A Special Program for Schools organized by St. Xavier’s College,
Mapusa-Goa, as part of the International Year of Chemistry (IYC)
Celebrations.
An Inaugural Proramme held on the 21st of July, 2011, heralded the
beginning of the IYC celebrations at St. Xavier’s College.
The first event organized as a part of the celebration was a special
programme for the schools on the 26th of August, 2011.
After invoking the blessings of the Almighty, the dignitaries were
escorted to the dais.
Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Coordinator of the IYC-St. Xavier’s College in her
address, highlighted the role of chemistry and how it has been in the
forefront of progress that improves life. She also informed that this
programme for the Schools has set the ball rolling, with various events
lined up for the HSS, Colleges and the Public at large.
The Principal, Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sa welcomed the gathering. ‘Life is
Chemistry’, he said and appreciated the efforts of the Chemistry
Department in abiding by the goal of the IYC to popularize Chemistry.
This was followed by the customary lighting of the lamp.
The Chief Guest for the function, Mr. Denzil Martins, Professor, Nirmala
Institute of Education then delivered the Key note address quoting
Mahatma Gandhi, ‘The destiny of the Nation lies in our Classroom’.
Innovation is a necessity he said, simultaneously emphasizing on the
importance of critical thinking and questioning. Ms Mira Parmekar then
thanked the Chief Guest for his valuable insights.
Thereafter, was the Young Innovator Contest. The First place was bagged
by Ms. Dionysia Fernandes of Holy Cross School, Siolim. The second and
third place went to Ms. Ankita Hudedagaddi of St. Mary’s Convent and Ms.
Viola Loba of St. Ann’s H.S. respectively. The next event was Master
Chem, a Quiz competition conducted by Mr. Mahesh Nair for which Master
Vikas Pandey and Master Aniket Chavan of St. Britto’s won the First
position. The second and third place went to Ms. Manushree Ratwal and
Ms. Rachita Alvi of St. Mary’s Convent and Master Rohang Mishal and
Master Rajendra Deshprabhu of G.S Amonkar Vidya Mandir respectively. A
parallel Poster Competition held had the poster by Ms. Melissa Anabel
Carasco and Ms. Melinda Daucho of St Mary’s Convent adjudged as the Best
Poster. Ms. Verlyn D’Souza and Ms. Rucha Shirodkar of St. Francis Xavier
H.S. bagged the second place while Ms. Ronali Kudav and Master Shivam
Valaulikar of Our Lady of Grace H.S secured the third place. A
demonstration session by Mr. Mahesh Nair showcasing some Chemical tricks
held the young audience captivated and indeed helped ignite the thinking
process in the minds of the young participants. Dr. Teotone Vaz then
enthralled the students by his presentation on ‘Emerging Trends’.
After the prize distribution ceremony, Ms Shivta Mayenkar proposed the
Vote of Thanks.
The programme was compered and coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair.
Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sá
PRINCIPAL
St. Xavier's College of Arts, Science & Commerce,
Xaviernagar, Mapusa - Goa - 403507 - INDIA.
