India took an important step towards unifying global education on 24th August 2015 with the launch of the Australia-India BRIDGE School Partnership by the Australian Department of Education at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram. The goal of the BRIDGE initiative is to broaden the Indo-Australian relationship by connecting 16 schools and their students across both countries. The chief guest for the occasion was the Australian Minister for Education and Training, the Hon’ble Mr. Christopher Pyne. He was accompanied by the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Patrick Suckling, ace cricketer and the first-ever Australia-India Education Ambassador, Mr. Adam Gilchrist and other delegates. Principals of the 8 India-based BRIDGE partner schools graced the gathering. Also present were the Principal, Dr. D.R. Saini; the Vice Principal, Mrs. Shobha Mehta and the Headmistresses, Ms. Vanita Sehgal and Ms. Anita Singh.
The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp and felicitation of the esteemed guests. Dr. D.R. Saini extended a warm welcome to the distinguished gathering. The cultural programme began with a mellifluous rendition of the song ‘It’s a Small World.’ This was followed by a dance performance celebrating the geo-cultural diversity of India. The Hon’ble Mr. Christopher Pyne spoke about the importance of sustaining collaboration between Indian and Australian schools across various learning areas and disciplines and launched the BRIDGE programme. An interactive video conference between the students of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram and its Australian counterpart St. Francis De Sales College took place. Mr. Adam Gilchrist addressed the audience and emphasised the role of intercultural learning in education.
The Vice Principal, Mrs. Shobha Mehta delivered the vote of thanks and the event concluded with the National Anthems of both Australia and India. The Australia-India BRIDGE School Partnership Project heralds a new chapter in Indo-Australian bilateral ties and hosting its launch was a historic occasion for D.P.S. R.K. Puram.
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