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The words ‘Go Forth, and Set the World on Fire.’ as the backdrop resonated with the grand solemn march as the Principal, Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, led the graduating students of Std 10 and 12 into the beautifully decorated quadrangle, on the 25th of January 2025. With the sun setting on the horizon, the parents and teachers in the audience and the poignant music in the air, the stage was set for the valedictory ceremony!

The Chief Guest Mr Ravindra Pai, Old Boy (Batch of 1992), Managing Director Century Real Estate Holdings Pvt Ltd, along with Fr Daniel Fernandes SJ, Rector, St Joseph’s Institutions, and Former Principal Fr Michael John SJ were led into the quadrangle by the Vice Principal, Mr Brian Mckertish; Primary School Administrator, Fr Norwin Pereira SJ; and the members of the governing body of the OBA and PTA. The Josephite guard of honour added splendour to the arrival of the dignitaries.

Fr Sunil welcomed the special invitees, parents, and well-wishers; advised the students to carry forth the values learnt at school into the wide world with Faith and Toil; and become men and women for and with others. Father told the students that in a multicultural India, we are one humanity and each one should use their moral compass as their anchor, armour, and guiding light in life as it unfolds!

The valedictorians, Haripreeth U.T. of Std 10 and Sugandha Gupta of Std 12, shared their cherished memories of SJBHS. In reply, Mohammed Muzamil of Std 9 and Hyath Nagori of Std 11 thanked the graduating students for guiding and mentoring them. The transfer of charge ceremony was emotional.

The Chief Guest expressed his delight and honour at being invited to his alma mater and as an Old Boy, stated facts that he predicted would be true for the graduating students as well. Firstly, school days were the most memorable times of life and secondly, life long friends are school buddies! Mr Ravindra Pai also advised the valedictorians that the most talented need not be the most successful. However, each one should do the best in whatever they choose to do. Exploration and curiosity are the watch words for the day and whatever happens, happens for the best. The Chief Guest congratulated the students and wished them well!

Fr Daniel, applauded the valedictorians and said that the evening was a celebration of all their achievements and a reminder of the boundless potential that lay ahead. Father called on each of the students to rely on the emotional and compassionate intelligence, nurtured as part of Jesuit education, to set them apart in the world of AI and algorithms. Father wished for each one a life of purpose.

The outstanding entertainment programme kept the audience glued to their seats, clapping and cheering as the students of 9,10,11,12 and the teachers vocalized their feelings and thoughts through song. As the ceremony ended, the valedictorians took their lighted candles, in procession, around the audience, symbolic of their journey through the portals of SJBHS to the wider world, as the open skies with four aligned planets and countless stars shone on them heralding a bright future and a million dreams yet to come true.