Amidst a grand celebration marking the 200th batch, the graduation ceremony of 2024 at St. Paul’s was nothing short of a milestone. The outgoing School Captain, Ahnaf Porosh, set an emotional tone with his heartfelt speech, urging his fellow graduates to spread their wings and conquer the world, all while keeping the school flag flying high. Ahnaf expressed his gratitude to the parents for entrusting their children to the school and to the teachers for nurturing them into compassionate individuals.
Following Ahnaf’s inspiring words, Dr. Devendra Pradhan, an illustrious Paulite from the Batch of 1986 , Clive house Prefect and the Chief Guest for the occasion, took the stage. Dr. Pradhan, now the Medical Officer in-charge of the National Programme on Control and Prevention of Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Stroke, and Cancer at the District Hospital in Darjeeling, reminisced about his time at St. Paul’s.
In his speech, Dr. Pradhan beautifully encapsulated the essence of being a Paulite. He spoke of how the values instilled during his school days had shaped him into the person he is today. The humility, courtesy, and respectfulness taught at St. Paul’s had not only set him apart in college and his career but had also helped him navigate through life’s toughest challenges.
Addressing the graduating Paulites, Dr. Pradhan urged them to cherish and uphold the values they had imbibed during their time at school. He reminded them that they were part of a larger family—a band of brothers—who would always stand by each other through thick and thin.
Following Dr. Pradhan’s inspiring words, the Rector took the stage to deliver a powerful message. He reminded the students of the three Cs—Character, Courage, and Confidence—that define a true Paulite. The Rector emphasized the importance of character, stating that achievements without character are futile. He expressed that he would never accept a Paulite without character, regardless of their wealth or success in life. Paulites, he said, are different.
The Rector then spoke about courage, urging the graduates to face adversity with unwavering courage and to never give up on their goals. He emphasized the value of hard work and encouraged them to persevere, even in the face of challenges.
Lastly, the Rector spoke about confidence, noting that Paulites inherently possess confidence. He expressed his belief that Paulites will always be confident and encouraged them never to lose this trait.
As the ceremony came to a close, the air was filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia. The graduating students, now equipped with the values and teachings of St. Paul’s, were ready to embark on their journey, knowing that they were not just individuals but part of a legacy—a legacy of excellence, camaraderie, and compassion.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Senior Master for orchestrating such a grand and memorable ceremony. His meticulous planning and dedication ensured that this special occasion was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. We commend his efforts in making this event a true celebration of our achievements and a fitting tribute to the legacy of St. Paul’s.
Photo credit:- Mr M Joshi ( Mic Photography)
