Loreto – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!

[Recently came across these bits I had written when I was in school... Wanted to add them to my blog!]

Loreto stands for education – education which does not believe that to be able read, write or count is to be educated. Education which makes no distinction of caste or creed, religion or race, income or talent. Education which believes in equality, justice, integrity and freedom. Education which believes in bringing out the best in each individual. Education that aims at nurturing a child into a wholesome human being.

A human being who cares, who loves, who serves the less privileged. A human being who dares to differ when the rest of the crowd turns away from the truth. A human being who knows that to serve mankind is to serve God.

This is what we at Loreto mean by education. For us education is the candle which will bring the much needed ray of hope to our country. Education is that ladder which will lead us to success. It is the gateway to a prosperous future. Education is a step forward towards a better tomorrow. Education is learning to live in reality, to act in love, to speak the truth, not to shy away from responsibilities, to be concerned about the people around us, to learn to fulfil our duties, to become self-reliant and to be ready to make sacrifices and share the grief of those who are not as privileged.

Education is that guide which teaches us to be sincere, loyal, faithful, affectionate, kind and just.

Our aim is not to create only brilliant learners who produce outstanding results in academics. Our aim is to create brilliant young women who produce outstanding results in facing the troubled waters of life. Our aim is to give the society responsible, loving and caring young women who are aware of the current social scenario and are not afraid to step forward and try making changes for the better.

A woman brings forth a new generation – and we believe that is she who can change the face of the future. By her nerves of steel, her sheer grit, her determination and her capabilities she can and surely will bring about a change.

This is what Loreto believes in. We believe in creating opportunities if there are none. We believe that education has the power to challenge social equations, and we should be the ones to prove it to the rest of the world. It is up to us to bring forth a revolution, to make our country’s future glorious. We believe that women are capable enough to carry the society on their shoulders and we have it in ourselves to give it a try. This is what makes Loreto special – this is where Loretians stand out in a crowd of millions. This is why – “Loreto’s name each girl reveres, And holds it ever blest.”

What we need today is depth of character, a huge vision, the courage to accept and face life no matter what turn it takes, the strength to enable us to take risks, a sense of discernment and discipline. We should remember that this is just the beginning – we have miles to go before we achieve our dream of a brighter, better, more prosperous India.

I have been fortunate enough to have received my education at Loreto, a treasure, which will enable me to carry the values inculcated in me into the society and will make me a better human being.

- 2005, Convention of Loreto Nuns worldwide and Loretians.