“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram hosted its annual Scholar Badge Ceremony for class VII on 3rd of December, 2019. This event aims at honouring the curricular and co-curricular achievements of the students for the year 2018-19. The theme of the event was “When I went beyond myself, the pathway finally opened” – a message that inspired the scholars to work diligently for their ambitions and effectively utilise their potential.

The event commenced with the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony by the Chief Guest, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, Vice Principals, Ms. Padma Srinivasan and Dr. Renu Nayar and the Headmistress, Ms. Niva Chhonkar to invoke the blessings of the Almighty. The scintillating beats of the orchestra welcomed the gathering to this prestigious event. A video presentation was displayed showcasing the achievements of the students in several spheres.

The Principal felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohapatra, who is currently the Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department. He is the permanent representative of India with WMO and has been elected as a Member of the Executive Council. With a Ph.D in Physics and 26 years of experience in meteorology, he has made significant contributions towards the improvement of early warning services of IMD. He is popularly known as the “Cyclone Man of India”. He is also the author of more than 75 research papers and has been awarded prestigious accolades like the 25th Biennial Mausam Award.

Ms. Vanita Sehgal began her address by expressing her pride in the curricular and co-curricular achievements of the scholars, saying that “their achievements just get larger and larger.” She elaborated how the school encourages holistic development of its students and provides them with numerous opportunities to acquire valuable skills, which succour them to grow as individuals.She emphasised on the theme by sharing anecdotes such as that of the Wise Old Man repeating his jokes to discover no one laughed at them thrice, condemning lamenting over the   same problem over and over again, and of the Gifted but Lazy Child who took for granted his parent’s money. The evident conclusion was that the students should be made to realise the value of money and be held accountable for their actions, at the same time be optimistic by having faith in themselves.

She then said, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” and urged the gathered to make perpetual efforts  in order to achieve their goals. The Principal also recalled influential lines of a popular song called ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus, which is adored and sung widely by adolescents. She commented how one has to encounter challenges which seem as huge as a mountain but with determination and hardwork one can scale these heights.

The Cultural Programme began with a soulful and upbeat rendition of the choir, which left the audience spellbound. This was followed by a spirited drama in Hindi depicting the wisdom and teachings of Kabir Das through the lives of two young school going boys. The English speeches sought to preach that even in unfortunate times, happiness and satisfaction can be discovered if one braces their heart and mind. Two exemplary dance pieces were presented before the audience, earning a loud applause for their enchanting movements and magnificent poses.The children recited ‘A Different Perspective’.The poem emphasised the importance of looking at things in a positive light. When recited top to bottom but shows the negative aspects of life when recited in reverse order.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Mohapatra, extended his greetings to the esteemed Principal, proud parents and scholars. He expressed how D.P.S. R.K. Puram serves as an ideal platform to spread the message on the information on climatic changes and its effects and how honoured he was to have the stage. He further elaborated upon the dire need to equip students with knowledge on climate  in order to protect oneself and others against natural hazards and minimise the loss of life. He appreciated the various projects undertaken by the school regarding this concern and offered his maximum support and proposed the idea of “collaborative work”. Commenting upon the theme, he urged the gathered to believe that “everyday is a success story” and wished them the best for their future endeavours.The Chief Guest along with the Principal and Headmistress honoured the meritorious students and the Prize Distribution Ceremony was conducted by the Class Representatives, Ms. Ritu Raj and  Ms. Richa Basrao.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Headmistress, Ms. Niva Chhonkar. The event concluded with the National Anthem. 

“Real genius is nothing else but the supernatural virtue of humility in the domain of thought”
                                                                                                                      – Simone Weil 

Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram conducted its Annual Scholar Badge Ceremony for class XI on 8th of November, 2019. This glorious celebration of the curricular and co-curricular achievements of students in the year 2018-19 was held with great zeal and enthusiasm. 

The theme of the event ‘Feet firmly on the ground, head held high’ was woven around speeches and Poetry Recitation while being anchored by actors playing Aladdin and his wife, lovable characters of Arabian Nights adored widely by children. They took the gathering into a mystical fantasy land yet kept it well grounded. 

The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Shri B.K. Chaturvedi alongwith the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, Vice Principals, Dr. Renu Nayar and Ms. Padma Srinivasan and the Headmistresses, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra and Ms. Niva Chhonkar.

The scintillating beats of the orchestra welcomed the audience to this illustrious assembly. The soulful rendition brimming with music and rhythm created a lively atmosphere. A video presentation showcasing various milestones achieved by these proficient scholars was screened. 

The Principal along with the Vice Principals felicitated the Chief Guest, Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi.Shri B.K. Chaturvedi is a member of the Delhi Public School Society and the Managing Committee of D.P.S. R.K. Puram. In 2004, he was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary and in this capacity, he advised the Prime Minister on important policy issues. He is also a former member of the Planning Commission of the government of India and he has authored two books and several papers in the field of public administration and governance.He has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan for his valuable contribution to the Civil Services.

The Principal was welcomed on the stage to address the gathering. She commented upon the theme of the event by narrating multiple stories, like that of a vain Butterfly and sensible Cockroach, and deriving from them that humility and modesty are necessary virtues to be possessed by an individual. She reminded the students that “being grounded does not mean you do not have a vision” and urged them to have ambitions and make perpetual efforts to achieve them. On this prestigious occasion, she commemorated Prantik Roy, an able student with extraordinary compassion in whose honour an award was dedicated later in the ceremony. 

She cited an example of Mahatma Gandhi in order to advocate the importance of being practical and down-to-earth while reliving his vision for the nation. She pointed out how there was always scope for improvement, no matter how much we may have conquered. To further elaborate upon the theme, she quoted Martin Luther King by saying, ““If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do ,you have to keep moving forward.” Ms. Vanita Sehgal appreciated the diligent efforts of the Vice Principals, Class Representatives, Activity Incharges Ms. Sudeepta Chatterjee and Ms. Shelly Malhotra and the Music and Dance Departments. 

The Cultural Programme commenced with the melodious voices of the choir in harmony, enlivening the spirit of the theme. The characters of Arabian Nights, Alaadin and his wife, presented a drama to emphasise on how following one’s dreams dreams passionately leads to their fulfillment . Following this brilliant piece of enactment, a thought-provoking  Poem Recitation on achieving a vision that consists of curing social illnesses was showcased while many examples of successful leaders were given through speeches to further highlight the importance of having a telescopic eye while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. A spectacular dance-drama performance was staged to portray the Gandhian vision and its relevance in the present society. 

The Chief Guest congratulated the students, parents and teachers on this joyous occasion. He appreciated the theme of the event and Gandhian message of peace delivered by the students. He emphasised on how academics play a crucial role in a student’s life and took this opportunity to also mention the importance of “good values” like integrity and perseverance. According to him, hard work is essential to achieve success and “there’s no going away from it”. In the end, he urged the students to thrive persistently and wished them the best of luck. 

The Chief Guest, the Principal, the Vice Principals and the Class Representatives felicitated the scholars by presenting badges, blazers, pins, ties and certificates of merit. The Prantik Roy Memorial Gold Medal, for an all-round performance, was awarded to Priyanshi Ahuja. 

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Vice Principals, Dr. Renu Nayar and Ms. Padma Srinivasan.The event concluded with the National Anthem.