St. Germain’s, Institutions Bangalore, elevated to ‘Academy’ status

Bengaluru: The renowned St. Germain’s High school founded in January 1944 by the Rev. Thomas Pothacamury, the then Archbishop of Bangalore was elevated to the status of ‘Academy’ on September 01st 2018 by Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado. The elevation comes as St. Germain’s enters it Platinum jubilee year. The institution is named after Rev. Fr. Germain, a much loved French priest.

In an official communication dated August 23rd, the Prelate observed “It is a well-known fact that this prestigious Institution is ranked high in the City, State and Country and has produced a couple of National and International Cricket and Hockey Players and Athletes and several accomplished Administrative and Medical Personnel and Entrepreneurs who are working here and abroad”.

The Archbishop blessed open the Sports Academy building on September 6th and participated in a public gathering of priests, staff, parents, students and old students of the institution.   The Archbishop, speaking about the sports academy said ‘A healthy mind and a healthy body are necessary and part of one’s growth process’.

Monsignor S. Jayanathan, Director of the Academy, while expressing gratitude to the Archbishop for elevating the Institution to the status of “Academy’ recounted for the audience how the Institution had grown over the years.  The institution has special mentoring programs for slow-learners and also Community college .  Monsignor S. Jayanathan presented a cheque of five lakh rupees to the Archbishop as contribution from the institution and students towards flood victims in Kodagu.

The Archbishop unveiled a tablet marking the Platinum Year of the Institution.  In his message to the gathering he said “This institution serves irrespective of one’s religion, caste or creed but the values we imbibe in students as a Christian institution makes every parent proud”.  He also spoke of the three cardinal virtues that Christian Institutions focus on. “Faith, Hope and Charity are the values we imbibe in students.  Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but when there is no fear of God, then everything becomes permissible”.  He further added that the institution provides an ambience and opportunity for children to become leaders of the future.  The Prelate while applauding the social-outreach programmes and support for the poorer students particularly appreciated the opportunities created to help slow-learners.  Quoting former President of India the late Abdul Kalam he said “I like to see the sea waves not because they rise, but because they fall and rise…”

Director-Designate Fr. Christopher Vimal Raj, Chancellor A S Anthonyswamy were also present for the program.