BENGALURU: Retired judge, High Courts of Karnataka and Mumbai, Justice Michael F Saldanha, said that for one to bring about change in the society, the quality of fearlessness and the ability to stick one’s neck out is imperative.
He was speaking on the occasion of the sesquicentennial prize day and the 150th anniversary of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School on Saturday.
“This country is at juncture where almost everything is in a mess. The problem largely is that there are wrong people in the right positions, and the need of the hour is for this trend to be reversed. This is where the concept of ‘silence of the good’ comes in. By this, I mean that most of us are too timid to voice our opinions. If this happens, there can be no change in the present societal system. One needs to be fearless, enterprising and intelligent to change the society. This cause must not be given up,” said Saldanha, while addressing a gathering comprising of teachers, students and parents.
Further, Saldanha heaped praise on the institution, which he said is testament to the 150 years it has stood, producing fine human beings.
“It is a common truth that there are many institutions in the country which has produced exemplary alumni. However, I would like to state that Bishop Cottons has produced fine ‘human beings,’ whose hearts rule their minds. There is a common notion that it is survival of the fittest that matters. However, I feel that ‘survival of the weakest’ also has to be considered, and this institution is doing a fine job at it,” he added.
On the occasion, awards were conferred on achievers in the fields of education, character and sports.