On 27 January 2018, DPS R.K.Puram held the inauguration of the newly-constructed foot-over bridge, along with the Commencement Ceremony to felicitate the outgoing batch of Class 12 students of 2018.
The Chief Guest was the Chairman of the DPS Society and DPS R.K.Puram Managing Committee, Mr V.K. Shunglu. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Amitabh Kant, a Senior Civil Servant and CEO of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). He conceptualized and executed the “Atithi Devo Bhavah” and was a key driver of the “Make in India”.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Vice Principals, Dr. Renu Nayar, Ms. Padma Srinivasan, and Ms. Anita Singh, Headmistress, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra along with the Headmistresses of the Junior branches, Ms Archana Pental and Ms Dolly Chanana.
After the devotional Ganesh Pooja to mark the inauguration of the bridge in the presence of the Chief guest and the Principal, the ribbon was cut and the students of Class 12 were the first ones to walk on it – just as Mr. Shunglu intended it to be.
The Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal felicitated the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour with a token of regard. Addressing the audience, she spoke about how the Class of 2018 was special to her; in a reminiscent tone she recalled how they were the first Class of 11th she had handled as a Principal – she considers the students remarkable as they made her smile. Thanking them for filling her life with happiness, she also asked them to applaud their parents and teachers for their immense investment in their happiness.
This paved way for an inspirational song, which was followed by the toppers from each stream being invited on stage to deliver the valedictory speeches. Ayush Venkatesh Bindlish from the Science stream, Aditya Agarwal and Pallavi Mishra from the Commerce stream and Adya Garg from Humanities were the Valedictorians of 2018.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Kant, complimented all students and called this occasion unique – he was delighted that DPS RK Puram held such ceremony. He revealed that his teachers and Principal left a deep imprint on his personality. He stressed on the importance of continuing to excel in at least one extra-curricular activity, and one sports activity – praising the school for their focus on the same, along with academics. He encouraged the students to be fearless and most importantly, to be great human beings.
The Guests released the Yearbook of the Class 2018. The Chairman, Mr Shunglu recommended the students to use the term “Dipsite RKP”, and to be proud of where they come from. He looks up-to the students for the best results and hopes they make everyone proud.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for – the felicitation of the students as they marched to the stage in beautiful scarves and pins specially designed for them. They were presented with a scroll and a copy of the yearbook. The teachers presented the students with a lamp signifying knowledge and learning, which was passed amongst the students and finally placed on a wall of lamps. The Subject toppers of the Pre- Board exams were also felicitated.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Vice Principal, Dr Renu Nayar who thanked the guests and the organizers of the programme and wished the students the best for the future. The programme ended with the Indian National Anthem.
