NT Reporter
Margao
Infant Jesus High School in Cuncolim received a new school bus on Saturday, sanctioned under the South Goa MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. The bus was formally handed over by South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes,
who used the occasion to motivate students to consider a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Addressing students and their parents, Fernandes shared a personal anecdote about his family’s connection to military service. “I didn’t know what military life was, but my mother wanted one of her sons to serve the nation. I encourage you to think seriously about joining the army, navy, or air force. Apart from honour and service, a government pension still exists in these forces — it offers financial security that many other professions no longer guarantee,” he said.
Fernandes also encouraged the school’s staff and students to make full use of the bus and strive for academic excellence. On the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), he invited the school’s management to share their concerns so he could raise them at the central level.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also addressed the gathering and praised Fernandes for effectively utilising MPLAD funds
to benefit schools across
the state.
“The role of the opposition in a democracy is crucial. Viriato has shown strong leadership and continues to raise important issues in Parliament. Education is the foundation of our future, and efforts like these help strengthen it,” he said.
The event was attended by Additional Collector (II) Ramesh Gaonkar, Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar, South Goa Congress president Savio D’Silva, Cuncolim Block Congress president Assis Noronha, headmistress Radha Prabhudessai, chairman Siddharth Revankar, teachers, PTA members, students, and local residents.
