Panaji: St. Sebastian School, the first by Diocesan Society of Education, affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) was inaugurated on Tuesday by Asha Kamat, wife of Chief Minister Digamber Kamat at Aquem, Margao.

The English-medium school will initially impart education to students till standard I. It is equipped with a computer and music room besides other state-of-art educational facilities.

On the occasion, Asha Kamat released the souvenir by St. Sebastian School.

Messages sent by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao were read out on the occasion.

The Chief Minister, in his message, said, "Education has become indispensable for the all round growth and development of children. The need of the hour is to impart qualitative and not quantitative education to the students to prepare them compete at national and international level. The efforts initiated by the State Government for the promotion of education with emphasis on quality education have yielding desired results. Goan students too, are excelling in IIT and other competitive exams and this itself signifies the ample testimony to the efforts of the Government."

Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, in his message, appreciated the efforts put in by the Parish priest of St. Sebastian Church to realize the cherished dream of having an ICSE school in the parish.

"I hope that the management and staff will work in collaborative spirit and impart a sound, integral and value based education to students", Ferrao said in his message.

Rev. Fr. James Torres Silva and Rev Fr. Zeferino Dsouza were also present at the occasion.

By - Sanjay Borkar

The writer is a Goa-based freelance journalist with the National Network of Education (NNE).