Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) paid homage to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution of India, by celebrating his 125th birth anniversary in a befitting way on April 14, 2016 on the school premises. The programme was graced by the auspicious presence of the Chief Guest Mr. Sunil Jain, the Honourable Ambassador of India to Kuwait. The other notable personages present for the august event were the Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Middle East, Mr. N.K.Ramachandran Menon, the Principal of IES, Vice Principals and the Supervisor Management.
The magnificent event unfurled with the unveiling of the new name of the school library, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Library and the inscription of the preamble of the constitution of India at the entrance of the library by the Chief Guest. The other major events of the day commenced auspiciously in the auditorium with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Quran which was followed by the rendition of the Kuwait National Anthem, and the Hindi prayer by the minstrels of the school choir. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp was conjointly performed by the chief guest, chairman, principal, vice principals and the librarians.
The proud gathering was welcomed by the principal, Mr. T. Premkumar. The floral bouquet of love and respect was extended to the Chief Guest and the principal thanked the ambassador for accepting the invitation though at a very short notice. While welcoming, the principal enlightened the gathering about the main purpose of celebrating the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and its relevance in the present time.
The icing on the cake of the day was the patriotic song rendered by the school choir which left the audience spellbound. Lianna Maria Joseph of 8C delivered a speech on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his contributions to the country. The Chief Guest unveiled the portrait of Dr. Ambedkar amidst thunderous applause, a glowing tribute to the Builder of the Modern India. It was indeed a learning environment for the students of grades seven and eight of IES, the key audience of the programme, and they essentially imbibed the thoughts and principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the First Indian to pursue a Doctorate degree in Economics. A wunderkind of IES, CBSE I stream Sambav Jain (Grade 7), brightened up the audience and won plaudits by reciting a poem on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. A classical dance performance by the budding artists of the primary section of IES further enlivened the audience. The multifarious events added entertainment and luster to the whole programme.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Sunil Jain, while addressing the audience, expressed his delight and pride in being a part of such a celebration, and considered it as a great opportunity to meet the young minds. He said that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, was the Epitome of Equality and Social Justice, who took the bull by its horns to be successful in his life. Mr. Jain stressed upon the challenges to be taken by the youth of the nation, and the key role they had to play to see their country in its best shape. He said, “Only mind can break all barriers in terms of speed…. speed of thinking is faster than the speed of sound…..As students of the coming generation you should overcome all the barriers with your determined minds and thinking power”.
Mr. N.K. Ramachandran Menon, the Chairman, Bhavans Middle East and the Principal, Mr. T. Premkumar presented the Chief Guest a memento as a token of gratitude and respect of the Bhavans fraternity. Mr. Suresh V Balakrishnan the event coordinator and Vice Principal, CBSEi proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Meenakshi Nayyar, the HoD of Social Science, was the emcee of the programme. The 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar solemnly concluded with the recital of the Indian National Anthem. The day also marked the first celebration in 2016, when Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has entered its 10th year of excellence in education in the Middle East.