The grand curtain raiser for a year of celebrations to mark a centenary of Good Shepherd presence in Chennai took place on 6th January with the Joy of Giving carnival.
The carnival was inaugurated by the guest of honor, the famous Indian actress, director, producer, and politician who is a proud alumna of the school, Radhika Sarathkumar. Other celebrities from across society attended the carnival adding a touch of glamour and sparkle to the day. The school was also pleased to welcome back a 90-year-old former student whose presence bridged the generations and symbolized the school’s enduring spirit.
It was on November 21st, 1924, when the sisters first arrived to Chennai to establish their first convent to welcome and educate girls. Opening a school five years later to a small number of eight children, the school has grown in reputation, popularity and size and now welcomes 2500 pupils through its doors each day.
The many girls and friends who have passed through the care and company of the sisters are loyal and devoted. Something that became evident at the Joy of Giving carnival when crowds of over 20,000 people from across Chennai, including sisters, partners-in-mission, students, parents, alumni, and other well-wishers came to celebrate and give thanks for the work of the mission of the sisters in the city.
The remarkable feature of the Joy of Giving Carnival was that every aspect was planned in line with the principle of sustainability by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices – an event not only promoting girl empowerment but doing so in a way that is environmentally responsible!
Our congratulations go out to the Province of Central East India/Nepal (CEIN) for the event and for 100 years of educational excellence!
