“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the will to continue that counts”
–Winston Churchill 

Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram hosted the annual Scholar Badge Ceremony for Class XI on 15 January 2021, via the virtual platform of Zoom. The theme for the event this year was “A diamond earns its sparkle from the pressure it endures”. The esteemed Chief Guest for the day was Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director of the Central Board of Secondary Education, India.

Dr Amitabha Bagchi, Professor, Dept. of Computer Science & Engg., Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, kindly consented to be the Guest of Honour. 

The event commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp, followed by an orchestral performance by the talented instrumentalists of the Indian Music Society.  

A short film highlighting the wide-ranging achievements of the students, undeterred by the unique challenges of this neoteric academic session, was presented. 

In her welcoming address, the Principal, Ms. Padma Srinivasan, congratulated the awardees on their accomplishments in a wide range of school experiences which encompass both academic and extracurricular activities. She shed light on the numerous opportunities provided to the students at DPS R.K. Puram, which facilitates them in becoming the best version of themselves. Drawing analogies between diamond’s way of earning sparkle from the pressure it endures, she emphasized on the importance of tough times and resilience in a man’s path to success. In her opinion, the way of dealing with adversities is to work in such a way that it makes us stand out from the crowd. She concluded her speech by congratulating the students and thanking their supportive parents and the hardworking teachers.

The Western Music Society performed a mellifluous and upbeat song, “Victorious”, which showcased the relentless determination and tenacity of the students to strive for success and victory even during these strenuous times. 

The Chief Guest, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, expressed his happiness and gratitude on being a part of the celebration of the numerous achievements of DPS R.K. Puram. He congratulated the leadership, students, faculty and parents. He recognized the stature maintained by the school in both academic and co-scholastic areas during its journey through the years, and emphasised on  the fact that excellence could only be achieved through hard work and perseverance. 

Dr. Emmanuel also drew attention to the necessity of developing good values and virtues in students. Speaking of the new National Education Policy which envisages the development of all rounder citizens, he commended DPS R.K. Puram for already having implemented it, setting an example for all other institutions in the country. He touched upon the sustainable development goals of the United Nations to illustrate how working together in unity can truly transform a nation, and spoke briefly of India’s biggest asset; its youth. He concluded his address by expressing his hope that R.K. Puram’s tradition of hard work, building good character and attaining excellence continues. He congratulated all the students and the entire DPS family for upholding and maintaining its position as the number one school of the country.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Amitabha Bagchi, an alumnus of 1992 batch, expressed his gratitude to the Principal for giving him the opportunity of being a part of the ceremony and congratulated all the award winners. He then spoke about DPS R.K. Puram’s role in shaping his life and teaching him the importance of time. He specifically pointed out two things he felt everyone should adopt in their lives. Firstly, he stated that we ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and secondly, we must hear out people who don’t share our opinions and see them for who they are. According to him, in that process, we can create a meaningful life for ourselves. He concluded by encouraging students to find a true purpose in life.

The award ceremony commenced with the felicitation of the Blue tie awardees by Ms. Shalini Harisukh, followed by the second Blue Badge and first Blue Badge winners. Ms. S. K. Nagalakshmi felicitated the Blue Blazer, second Green Badge and first Green Badge awardees. The Prantik Roy Memorial Gold Medal, for an all-rounder performance was awarded to Maanya Sareen XI E and Vir Malhotra XI  I this year.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Vice Principal, Dr. Renu Nayyar, who addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour for gracing the ceremony with their presence and for enlightening the students by sharing their words of wisdom. She praised the students for their achievements and consistent efforts and thanked the parents for their continued support. She also thanked the staff and students for making this event a success. 

The event concluded with the national anthem and a message on Covid-19.