Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona marked Children’s Day with an inspiring gesture that celebrated both discipline and sustainability. The school felicitated eighteen students, including two girls and sixteen boys, for their unwavering commitment to cycling to school every single day. This daily practice has not only strengthened their personal fitness but has also contributed to the school’s broader mission of promoting environmentally responsible habits among the student community. The event was graced by the Manager, Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj, Principal, Ms. Angelica Fernandes, and Senior Teacher, Mr. Amarnath Panjikar, who presented tokens of appreciation to the young cyclists. Their recognition highlighted the students’ dedication at a time when many teenagers opt for motorbikes even before meeting the legal age for licenses. This simple act of choosing a bicycle over a motorcycle stands as a powerful example of responsibility, safety, and conscious living.
Senior Teacher Amarnath Panjikar, who coordinated the initiative, emphasised the importance of this effort. He noted that the students have set an example worth following, reminding their peers of the many benefits that cycling offers — from improved physical fitness to reducing pollution and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. The school hopes that this initiative will inspire more students to adopt bicycles as a sustainable mode of daily transport. By celebrating these young cyclists, the school has not only recognised their discipline but has also sent a message rooted in community well-being, environmental care, and responsible behaviour. The simple act of cycling has become a reminder of how small choices can bring meaningful change within a school environment, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating children.
