of the school.
Mrs.Nilofer has always been among the favourites of students, she has been an Ex-student and at present a teacher in Carmel and has seen carmel reach to the lines it is parallel to now "the school has given me a lot and it is my endeavor to give it back in whichever possible way . Carmel has always been a source of Joy ,it has nurtured my creativity and has given me the freedom to express myself and handle to the children in whichever suitable way.