The Graduation Ceremony at Welham Boys’ School was a solemn event as the air was charged with a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and a touch of melancholy. The graduation ceremony, held on the verdant lawns of our beloved school on February 7, 2024, marked the end of an era and the beginning of new adventures. The staff and students bid adieu to the graduating class of ’24. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Pramath Raj Sinha. Mr. Sinha is the Founding Dean of Indian School of Business (ISB) and one of the Founders of Harappa Education, 9.9 Group, Ashoka University, Vedica Scholars Programme for Women and Naropa Fellowship. Mr. Sinha was formerly the CEO of Ananda Bazar Patrika (ABP) Group, a leading media company, and a Partner at McKinsey & Company. The Principal, Ms. Sangeeta Kain in her address to the graduating batch advised the students to embrace failure and success in a comparable spirit and to uphold the value systems that they have cultured at Welham. She reminded us that education is not just about textbooks and exams; it’s about discovering our passions, nurturing empathy, and embracing diversity.  

 

After a Vedic prayer chant by the students, citations were presented by the Chief Guest to the class of 2023-2024. Prajjwal Prasad received both the Scholar’s Gown and Scholar’s Scarf along with being awarded the Platinum Crest for winning The Distinction Certificate Award for the ninth time in a row. The Principal then announced the most awaited and prestigious awards of the evening: the Principal’s Commendation Award was presented to Sankalp Gupta; the Faculty Award for Exemplary Behaviour went to Bimarsh Jha; Uriet Dewan was felicitated with The Kataria Trophy for the Best All-Rounder, the Service to The Community Award was given to Sankalp Gupta and the Gulab Ramchandani Trophy for the Gentleman of the Year was conferred on Bimarsh Jha. 

 

This year, the Kurt Hahn Prize, a global award presented in recognition of an exceptional act of service to others, with the aim of acknowledging individual student enterprise, bravery, tenacity, and compassion was awarded to Sankalp Gupta. Sankalp was also awarded the Highly Commended Certificate at The Roy McComish Art Award, an annual worldwide art competition held at the Round Square International Conference, Kenya. 

 

In her address to the school, Sankalp Gupta’s mother, Mrs. Shilpa Gupta, detailed how the school systemically helped Sankalp become the best version of himself with the zenith dawning with his early acceptance at Cornell University. Uriet Dewan’s mother, Dr. Manisha Dewan, commended the school and the staff for fostering a dynamic environment that led the boys bringing laurels and commendations from all across the world in diverse fields. 

 

Trayambak Raj Prassan Kartik Pathak, the outgoing School Captain, spoke about how Welham has instilled in the boys the concepts of resilience, determination, and growth. Their journey through high school had been a tapestry of experiences—late-night study sessions, spirited debates, laughter-filled corridors, and friendships that would last a lifetime. 

 

The Chief Guest in his speech congratulated the school for not only creating an atmosphere focussed on academic accomplishments but also fostering the spirit of camaraderie among the graduating students during the incredible journey of becoming young gentlemen from little boys. He emphasized the need for students to pause and appreciate the Welham journey. 

 

Amidst the melodious strains of Auld Lang Sync, the batch of ’24 had a final handshake with the Principal and released their wish lanterns into the sky.