Modern College marks 55th anniversary with celebrations and reflections

Education

Modern College proudly celebrated its 55th anniversary with the 18th edition of its Annual Prize Giving Ceremony, held amidst a mix of joy and solemn reflection. Mr Yogesswarnath Sanmukhiya, Rector/ Manager read out the message of the college’s founder Megnath Sanmukhiya, to a packed audience, extending a warm welcome to parents and guardians of academic award recipients after a hiatus due to Covid-19 and grant system issues.

The event was marred by the recent passing of Mr. Geerish Ramjug, a beloved member of the college’s academic staff. Mr Ramjug, who dedicated 19 years to the institution despite ongoing health challenges, passed away just twelve days prior to the ceremony. In his honour, Mr Sanmukhiya announced a special tribute to celebrate Mr Ramjug’s unwavering commitment to his students.

Amid the sombre note, the ceremony highlighted several outstanding academic achievements:

• At the NCE level, 9 students attained Aggregate 10, 12 students achieved Aggregate 9, and 19 students secured Aggregate 8.
• At the SC level, 17 students earned Aggregate 16-20, 21 students received Aggregate 11-15, and 13 students obtained Aggregate 6-10. A significant milestone was achieved with six candidates securing Aggregate 6, including one student who completed the SC examinations in just three years. Additionally, several students were ranked in the top ten nationally across nine different subjects.
• At the HSC level, three students were listed among the Top 500 in Mauritius. Notably, one student achieved 7th place in the Mauritius Economics Side Girls Scholarship and 13th in the Mauritius Economics Side All Scholarship. Another student was recognized as the Top in the World in Hindi at the AS (Subsidiary) Level.

Mr Yogesswarnath Sanmukhiya acknowledged the impressive performances of students not only in academics but also in various extracurricular activities, emphasizing that these successes are a testament to the institution’s commitment to holistic education.

However, he also addressed a concerning trend: the quality of HSC results has declined compared to previous years. The number of students achieving top grades at Subsidiary and Principal Levels has dropped. This issue was attributed to careless errors and a lack of thorough revision, underscoring the need for meticulous attention to detail.

Reflecting on the college’s 55-year journey, Mr Sanmukhiya invited attendees to consider the impact of Modern College on Central Flacq and the opportunities it has provided. He praised the collective effort that has transformed the institution from modest beginnings into a leading educational establishment.

Despite these achievements, the college faces financial challenges due to the current grant system. He expressed concern over inadequate compensation for the use of school premises and called for an urgent review of the grant system. He highlighted the need for a round-table discussion involving all stakeholders to address these financial constraints and ensure the sustainability of private secondary schools.

As Modern College celebrates this significant milestone, it stands at a crossroads, balancing its proud legacy with the need for ongoing support and adaptation to secure its future success.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 6 September 2024