120TH FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATIN ON THE FORT
16 October 2017
Click here to see photo gallery
It was a proud moment to witness Sports Blazer being presented to Rekeela Bhutia, Zigmee Gurang and Akshay Bhargava for excellence in various sports in 2016-17. Suryansh Goel was also honoured with Scholar’s Award for the year 2016-17 and a blazer was given to him for his academic excellence.
Then various magazines were released by Mr Rahul Kulshrestha, President, SOBA, Mrs Darshana Jaini, Parent Representative, Mrs Puja Pant, Staff Representative and Mr Dhirendra Sharma, Dean of Studies. After the release of various publications Mr Sanjay Nandi addressed the gathering. He felt elated to note that his batch mates made it a point to be there from all over the globe. Their 25 year reunion was special as it gave them an opportunity to reconnect on the school campus, which was always a home away from home for everyone.
Mr Nandi asserted that their education was not limited to classroom rather learning took place in prep, astachal, sports field etc. Mr Nandi motivated the boys to adapt to change in order to survive in the competitive world. They must learn from all the opportunities provided by the school and not be afraid of trying new ventures. They should not only be apprehensive of failure but also be gracious in winning. His narration of personal anecdotes motivated the boys immensely. At the end Mr Nandi encouraged the boys to be proud of what they do and always Be a Scindian!
Then the exhibition was thrown open for parents and guests in the school building.The star attraction was a wide array of exhibitions that were displayed by the students. The untiring efforts by the students and teachers showcased the hidden talent of the young Scindians. It was followed by an exclusive interaction of Class XI and XII with the Chief Guest, Mr Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder & CEO of Snapdeal in the Assembly Hall.
The much awaited evening began with the arrival of Chief Guest in the evening to witness the 120th Founder’s Day programme at Shukla Memorial Open Air Theatre (SMOAT). The Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr. Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder & CEO of Snapdeal. Mr Kunal is an engineer from University of Pennsylvania, with a business degree from The Wharton School. He was named The Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year 2015, which is the most prestigious entrepreneurship award in India. He also featured in the 2014 Fortune Global 40 under 40 list. Kunal has been a recipient of many other distinguished awards including the Prime Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Digital Industry.
The Chief Guest was escorted to the school building by the school horse riding team led by Yuvraj Bhatia, Horse Riding Captain, from Teli Temple. Upon arrival the Chief Guest was introduced to the Board of Governors, citizens from Sonsa Village, prefects, faculty and staff members.
Then the dignitaries were greeted by the school band as they displayed their skills. They played Brahmputra, Hathroli, Rivers Of Babylon, Final Countdown along with a few more tunes. Upon their arrival at SMOAT the formal part of the evening began with the School Song. The Chief Guest, Mr. Kunal Bahl and His Highness Jyotiraditya Scindia paid floral tribute to Maharaja Madhavrao Jayajirao Scindia and to Maharaja Madhavrao Jiwajirao Scindia II.
The talented vocalists and instrumentalists crafted a fourteen minute symphony entitled `Fragrance of Music’ and the orchestral rendition was flawless. The amalgamation of taals like keherwa, Teen taal and Deepchandi along with Raag Yaman, Bilawal, Hameer and Darbari using a wide variety of instruments created a mesmerising confluence. After the school orchestra’s scintillating and melodious performance Principal, Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat read out the school annual report. Principal began on a cheerful note as he welcomed the august gathering. Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat proudly announced the increase in number of scholarships and the fact that two students will be sponsored to Westminster College.
Dr Saraswat spoke about the unending journey of a Scindian to find the right path amidst infinite choices. There was a thundering applause when Principal announced that the school has been adjudged second best among all boys residential schools by Education World. , Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat mentioned that the school has evolved through a century of transitions. The contributions of old boys is a real validation of the success of the school. Dr Saraswat referred to path breaking achievements in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. Besides exchange programmes, the school made its presence felt in Round Square Conference both in India and abroad.
Then President Board of Governors, His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr. Kunal Bahl. His Highness reiterated the fact that willingness to confront the feelings of hope, energy and anxiety is the key to success in any institution. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia began his address with a fact that real education is the inculcation of the ability to analyse and think logically. The school imbibes the ability to learn from an experience. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia firmly mentioned that success is not instant gratification but finding a meaning in one’s actions. He insisted that knowledge is not solely derived from text books but by learning from the inferential environment that has an indelible impact. It comprises of a child’s peers, faculty, mentor etc, as they purposefully influence a child.
His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia referred to his school days. He felt glad to say that the school offered a scope for intermingling of people with a common soul. He reiterated the fact that a boy must be recognized by his character and intent as all the boys are bound by a shared thought. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia urged the boys to reclaim the ideals of their forefathers. This was only possible by nurturing a healthy sense of respect, responsibility and reciprocity. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia glorified the Chief Guest, Mr. Kunal Bahl and mentioned how Mr Bahl was equipped with an enterprising and intuitive spirit as he blazed a new path with grit and determination despite multiple trials and tribulations. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia admired and appreciated the courage with which Mr Bahl faced the challenges through sheer dedication and perseverance as he nurtured the capability to carve a niche for himself at the global level without ever losing sight of his goal.
