Let’s celebrate the labour that builds up this great land-from field to field-desk to desk-they built it hand in hand…..’
May Day or Labour Day is celebrated every year on the 1st of May. Students of the Middle Block at St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Sector 44 D, Chandigarh also observed this day to express their gratitude to the working staff at their institution.
This day holds a special significance as internationally it is celebrated as the feast of St. Joseph- the worker, which was established by Pope Puis XII in 1955 to give all workmen a model and protector. By daily labour in his shop, as a carpenter, he worked with patience and joy so as to provide for the necessities of his Holy Spouse – Mary and Jesus – the Incarnate son of God. Thus, he became an example to all labourers.
In India too, it is celebrated and dedicated to all working men to accentuate the dignity of labour. In the morning assembly, students gave a speech, recited poems and showcased posters on ‘Labour Day’ made by them. Students had been guided by the teachers to prepare cards and to interview any house help so as to understand the problems they go through and how they could help. The Josephians took a step forward to appreciate the untiring efforts put in by the staff at St. Joseph’s. They gifted them their handmade cards and interviewed them also, in order to get to know them better. All the staff members enjoyed a small ‘tilak’ ceremony especially dedicated to them. They sang songs and danced to their favourite songs. Even the teachers performed a dance which added to the thrill. The Josephians thanked the staff for making life better and easier and saluted their dedication to their profession. The gesture touched everyone’s heart and there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience as the staff thanked the children and gave them their blessings.
Principal, Ms. Monica Chawla was very impressed by the outpouring of emotions and was taken up with the beautiful cards with the touching words. She said she was proud of her students who took the initiative and followed through with it with such sincerity. She added that it is important to sensitise our children and teach them to appreciate our helpers without whom most of us cannot function.
