Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 175th year celebrations of BEM Educational Institution held at Centenary Hall of the institution, Car Street here on Saturday, he said that the Basel Mission came into being as a result of a pledge taken by few dedicated men at Basel, Switzerland in the face of a military threat.
Having set up many stations in Europe, the financial position of the Basel Mission Society decided to establish institutions in India. The original commission with which the missionaries were sent to India was to establish schools and institutions for training future missionaries, as the mission of educating was considered important. Later, they built buildings for orphanages, schools, sick houses, church buildings, seminaries, hospitals and others,” he said.
He went on to speak on the missionaries' journey from Basel to Mangalore and their contribution to the port city of Mangalore.
Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo unveiled the institution's 175th year celebrations logo. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it was an honour to participate in the 175th year celebrations of one of the oldest education institution in the district. “The Basel missionaries were instrumental in removing superstitious beliefs in the society, established several industrial schools and provided education to many. They gave up their lives for the welfare and development of this port city. We have to remember and honour the sacrifice of these missionaries. They were not merely visionaries, as they had a clear purpose and determination of carrying out their mission,” he said.
“Today, we do not need institutions which commercialise education, but ones which render education without requiring investments,” he added.
Principal of Karnataka Theological College, Mangalore Dr Hannibal R Cabral launched the institution's new website and spoke on the occasion.
Principal and Joint Director of College of Teacher Education Philomena Lobo also spoke on the occasion.
Vice-president of the governing council Alwyn Colaco, treasurer Alwyn Ananda, corporators Rajendra Kumar and Rameeza Nazeer, committee members of the management and staff of the institution were present on the occasion, among others.
Institutional head Jayashankar welcomed the gathering.
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