Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza Archbishop, Archdiocese of Agra

THE ARCHDIOCESE OF AGRA

ARCHBISHOP'S HOUSE WAZIRPURA ROAD AGRA-282 003 U.P. (INDIA) Off: (0562)2851318,2526397 Per: (0562)2853939 Fax: (0562)2527208 E-mail: archdagra@yahoo.co.in

MESSAGE

India is the largest democracy. The democratic rights also include right to education. Almost all developed and developing countries have enacted laws to ensure free and compulsory education to all citizens. Indian society is seen as one of the fastest developing nations. However, "poverty" is a symbol and reality that renders many illiterate. Uttar Pradesh is one of such states where literacy is not very high. Hence, ignorance, poverty, disease and backwardness continue unabated among the less-privileged. it is noticed that over twenty million children in our country do not go to school.

The Catholic Church has been engaged in formal and non-formal education in rural and urban areas among the rich and the poor. Free education in rural schools rendered by Church-run Institutions is a common phenomenon, though it often goes unnoticed.

The Archdiocese of Agra founded St. Joseph's School, Greater Noida, to promote value-based education in the spirit of service. Right form of holistic and integral education consists of all round development of the individual, of one's material and spiritual dimension.

Commercialization of education may at times exclude the spiritual aspect of the human person. knowledge is a power, ignorance may lead to misery. Education imparted at St. Joseph's is of quality and of liberating individuals from untruth, evil and selfishness. The environment of education maintained here breaks the boundaries of caste, class, gender, religion and culture-linked prejudices and is engaged in transformation process to form a new society.

May the Management, Staff, Parent and Students in a collaborative spirit work towards promotion of harmony, peace and progress of our society where the rights of all are equally respected and that all together may make our society secure and sound for all to live.

May God bless St. Joseph's School Greater Noida,