 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 18: The Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society (DJSES) celebrated its annual awards ceremony, "Honour & Excellence: Cherishing Service, Celebrating Excellence," at Carmel Convent School, Kunjwani, marking a vibrant day of gratitude and recognition. The event honoured academic toppers from DJSES schools and Silver Jubilarians completing 25 years of dedicated service.
The ceremony began with a band reception and NCC salute, followed by the Lighting of the Lamp, symbolizing wisdom, hope, and the spirit of Diwali. The occasion was graced by Dr. Devansh Yadav, IAS, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, as Chief Guest; Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT Jammu, as Guest of Honour; and Rt. Rev. Bishop Ivan Pereira, President of DJSES, as Presiding Officer. They were joined by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Nagathumkal, Vice President, DJSES; Padmashree Dr. S. P. Varma, Dr. Nancy Mengi and Dr. Vinay Kumar.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Shaiju Chacko, Secretary of DJSES, highlighted the Society's commitment to quality, value-based education through its 24 schools across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, serving nearly 28000 students with over 1,500 dedicated staff. He shared that 1,886 students appeared for Class X and XII Board Examinations under JKBOSE, CBSE, and ICSE/ISC, achieving a remarkable 98.7% pass rate, with 612 students scoring above 90%.
A total of 141 students from Classes X and XII were felicitated for academic excellence, while 10 staff members were honoured for completing 25 years of service to the Society's mission.
Chief Guest, Dr. Devansh Yadav, IAS, lauded DJSES for promoting education rooted in compassion and values. "Academic excellence is meaningful only when it shapes character and compassion. The schools of DJSES have been true to that mission - creating not just achievers, but responsible citizens," he said. He invited the schools to partner in educating students about cleanliness and waste management and encouraged schools to offer exposures that would prepare the students for the world.
Guest of Honour, Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, inspired the gathering with Yeats's words: "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." She commended the Diocese for transforming lives across remote areas of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, adding, "This celebration reflects dedication, learning, and a shared mission of shaping young minds with values and vision."
In his Presidential Address, Rt. Rev. Bishop Ivan Pereira congratulated students and staff, calling education a "sacred ministry that transforms lives through service and love." He thanked the jubilarians for their long-standing commitment and urged students to pursue excellence with humility and faith.
The event featured captivating cultural performances - a Rajasthani Folk Dance by St. Joseph's Convent High School, Nagrota, and the traditional Kud Dance by Presentation Convent School, Reasi, celebrating their Silver Jubilee Year. The programme concluded with a Diwali-themed play and choir presentation by Carmel Convent School, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Inspiring testimonies were shared by Ms. Mavleen Kour (St. Peter's Hr. Sec. School, Karan Bagh) and Ms. Hafsa Shah (St. Joseph's School, Baramulla), who expressed gratitude to their teachers and schools for nurturing their success.
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Velankanni delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the dignitaries, principals, staff, and students for making the celebration a memorable success. The event was compered by Anhad Kour, Harleen Kour, Agrima Sharma, and Manya Choudhary of Carmel Convent School, Kunjwani. |
