Memorable Moments of 119th Founder’s Day
21 October 2016
Mr Ayushman Hazarika felt elated to be a part of the momentous Founder’s Day. He felt honoured to represent his batch. He recalled his experience 25 years back on 21st October 1990 when he addressed a gathering. Mr Hazarika admired the selflessly dedicated Scindians who are indeed torch bearers. He motivated the boys to aspire nobly, adventure daringly and serve humbly in life. Moreover, they ought to select something which challenges them.
Dr Saraswat invited Mr Mahesh Gandhi, Mr Gopal Bhargava, Mr Neeraj Lal, Dr Vikram Mathur and Mr Harish Bhojwani along with Mr Ayushman Hazarika to release various publications such as Year Book 2015-16, German Magazine, Zeitgeist, Hindi publication, Uplabdhi, Science magazine, Nucleus, French magazine, Review, Founder’s Day Special and Qila Quotes.
Then Junior House talent display showcased the gymnastic skills of the junior students. The mass display by junior boys was a spectacular event. The programme entitled, “YES, WE CAN!” was an initiative dedicated to the entire Scindian community. It featured the spirit of Olympism. The presentation aimed to inculcate the true values of Olympism in the lives of every Scindian. There were many formations which showcased some popular games such as chariot racing, gladiators’ fight, soccer, archery etc. They made formations with perfection and were able to depict the theme in a dramatic way. The untiring efforts of the students and trainers showcased the hidden talent of the young Scindians.
It was followed by Brass Band performance which was led by Under Officer Param Yadav. The boys played soulful tunes which comprised of Sam Bahadur, Rasputin, Somewhere My Love, Bharat ke Jawan, My Favourite Thing, Takat Watan Ki Hum Se Hai, Chariots of Fire, Arjuna and Final Countdown.
Next the exhibition was thrown open for parents and guests. The parents went around admiring the sincere and diligent efforts of the students. It was followed by interaction with students in the Assembly Hall.
The much awaited evening began with the arrival of Chief Guest in the evening to witness the 119th Founder’s Day programme at Shukla Memorial Open Air Theatre. The Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr Ratan Naval Tata. It was an honour to have President Board of Governors, His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia, Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, Madhav awardees and SOBA representatives attend the 119th Founder’s Day of The Scindia School.
The Chief Guest, Mr Tata was escorted to the school building by the school horse riding team led by Jagjeet Jain. The Chief Guest and the dignitaries went round the exhibitions. Upon arrival the Chief Guest was introduced to the Board of Governors, members of Sonsa village, Prefects and faculty.
The Honourable Chief Guest, Mr Ratan Naval Tata, an Indian businessman, investor, philanthropist and Chairman - Tata Trusts. He was the Chairman of Tata Group, a Mumbai-based global business conglomerate from 1991 till 2012 and continues to head its charitable trusts. Mr Tata was also Chairman of major Tata companies, including Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels and Tata Teleservices. Mr Tata is the President of the Court of the Indian Institute of Science and chairman of the Council of Management of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He also serves on the board of trustees of Cornell University and the University of Southern California. Mr Tata serves on the board of directors of Alcoa, and is also on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation, JP Morgan Chase, Rolls-Royce, Temasek Holdings and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mr Tata is the recipient of two of the highest civilian awards of India; Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2008). He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities in India and overseas. He is honoured as one of the ‘Greatest Global living Indian’ by NDTV.
Mt Ratan N Tata was greeted in the traditional way by the School Brass Band. They played some melodious tunes in honour of the Chief Guest namely, Dilruba Tango, By The Rivers Of Babylon, Final Countdown and Chariots Of Fire.
At SMOAT the Chief Guest, Mr Tata paid floral tribute to the Founder, Late Maharaja Madhavrao Jayajirao Scindia and to Maharaja Madhavrao Jiwajirao Scindia II. Then the entire Scindian fraternity sang the school song.
The Members of the Choir and Orchestra Ensemble gave a melodious rendition of various ragas entitled, `Ragajazzmala'. The Ragas which featured were Yaman, Hansadhwani, Nand, Kedar and Kamod. It was a weave of diverse musical idioms within the elements of rhythm, melody and structural form. The composition was an amalgamation of different instruments and tonal forms. The theme was derived from a ‘melakarta’ of the Karnataka school, and set upon a syncopated rhythmic pulse that is the distinguishing feature of Jazz. The boys were trained by Mr Gursharan Singh.
Reading out the school annual report, the Principal, Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat spoke about the accomplishments and achievements along with the initiatives of the year 2015-16. Then President Board of Governors, His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr Ratan Tata.
His Highness felt that education is the biggest equalizer in the world as every act is reflected in a child’s persona. The focus should be on learning outcome which is not merely based on grades but also the practical skills which a child learns. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia believed that such learning based on experience must be cherished in the years to come. This citadel has a commanding presence in their lives. The freedom of speech and expression that have been enshrined by the founders must be governed by inquisitive and an enterprising spirit. His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia praised the unassuming graciousness of Mr Tata and felt that it will leave an indelible impact on the minds of young and impressionable Scindians. They must develop the capability to compete globally but house the tradition within.
Mr Ratan Tata admired the great institution where seeds of leadership, adventure, entrepreneurship, ethical behaviour and values are nurtured. Mr Tata felt that the school provides a protective environment and a child’s future will depend on the seeds which have been seeded in the school. One wishes for a well-rounded development of a Scindian. Their future is based on their merit and capability. The sole aim in life is to be remembered for what a child does when he is successful in making the right decision for the right reason. They should be remembered for the difference they are able to make for the not so fortunate people. Felicitating staff and students, the chief guest shared memories of his life and expressed his happiness to see old traditions being maintained in tandem with modernization at the school.
