72ND REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION ST ARNOLD’S CENTRAL SCHOOL, PUNE

One Nation, One Constitution Spirit has become a reality over the last year while we courageously fought and continue to fight against the Covid-19. Upholding the spirit of unity high, St. Arnold’s Central School, Pune witnessed the celebration of the 72^nd Republic Day on 26^th January 2021. The Principal, Fr. Joyson Kurian, the faculty members and the support staff marked their presence with the sentiments of patriotism and dedication as they honoured the day. Though not in the campus, the students were connected through the Live Streaming of the programme arranged by the IT Team of the school.

The School was graced by the presence of the honourable Chief Guest, Master Chirag Falor, an ex-student, also the pride of the St. Arnold’s Central School, Pune. He excelled in academics and brought laurels to the school and the country by securing first rank in the All India JEE Advanced 2020. Chirag has taken admission in one of the prestigious top universities of the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology as he enrolled in ‘The Bachelors of Science’ degree course. He pursues online studies from India due to Covid-19 outbreak. Earlier he had received two gold medals and was the Absolute Winner for India at the 13^th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics IOAA , Hungary in August 2019.

Chirag has made the school proud by receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in the category of Bal Shakti Puraskar in January 2020 from the Honourable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and won praises from Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He has met several eminent dignitaries like the Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. He was selected to participate in the prestigious Pradhanmantri Innovative Learning Program ‘Dhruv’ in October 2019. He was awarded a certificate of merit in Indian National Physics Chemistry Mathematics and Astronomy Olympiad in 2020 conducted by HBCSE. Another feather was added to his success as he was awarded for his exemplary performance in team competition at the first global E-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics Meet-2020. He was

awarded the Gold Honour in the International Astronomical and Astrophysics competition in the year 2020.

The program commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag followed by the rendition of the National Anthem. The school echoed with patriotism with the recitation of prayer and the steering speeches by the students. Students and teachers presented patriotic songs and dance that reverberated in the surrounding. The performances were spellbinding. The Chief Guest highlighted the achievements of high academic standards and quality education delivered by the school for the development and progress of our city and country.

The highlight of the day was the school taking pride in felicitating its students who successfully graduated from Grade 10 for the Academic Year 2019-20 with exemplary results. These results reiterated the patient and persistent efforts of our students. Inspiring words from the toppers on time-management and self-discipline encouraged and provided guidance to the juniors. Their gratitude to parents and teachers for their support was evident in their oration. The program ended with a message to create a great nation with collective effort from all individuals celebrating the Republic Day in all its solemnity and grandeur.