“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ― Maya Angelou. 

Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram hosted the annual Scholar Badge Ceremony for Class XI (sections K – X) on 22 January 2021, via, Zoom, the virtual platform. 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 Mr. Amit Khare, an IAS officer, who presently holds the office of Secretary, Higher Education, and Secretary, Ministry of I&B.  

Mr. Atul Kumar Thakur, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South District, New Delhi, and an alumnus of DPS R.K. Puram 2002 batch, kindly consented to be the Guest of Honour.

The event commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp, followed by a harmonious orchestral performance by the talented and skilled instrumentalists of D.P.S. R.K. Puram’s Indian Music Society. 

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

In her opening address, The Principal, Ms. Padma Srinivasan, congratulated the scholar badge awardees on their exemplary achievements, both academic and extracurricular, in fields including debating, theatre, music, sports, dance etc. She reiterated the wide range of opportunities available to the students at R.K. Puram, which, according to her, provides  holistic development and facilitates students in becoming well-rounded adults who are an asset to society. Drawing an analogy between how graphite must endure severe and sustained pressure in order to transform into a  diamond.She reassured and inspired her pupils, stating how the tricky circumstances and misfortunes one suffers through are what ultimately help them earn their ‘sparkle’. In her opinion, resilience is the real key to all accomplishments, not talent. She concluded her speech by urging the young scholars to work hard and find success, and commended them, their supportive parents and the hardworking teachers for never failing to produce stellar results. 

The Western Music Society then performed a mellifluous and sanguine song, “Victorious”, which showcased the persistent determination and tenacity of the students to strive for success and victory despite trying times, tying into the theme of the event.  

In his address, the Chief Guest, Mr. Amit Khare commended the faculty and students of D.P.S. R.K. Puram for coping excellently in the face of adversity, and undertaking the great endeavour of conducting virtual classes and activities. According to Mr. Khare, teaching and learning must go hand-in-hand. He then spoke about the new and revolutionary National Education Policy, which aims to accomplish the same. He praised DPS R.K.P. in this regard.In his opinion, the teachers’ meticulous care and dedication towards their pupils is the reason R.K. Puram’s alumni are able to distinguish themselves in every imaginable field. He also elaborated that we, as a society, will have to re-learn and adapt to unprecedentedly new environments and challenges in the coming years, in both academic as well as professional spheres. In light of this, the exceptional foundations which R.K. Puram provides its students will be more crucial than ever, according to Mr. Khare. 

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Atul Kumar Thakur, began his address by congratulating the young scholars on their remarkable achievements. He stated how R.K. Puram’s motto ‘Service Before Self’ instils and equips each student with the skill-set and knowledge required to reach higher realms of achievement. He urged the pupils to always strive to do better and expand their capacities in pursuit of excellence. Mr. Thakur also stressed the importance of creating holistic and inclusive learning spaces that cater to all students’ requirements and interests and narrated his personal experiences at R.K. Puram regarding the same. He stated how merely being educated and skilled is not enough; one must also imbibe the right attitude, and know how best to apply their skills to better the world around them. According to Mr. Thakur, work never feels like work when one aligns their interests to it. Thus, he concluded by expressing his wish that the students’ passion and aptitude govern their choice of higher education and profession, and urged them to allow their setbacks and failures to guide them towards success.  

The much anticipated award ceremony was conducted by the Representatives of Class XI. Ms Ritu Kumar felicitated the Blue Tie, Blue Badge and Blue Blazer awardees, while the Green Badge awardees were felicitated by Ms S. K. Nagalakshmi. 

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 taking time out of their hectic schedules to grace the ceremony with their presence and enlightening the students with their invaluable words of wisdom. She commended the students on their consistently outstanding achievements, and thanked the parents for their continued support. Dr. Nayyar also thanked the staff and students for making this proud event a success despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

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