Mr Tata gave away the annual awards to the meritorious students. The details of the awards are as follows:
The Umang Mathur Memorial Trophy for Best in Academics in Class XI for 2015-16 went to Ayush Barya of Madhav House. The Mahendra Mishra Memorial Trophy for the Best Sportsman in Class XI for 2015-16 went to Aviral Jain of Jayappa House.
The Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia II Medal for All Round Proficiency in class XI for 2015-16 went to Arbin Das Darjee of Jayappa House.
The Sampitroda award for the Best Innovative Project ““The running Solution Walk for a better Tomorrow” for 2016-2017 went to Ayush Barya, of Madhav House and Sarthak Agarwal of Daulat House.
The R. B. Pawar Medal for scoring the Highest Percentage of marks in Mathematics in Class XII Board examination 2015-16 went to Utkarsh Kumar of Shivaji House.
The Governor’s Medal for scoring the Highest Percentage of marks in Class XII Board examination 2015-16 went to Divyaditya Singh of Jayaji House.
The Field Marshal Cariappa Shield for the Best Sportsman for 2015-16 went to Sarthak Talwar of Madhav House.
The Maharaja Jeewaji Rao Scindia Medal for All Round Proficiency in Class XII for 2015-16 went to Divyaaditya Singh of Jayaji House.
The Khurshid Lakdawala, Junior House Efficiency Shield for 2015-2016 went to Dattaji House.
The Guru Hargovind Singh (Gurdwara) Trophy for the Best House in Academics for the year 2015-2016 went to Madhav House.
The Nepal Trophy for the Best House in Games and Sports for 2015-2016 went to Jayappa House.
The General Efficiency Shield for 2015-2016 went to Jayappa House.
Mr Vishesh Sahai moderated a talk show with Mr Ratan Tata. Selected Scindians asked some mature and pertinent questions and they were answered aptly. To Yohen’s question about the kind of India he envisions Mr Tata replied that he wishes to see a county where all people are equal and not assessed on the basis of wealth or prominence. Then Jagjeet Jain and Abhilash Dutta presented a memento to Mr Tata.
President Board of Governors, His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia read out the citation for the Madhav Award. This year Madhav Award was conferred on two eminent Old Boys. Lauded in the highest ranks of leadership, the school honoured a man of incomparable valour and dignity -Lt. General Sami Khan, (Posthumous) Jayaji 1944 - 1948. Sami Khan graduated from The Scindia School in 1948. The then Principal in his commendation wrote, “Sami was one of the most popular students, a first class athlete, boxer, swimmer and one of the best riders”. He also held several school colours and as a House Prefect of Jayaji House and School Captain, he displayed ample leadership qualities. The Scindia School aspires to cultivate in every Scindian this spirit of altruism, humility, courage and sacrifice which featured in the life of Lt. General Sami Khan. The school posthumously conferred on Lieutenant General Sami Khan the Madhav Award as an Old Boy of Eminence for the year 2016. It was received by his wife, Mrs LR Khan, daughter, Ms Saleema Raza and son, Mr Akbar Khan.
Mr Akbar Khan thanked the august gathering for the kind words and narrated some anecdotes from his father’s illustrious life. Lt General Sami made a huge difference in the lives of all those with whom he interacted.
The second awardee was Dr Sushil Shah, Jeevaji (1956 – 1964). The Scindia School aspires to cultivate a spirit of enterprise and sound intellect, infused with conviction and a sense of service in every Scindian. And Dr Sushil Shah’s life is an incredible timeline of these attributes, spread across all endeavours of his life. Dr Shah is the rarest of rare amalgamation of someone who has the heart of a Doctor and the mind of an Entrepreneur. Dr Sushil is the Founder and Chairman of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, which is India’s first referral laboratory with highly sophisticated infrastructure and technology. His deep commitment to social service has earned him several honours and awards including the Rashtriya Chikitshak Ratna Award by NEHRD Organization, Mumbai, Rajiv Gandhi Gold Medal Award by GEPRA, Tamil Nadu and Prominent Alumnus Award by Jai Hindi College, Mumbai. The Scindia School conferred on Dr Sushil Shah the Madhav Award as an Old Boy of Eminence for the year 2016 for his exemplary business acumen coupled with deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and for his outstanding contribution in the medical field.
The address by the Madhav Awardee, Dr Sushil was extremely motivational. Dr Shah fondly recalled nine years spent in the school and he considered Madhav Award as the most prestigious of all the awards he has received till date. He admired and appreciated the excellent amalgamation of Indian and modern values and beliefs in the school. Dr Shah dedicated the award to his father’s perseverance and dedication in his formative years.
Finally the ceremony symbolizing the handing over of traditions of the school by the Madhav awardee, Dr Sushil to the youngest Scindian was performed. To do the honours Dr Sushil read out the message and handed over the lamp with the replica of the school flag to Gyurmee Bhutia. It was a poignant moment to witness the sight.
The grand and formal evening concluded with a vote of thanks by the Senior School Prefect, Mriganka Ghosh. The day was celebrated with fervor, zest and enthusiasm in the school. An extravaganza of activities were conducted. All activities were designed to contribute towards an all-round development of young Scindians.
click here to see the complete evening program.
click here to see picture gallery of evening program.
