ISS celebrates 35th annual day
SALALAH: The annual day of Indian School Salalah (ISS) this year saw a high class display of colour, light and life coupled with energy and enthusiasm.
The occasion that the Middle, Secondary and Senior Secondary sections of school magnificently celebrated recently, assumed a great historic importance for school as it had completed a vibrant existence of 35 glorious years, says a press release.
Veteran General Tej Krishen Kaul, who attended the function with his esteemed presence as the chief guest, is a proud recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. His wife, Neelu Tej Kaul, former president of Army Wives’ Welfare Association also attende the occasion.
Tej Kaul and his wife, on their arrival, were given a rousing reception and welcome by Ram Santhanam, president of School Management Committee, together with his colleagues in SMC and Trevor Ronald Brown, the principal. Yusuf Ali, head boy and Nayonika Battacharya, head girl, pinned the badges to the chief guest. Arshad Sunil, deputy head boy, and Sindhu Chatakonda, deputy head girl, were also present to welcome the chief guest. Ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by Scouts and Guides and then they were escorted to the stage accompanied by the school band.
The formal function, as per school tradition, commenced with the National Anthem of Oman followed by the National Anthem of India.
Ram gave the formal welcome address. In his address he highlighted the successful progress of the school and briefly mentioned how the management had facilitated the formation of Parents’ Task Force Committee, facility for purified drinking water, construction of waiting sheds and other infrastructural developments.
Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Member, SMC and Chairman, CCA Committee, said that people are born to do what they intend to do and hence they change the face of humanity for the better, so is General Kaul, the son of Indian soil. Dr Debashish elaborately spoke about the general, making a special mention of his great ser- vice, recognition, education and qualification, the prestigious institutions he studied and his training.
Tej, while addressing the audience paid tribute to his teacher, father and elder brother who are his role models. He said that discipline is neither taught in school nor at home but inculcated.
Education, for him, is self-discipline from home, school, teachers and parents. To children, he said: “respect the parents, teachers and elders” as it is the key to success. He added further and said “virtues such as discipline, respect, love, trust and bonding have made him what he is today in serving the armed forces for more than four decades.”
Recognising the achievements accomplished by students in curricular activities during the academic session 2014-15, prizes were given away. A total of 205 students who received general proficiency award included toppers in various subjects in Class XII CBSE Examination, perfect 10 CGPA scorers in class X CBSE Examination, perfect CGPA scorers from class V to IX and toppers in class XI. The prizes were given away by Tej Kaul and Neelu. The most coveted best outgoing student Award – a pure gold coin was bagged by Nayonika for her all round excellent performance in scholastic and co-scholastic activities. She had the privilege to receive the award from Tej.
Ram and Brown honoured General Tej Kaul with a memento as a token of appreciation and good wishes. A memento was also presented to Neelu by Dr Ernest Ezhilarasan, vice president, SMC and Brown.
The colourfully bedecked stage, backdropped with wide high-definition LED video wall, was well set for an exuberant display of talent. The cultural extravaganza, comprising dance, music, drama, mime and many other forms of aesthetic expressions with the stamp of novelty and perfection filled the spectators with wonder.
After the cultural events, Debashish invited Neelu to the stage to present a copy of her ‘Coffee table book’ to Ram and another copy to C. T. Ramasamy, HOD, English. Ramasamy was presented the book in appreciation and recognition to his commendable and committed work especially for the excellent result produced in XII Board in 2015.
Curtain fell on the most spectacular event of the academic year 2015-16 when Suresh Babu, convener, School Management Committee, proposed the vote of thanks. Suresh, in his note expressed his sense of gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his benevolence. He also thanked the chief guest, General Tej Kaul and Neelu for their presence and making the annual day memorable and significant.