Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram conducted its Annual Scholar Badge Ceremony for Class XI on 26 October 2018. This much awaited event recognizes the academic and co-curricular excellence of students with accolades.
The theme of the event was ‘Celebrating Life’.
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp. The Chief Guest, Mr. Amulya Patnaik, Delhi Police Commissioner, along with three Deputy Commissioners, was presented with a memento by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal.
Mr. Amulya Kumar Patnaik took over as the Delhi Police Commissioner in 2017. He is a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service and got the prestigious G-Files Excellent Contribution Award in 2015 for his outstanding track record of honesty, integrity and his dedication to work. His initiatives, like launching the Anti-obscene calls cell and the Anti-stalking cell, were revolutionary in preventing crimes against women in Delhi.
The cultural programme commenced with a melodious fusion performed by the school orchestra. This was followed by a screening of a short film that highlighted the achievements of the school in the previous academic year.
The Principal began her welcome address by praising the backbone of the society: Parents, Teachers and the Police. She said that the most suitable person as the Chief Guest was the Commissioner, who is also the father of an alumnus of the school. She narrated an anecdote relating to the day’s theme: about privileged people, who shop in a mall, whining about the items that they could not buy; while on the other hand, a few street children, who had practically nothing with them, were still cheerful. “They are celebrating being alive whereas we were celebrating only a day”.
Following this, she regretted that she had spent a major part of her life waiting for the right moment to do things. “It is only when a moment becomes a memory do you realize how valuable it is”. She advised the parents to teach their children to enjoy life today as in the happy fulfillment of this moment they would sow the contentment for tomorrow.
She concluded her speech with a quote by Abraham Lincoln, “And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.”
The cultural programme consisted of a monologue accompanied by a dance about ‘Believing in Yourself’, and an upbeat and soulful rendition of the song ‘Happy’. Following this was a captivating performance by the Western Dance society and a poem about the ‘Winter of Life’. There was also an entrancing mime about lending a helping hand, a Hindi narration, and a dazzling Kathak presentation.
Mr. Amulya Patnaik began his speech by complimenting the school authorities. He talked about how India is turning into a superpower economically but is not really excelling in civic sense. He laid emphasis on the importance of discipline: civic and self. In his speech, he narrated an anecdote about when he went to UK for training. This incident made him realise how deeply rooted self discipline should be in school kids. He praised the school and its excellence. According to him an introspective approach towards society is very
important and he advised the kids to maintain an equilibrium between job, family and health.
Mr. Patnaik talked about the cyber world that we are living in today. He mentioned how technological advancement has led to the gadgets becoming an integral part of our lives. He advised kids, parents and teachers to have a ‘Cyber Recess’: a day’s break from the cyber space which could be utilized for recreational purposes. He mentioned the various programmes that the Delhi Police has initiated for the youth – Sashakti, a programme that reaches out to the girl students of various Delhi schools and teaches them self defense as well as Himmat Plus, a mobile app.
The Chief Guest, Principal, Vice Principal, Dr. Renu Nayyar and 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 Sagnik Anupam.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Vice Principal, Ms. Padma Srinivasan. The event concluded with the National Anthem.
