The celebrations were held on Sunday as part of  the annual day of the Kairalee Nikethan Education Trust at the RBANMS grounds.

Besides cultural programmes and a Gana Mela featuring artistes Rahul and Nidhinlal of Asianet Idea Star Singer fame, the programme also featured talks by Minister for Transport, Kerala, Jose Thettayil and Lok Sabha MP from  Kannur (Kerala) K Sudhakaran. Both politicians reflected on the state of the social situation and contrasted them to the times when they were growing up.

“Knowledge and not education is key. Both parents and students must realise that knowledge and learning are more important than the degrees people get,” Thettayil said. Sudhakaran too, in a passionate speech called for a shift in values and was critical of students  and youngsters going abroad for degrees and jobs.

“It has become a fashion statement to study in places like UK, US and Australia. It is almost laughable that some youngsters are heading to these countries sometimes to obtain insignificant degrees,” he said.

Sudhakaran also added that there was an obligation for students to come back to India and their parents to not only contribute to the development of the country but also to uphold our cultural principles.