In his address Mr Bahl articulated that the vision of the school must always be far sighted as it caters to creating future leaders. It is only possible if one perseveres with passion and energy. Mr Bahl gave full credit to the school which instituted an IT program in 1980s and it clearly proved that the quest for excellence began long back.
Mr Bahl motivated the boys to always remember that humility is an integral part of the culture of the entire school. This salient feature teaches a Scindian to deal with failure and success in life. The school prepares a young Scindian to deal with adversity and failure. A child should follow his passion and not be concerned about the opinions of others and forge ahead with a spirited belief in oneself.
Then President Board of Governors, His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia read out the citation for the Madhav Award. The Scindia School conferred on Mr Hitendra Ghosh the Madhav Award as an Old Boy of Eminence for the year 2017 for his unwavering commitment, outstanding achievements and enormous contribution in the field of Sound and Recording to the Indian Cinema. Mr Hitendra Ghosh graduated from The Scindia School, Ravindra House, in 1967. In the commendation letter given by the then Principal, Mr J L Dar, it is mentioned that music was his hobby and that he was a member of the school choir and orchestra. Mr Ghosh was indeed a man of immense creativity and talent.
Mr Ghosh felt extremely elated to come to the school after 45 long years. He wanted to relive those moments spent on the Fort. He encouraged the boys to go beyond academics and develop their skills in multiple extra-curricular activities which the school offers. The training will help them later in life. His voice was choked with emotions as he expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the school for conferring the prestigious award on him. He felt as if it was bestowed upon him by his parents.
Next the ceremony symbolizing the handing over of traditions of the school by the Madhav Awardee to a Scindian was performed. To do the honours Mr Hitendra Ghosh read out the message and handed over the lamp with the replica of the school flag to Prakhar Agarwal. It was a poignant moment to witness the sight.
Then the Principal, Dr. Madhav Deo Saraswat announced the Annual Awards. The Chief Guest, Mr Bahl gave away the awards which are given to students and houses for excellence in different verticals of the school.
The Annual Awards are as follows:
1.The Umang Mathur Memorial Trophy for the best in academics in Class XI for 2016-17 went to SURYANSH GOYAL of DAULAT HOUSE.
The Mahendra Mishra Memorial Trophy for the best Sportsman in Class XI for 2016-17 went to REEKEELA BHUTIA of DAULAT HOUSE.
The Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia II Medal for All Round Proficiency in class XI for 2016-17 went to SURYANSH GOYAL of DAULAT HOUSE.
The Sampitroda award for the best innovative project for 2017-2018 went to Pranav Wadhwa of Daulat House and Shashi Kiran of Jayappa House.
The R. B. Pawar Medal for scoring the highest percentage of marks in Mathematics in class XII Board examination 2016-17 went to SAMBHAV MITTAL of JAYAPPA HOUSE.
The Governor’s Medal for scoring the Highest Percentage of Marks in Class XII Board examination 2016-17 went to HARSIMAR SINGH of RANOJI HOUSE.
The Field Marshal Cariappa Shield for the best sportsman for 2016-17 went to MAHINDRA CHETRI of MAHADJI HOUSE.
The Maharaja Jeewaji Rao Scindia Medal for All Round Proficiency in class XII for 2016-17 went to ARBIN DAS DARJEE of JAYAPPA HOUSE.
The Khurshid Lakdawala, Jr. HOUSE EFFICIENCY SHIELD for 2016-2017 went to KANERKHED HOUSE.
The Guru Hargovind Singh (Gurdwara) Trophy for the best house in academics for the year 2016-2017 went to MAHADJI HOUSE.
The Nepal Trophy for the best House in games and sports for 2016-2017 went to JAYAPPA HOUSE. The General Efficiency Shield for 2016-2017 went to DAULAT HOUSE.
Mr Raj Kapoor, Dean of ICT, Mr Dhirendra Sharma, DoS, Mr Raja Banerjee, Mr Ramesh Sharma, Mr jitendra Jawale and Mrs Raksha Siriah got milestone awards for successful completion of 20 years in school. Mr Akash Sharma got a milestone award for completing 10 years in the school. King Constantine Medal was given to Dr Bhakuni for his selfless social service for 26 years. Dr Bhakuni lived Round Square Ideals throughout his tenure in the school. On behalf of the Department of Painting, Fine Arts and Sculpture Suvrat Mahindroo presented a memento to the Chief Guest, Mr Bahl.
Finally The Senior School Prefect, Snehil Tripathi proposed a vote of thanks to the Chief Guest and the dignitaries on behalf of the entire school. The evening ended as the august gathering experienced a joyous Founders Day celebration at The Scindia School.
