Early Times Report JAMMU, Oct 15: Delhi Public School Jammu celebrated its 27th Investiture Ceremony with grandeur, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of pride. The theme for the academic session 2025-26 - "Sankalp Se Siddhi Ki Aur: Lead to Inspire" - beautifully encapsulated the spirit of determination, leadership, and service that the institution seeks to nurture among its young leaders. The occasion was graced by eminent dignitaries including Shri Vikramjit Singh, IPS, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce Department, J&K; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; and Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu. Adding to the pride of the institution, the event also witnessed the presence of two distinguished alumni of DPS Jammu - Ms. Aastha Sharma, Judicial Magistrate First Class, District Court Reasi (Batch 2014), and CA Reeya Raina, Founder, Reeya Raina & Co., Chartered Accountants (Batch 2012). The celebration was presided over and enriched by the gracious presence of the Hon'ble Pro-Vice Chairperson, Kunwarani Dr. Ritu Singh Ji, along with parents, staff, and students, making it a truly memorable and inspiring event. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a soulful Assamese folk song, "Hey Kosari Kosari Khonuwal Kosari," presented as a tribute to the legendary singer Zubeen Garg, celebrating India's cultural unity in diversity. In her inspiring address, Kunwarani Dr. Ritu Singh, Hon'ble Pro-Vice Chairperson and Founder of DPS Jammu, Katra, and Nagbani, reaffirmed that true leadership is anchored in empathy, integrity, and service. She urged students to live the school's cherished motto "Service Before Self," and to embody compassion, humility, and a sense of purpose in all endeavours. Calling upon them to be changemakers who uplift others, she underscored the importance of preserving cultural roots and heritage. She invoked the spirit of "Ghar Wapsi" - a soulful return to one's values, community, and homeland - and highlighted the joy and responsibility of giving back through service and innovation. She also lauded the retired faculty whose lifelong devotion has strengthened the institution's enduring legacy. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, delivered an insightful address on the theme "Sankalp Se Siddhi." Emphasizing education and equality, he quoted Swami Vivekananda and Acharya Vinoba Bhave to highlight that true learning extends beyond classrooms and must address societal and national challenges. He urged institutions to connect education with real-life applications and promote a knowledge economy. Prof. Rai also introduced the University's innovative "Design Your Degree" program, fostering interdisciplinary and skill-based learning. Shri Vikramjit Singh, IPS, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce Department, J&K, congratulated the newly inducted Student Council and shared valuable life lessons from his own journey. Emphasizing the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and intelligent hard work, he urged students to overcome self-imposed limitations and face challenges with grit. He reminded parents and teachers to nurture resilience in children, noting that consistent effort and determination ultimately shape true success and character. Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, inspired the audience with his reflections on education, discipline, and values. Drawing parallels between the Investiture Ceremony and AIIMS' White Coat and Lamp Lighting ceremonies, he emphasized that true education lies in humility, respect, and service. Urging students to dream big yet remain grounded, he reminded them that success earns pride, but service earns remembrance. He congratulated the young leaders, urging them to lead with courage, compassion, and integrity. The dignitaries also released a series of books authored by the Principal, staff, and students of DPS Jammu, reflecting the school's creative spirit, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering literary talent. The most awaited highlight of the ceremony - the adornment and oath-taking of the newly elected Student Council 2025-26 - followed. A total of 119 young leaders, selected through a rigorous process of interviews and evaluations, were conferred with badges and sashes by the dignitaries, symbolizing the trust and confidence placed in them by the school. The solemn oath, administered by Principal Ms. Ruchi Chabra, echoed the values of honesty, discipline, and service to the nation. Reflecting on DPS Jammu's 27-year legacy of excellence, she reminded the new council that true leadership lies in responsibility, service, and humility.
|