“Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up against the wind”
– Frank Harris
Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram conducted the Scholar Badge Ceremony for Class VII on 28 November 2018. The scholar badge ceremony, a much anticipated event in the life of a student of D.P.S. R.K. Puram, serves to commend the fortitude and dedication displayed by students in the field of academics as well as co-curricular activities.
The theme for the event was ‘In Omnia Paratus’ which translates to ‘Ready for Anything’.
The day commenced with the Saraswati Vandana and auspicious lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, the Chief of Spine Service and Medical Director at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, his wife , Dr. Maninder Kaur Chhabra, the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, Vice Principals, Dr. Renu Nayar, Ms. Padma Srinivasan and Ms. Anita Singh, and the Headmistress, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra.
The ceremony started with an upbeat Indo-Western performance by the School Band which elicited a huge round of applause from the audience and was followed by a short presentation showcasing the achievements of Delhi Public School R.K. Puram for the academic year 2017 – 18.
Dr. Chhabra was then felicitated by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal.
The Principal, Ms.Vanita Sehgal, in her welcome address, commended the children for their achievements and extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest. Quoting Charles Kettering, ‘No one would have crossed the ocean if he could have gotten off the ship in the storm’, she elaborated on how one should be ready for the ups and downs of life. She spoke of how parents have a responsibility to prepare their children for the realities of life by not fighting their battles for them, thus strengthening their values and morals.
Taking a trip down the memory lane, she narrated an anecdote of how she met an alumna after many years and was taken aback to know, midway through their conversation, that he was visually impaired. She lauded the heights that he had reached, in spite of his disability. Commending his resilience, strength and courage, she encouraged everyone to follow his example in life.
A rising crescendo of dulcet voices heralded the commencement of the cultural programme with a melodious rendition of the songs, Touch The Sky and Try Everything. The Hindi Skit which followed emphasised the importance of adapting to whatever hurdles life throws in one’s way. Clad in costumes of purple and white traditional Indian wear, the adroit artists left the audience awestruck. The orators struck a chord as they spoke about how one must welcome challenges with open arms and face them head on. Talented actors paid homage to the Armed Forces of the country by showcasing struggles experienced by them while serving their country which was supplemented by a dance with students donning camouflage. The illustrious life of Charlie Chaplin was venerated by a mime as well as a dance with jaunty beats to match. The programme culminated in a fitting finale as all the performers came on stage and were much appreciated by the audience.
The Chief Guest began by congratulating the Principal, teachers and students. He conveyed his thoughts on the various opportunities and choices now available to students. He hoped that they would reach their full potential and excel not only in their respective fields but also give back to the society. As a proud parent of an alumna, he expressed his gratitude to the school for moulding the personalities of young minds, by encouraging overall development rather than focusing only on academics. He elaborated on the importance of an active lifestyle to maintain spinal health. He concluded by quoting Swami Vivekananda “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.”
The Award Distribution ceremony was conducted by the Chief Guest and his wife, the Principal, and the Headmistress who presented badges, blazers, and certificates to the students.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Headmistress, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra, who thanked the Principal, the Teacher in charge, Ms. Abha Chona, and all the teachers who had been involved in the success of the ceremony.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.