26th Foundation Day Celebrations
Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam Inter College, Muni-ki-reti, 1st Dec. 2008

Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam started on 1st December 1983 with 3 students and now has got a strength of 2400 students. The 26th Foundation Day on 1st December, 2008, saw the culmination of the year long Silver Jubilee Celebrations which had commenced on 1st December, 2007. The Silver Jubilee year was a galore of activities, both at the Inter House and at the Inter School levels. The year passed off very quickly, it just seemed the other day, that we had started off with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations and now we had reached the threshold of completing the year.

The programme was inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the lamp to invoke the blessings of the Almighty, by the Chief Guest Swami Ram Kripalu Dasji, Swami Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj, Kumari Somashekhariji, by the Guest of Honour Shri Waryam Singhji, our honourable Principal Col. (Retd.) D.L. Sachdeva, Mrs. Kiran Taneja and Mr. R.K. Shrivastava.

The cultural bonanza was preceded by a Vandana, to invoke the blessings of Maa Saraswati. Thereafter the teachers presented a song dedicated to the memory of Paramahamsa Swami Omkarananda Saraswati. The lyrics of this song was written by one of our ex-teachers, Mr. Sunil C. Jakhmola and it was composed by our teacher Dr. (Mrs.) Quaylee Chakravorty.

The next performance was a beautiful fusion of Indian dances which enthralled one and all sitting there. The next on the line was a prayer by the students of the Junior Wing which elucidated the qualities of a good human being and if the man made barriers are removed, we will live in a world which is full of peace and serenity. The Rajasthani dance just added to the brilliance and the razz matazz that was spread all around. This was followed by yet another cute performance by the tiny tots of the Preparatory Wing which left the audience asking for more.

Our revered Swami Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj had an earnest desire to recognize the hard work, devotion and dedication of the entire Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam Family towards their work. This desire he put into deed by felicitating the entire OSN family. Not only on this occasion, but ever since the inception of the school, whenever we, the OSNites have looked up to him for help and support he has always been very generous and forthcoming in his response. As a token of appreciation, the entire teaching, non teaching staff and the Managing Committee were presented with mementos.

This was followed by a Group Song performed by the students of the senior wing. This song highlighted the importance of music in the life of human beings. The star performance of the programme was the Dhunuchi Dance. It is performed on the beat of a drum (dhak) and cymbal. It is basically an Aarti which is performed in the honour of Maa Durga during the Durga Puja celebrations. The scintillating performance left the audience spell bound. The dexterity with which the dancers performed the movements of hands and feet was to be seen to be believed. This is a traditional form of dance of West Bengal.

In the Orchestra, the precision of the players on the different instruments made the audience sway to their beat and rhythm and gave a befitting end to the lovely cultural programme.

The most touching moment was, when one of the oldest teachers, Mrs. P. Nautiyal, (now retired) climbed up the stairs of the stage and was greeted warmly by Swami Vishveshwar'anandaji and the Principal. She was overwhelmed by the kind gesture of Swamiji, Principal and all the teachers. She was followed by Mrs. Majumdar, Mrs. Usha Saxena, Mrs. Amita Rastogi, Mrs. Kusum Srivastava, Dr. Pushpa Srivastava, Mrs. Shalini Singh, Miss Pooja Tyagi, Mr. Sunil C. Jakhmola, Dr. Yuvraj, Mr. Ba'bulkar and Mr. Sharad Agarwal.

The entire atmosphere was purified by the presence of Swami Ram Kripalu Dasji, the Chief Guest, and his inspiring and lively speech infused everyone with zest to live life to the fullest. He appreciated the performance of the students and felt like a child while watching the tiny tots performing. He applauded the hard work of the students, teachers, Principal and the guiding force behind all this, Swami Vishveshwar'anandaji. He was impressed by the overall performance of the students on the stage. He congratulated the school on completing 25 years of establishment and wished further on success in the future. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Waryam Singh, a great educationist, too, congratulated the Inter College on its Silver Jubilee and conveyed his best wishes. He advised the students to study diligently and to gain new heights.

Swami Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj, in his speech, expressed his heartfelt adorations to all the students, teachers, staff and the Principal for completing 25 glorious years. His magnanimity could be seen when he recognised the hard work and dedication of the OSN teachers and staff when he presented a memento to each of the members of OSN. He expressed his happiness at the sight of the old teachers who once served in this institution and wished them success.

In his Vote of Thanks, the Principal Col. (Retd.) D.L. Sachdeva thanked Swami Ram Kripalu Dasji for his benign presence and Swami Vishveshwar'anandaji, Kumari Soma'shekhariji, Swami Narasimhuluji, Mr. Surat Singh Negi and all other members of the Managing Committee for taking out their precious time and being a part of the 26th Foundation Day. He welcomed all the old teachers and thanked them for sharing their feelings on this occasion.

In a nutshell, the culmination of the Silver Jubilee Celebration was a roaring success.