14/11/2024
The S B Mills Sr Sec School Alumni Association's Annual Get Together was a grand celebration filled with enthusiasm, nostalgia, and joy. Held on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at The Florence Banquet Hall, Shivaji Marg, this year’s event was particularly special as it marked the Year of the school. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and a sense of belonging among the attendees.
The event began with a heartfelt welcome address by the President, Sh. Vivek Sardana. His speech was designed to set a positive and inclusive tone for the day. He emphasized the significance of the alumni community, highlighting how the shared memories and experiences from their school days create a strong bond among them. This sense of unity and belonging was a central theme in his address, aiming to remind everyone of the enduring connections they have with each other and the school.
Following the President’s address, the General Secretary, Dr. Rajiv Mathur, took the stage to present the annual report. His presentation was detailed and comprehensive, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the association over the past year. He began by praising the collective efforts of the Office Bearers, acknowledging their commitment and teamwork. He made sure to highlight the significant contributions of each Executive member, recognizing their individual efforts and the roles they played in the association’s success.
Rajiv then recounted the various activities and initiatives undertaken by the association throughout the year. This part of his presentation showcased the vibrant and active nature of the alumni community. He detailed events, projects, and programs that had been organized, illustrating how the association had worked to engage and support its alma mater. These activities not only fostered a sense of community but also demonstrated the association’s dedication to giving back to the school and its current students.
The financial report was then presented by the Treasurer, Arun Bansal. His transparent and thorough presentation provided a clear picture of the association’s financial health, ensuring that all members were well-informed about the financial status and the prudent management of funds.
The Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon was the Joint Secretary Ms. Veena Dhingra. She did an excellent job of guiding the entire event. Along with Ms. Anu Manocha and Sh. Sanjay Bajaj, she made sure everything went smoothly and kept the audience entertained.
The cultural program was a highlight of the event. It featured a variety of performances that showed off the many talents of the alumni. There were mono acts, where individuals performed short, dramatic pieces. Some alumni played musical instruments, adding a lovely touch to the event. Others recited poetry and gave speeches, sharing their thoughts and memories.
One of the most memorable parts of the program was the musical entertainment and the grand finale. Mrs. and Dr. Ash*t Avinashi gave a scintillating performance that really stood out. The event ended with an all-house dance extravaganza, where everyone joined in and danced together. This grand finale left the audience in high spirits and was a perfect way to conclude the cultural program.
The event received generous support from CCTV, and their sponsorship was greatly appreciated.
One of the most exciting parts of the day was a competition for the best reels and pictures. This fun activity was organized by Vice President and Tech Wizard, Sh. Sunil Kumar Gupta. He did a fantastic job of planning and running the competition, for over more than a week.
The winners of this competition received special gifts, which were sponsored by Sh. Anil Kumar Gupta, another alumnus of the school. This added a lot of excitement and friendly competition among the attendees.
Towards the end of the event, there was a lucky draw, which was another highlight. This lucky draw was sponsored by Sh. Ram Babu, another member of the alumni. The lucky draw added an element of surprise and joy, making the event even more enjoyable for everyone. The combination of these activities and the generous sponsorships made the event memorable and fun for all the participants.
Among the attendees were many respected former teachers and principals, including Sh. R. N. Ojha ji. The current principal of S.B. Mills Sr. Sec. School, Dr. Preeti Shukla, also attended the event. She praised the Alumni Association for their constant support and the great work they have been doing.
The coordination with the old teachers was very well planned and executed by the association’s 2nd Vice President, Dr. L. P. Sharma. His efforts ensured that the event felt like a heartfelt reunion for everyone. The presence of these esteemed educators added a special touch to the gathering, making it a memorable occasion for all the alumni.
The highlight of the event was the presence of the Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, along with his gracious wife. Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh’s interaction with the other alumni was marked by his humility and warmth. He arrived unannounced, blending in as just another alumnus, which immediately set a tone of camaraderie. He made it a point to meet and greet every alumni member present, treating them as equals and reminiscing about their shared school days.
His respect for his former teachers was particularly tender. He sought their blessings by touching their feet, a gesture that deeply moved everyone present. His speech to the audience was heartfelt, emphasizing that his high-ranking position was temporary and that he was, at heart, one of them. This humility and genuine connection made a lasting impression on all attendees.
Throughout the event, both he and his wife participated in the cultural activities and enjoyed the multi-cuisine food, staying until the very end. Their presence added a special touch to the celebration, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Dr. Vijay Rai, Advisor & founding Gen. Secretary, briefly outlined the future plans of the association, highlighting the exciting initiatives and projects in the pipeline. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks presented by Advisor and Past President Raman Mangla, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event.
The Annual Get Together was a resounding success, a demonstration to the strong bonds and enduring spirit of the alumni community. The pictures of the program are being uploaded on the website of the Alumni Association – https://www.sbmalumni.com/gallery.php?catgalid=70efdf2ec9b086079795c442636b55fb
It was a day filled with laughter, memories, and a renewed sense of camaraderie, leaving everyone looking forward to the next reunion.