Education Day: Nepal thanks Jesuits for their contribution to education
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - As the Hindu community celebrates Shree Panchami, the day of the wisdom and knowledge dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, government experts and officials thank Catholic clergymen and institutions for their contribution to the education of young Nepalis.
"Hindus celebrate Saraswati in accordance with tradition," Professor Manaprasad Wagle, a veteran educator, told AsiaNews, "but the history of the country shows that the Jesuits and their schools have pioneered international standard of education in Nepal."
"We have to thank them," he added because unquestionably, "They incorporated Oxford standard courses in the curriculum, improving students' knowledge and wisdom. For more than 60 years, they have improved the quality of education."
Education Ministry spokesperson Mahasram Sharma agrees. "We want to thank the Catholic community and the Jesuits," he said. "Their contribution is evident in the fact that all Nepali students would like to join their schools."
Jesuit Fr Thomas Augustine, dean at St Francis Xavier College in Kathmandu, is "very happy" about this recognition. "Anything that improves man, improves the world and his soul," he said. In view of this, "We shall continue to serve in this nation with all that is necessary."
Similarly, "We are happy because we can help the poor and the abandoned children," said a nun who teaches at Regina Amoris Elementary School.
Meanwhile, the festival dedicated to Saraswati is deeply felt throughout the country. As Nepalis celebrate Saraswati Puja in great numbers, thousands of Hindu students visit the temple dedicated to her in the capital.
By tradition, this is also the time when children begin to learn the alphabet and the elderly who so wish can start courses dedicated to the arts or music.
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