Sainik School Balachadi, Jamnagar celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on Saturday. Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Minister of Education, Gujarat was the Chief Guest while Poonamben Maadam, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Brigadier Siddharth Chandra, Commander, 31 Infantry Brigade, Dr Sourabh Pardhi, IAS, Collector, Jamnagar, Colonel Haresh Limbachiya, Vice President, Old Boys of Sainik School Association (OBSSA) and Dr Bharatsinh Gadhvi were the Guests of Honours.
On arrival, the Chief Guest laid a wreath on Shourya Stambh, the war memorial of martyrs. Later, the newly constructed boys hostel ‘Sardar Patel House’ was inaugurated by the Chief Guest whereas the renovated girls hostel ‘Ahilyabai House’ was inaugurated by Poonamben.
The cultural presentation on the opening ceremony for the Diamond Jubilee celebration was conducted in the school auditorium which started with the welcome address delivered by Group Captain Ravinder Singh, Principal, Sainik School Balachadi. The Principal highlighted the 60 years glorious journey of the school. He paid tribute to the founding fathers, previous administrators and the staff by remembering their contribution towards the development of the school.
He also conveyed his gratitude to the state for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Defence. This will help in the overall development of the school in bringing it up to world standards.
In the cultural programme, Cadet Krisha Vadher danced on Saraswati Vandana which was followed by an inspirational song sung by teachers and cadets of the school.
On this occasion, paintings of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, and Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh were unveiled. In her address, Poonamben said that as a women representative and member of the women’s empowerment committee, she is elated that Sainik School Balachadi is inducting girl cadets on the lines of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Also, the Sainik school is representation of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest congratulated the officers, staff, and cadets for celebrating the Diamond Jubilee and admitting the first batch of girls in class 6th from this year. He told that his wish is to see Gujarati daughters wearing olive uniforms and contributing to the defence services of the nation. He insisted the cadets of the school think big and aim high and never ever get disappointed by failures. He wished all the best to the students in the days to come.
The vote of thanks was presented by Lieutenant Commander Manu Arora, Vice Principal, Sainik School Balachadi, and the function culminated with the presentation of the school song.