Manama: The Indian School, Bahrain (ISB) marked the beginning of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a grand inaugural event held on Thursday (January 23) at the school’s Isa Town campus. The occasion marked the start of a year-long commemoration of the school’s 75th anniversary, celebrating its legacy of academic excellence, cultural diversity and significant community service.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries Her Excellency Dr. Sana Said Abdulla Al-Haddad, Assistant Under Secretary for Educational Planning and Licensing, Ministry of Education, His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Ms. Luluwa Ghassan Al-Mehanna, Director of the Private Education Directorate at the Ministry of Education. Special guests, including notable business leaders and philanthropists Lalchand Gajria, Baboo Kewalram, and Nevin Megchiani, also graced the occasion.
Honorary Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese addressed the gathering with the presidential speech, emphasizing the school’s continuous commitment to excellence and its role in fostering a global community.The highlight of the opening ceremony was a vibrant procession, highlighting the school’s rich cultural diversity. The Platinum Jubilee logo designed by student Johan Johnson Titus of grade 11R, was released during the event which featured a series of artistic performances. The event was organized by a dedicated platinum jubilee committee, led by its chairman Prince S Natarajan and Mohammed Hussain Malim, a well-known businessman and community leader. Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian, Hon. Vice-Chairman & Hon. Member HSSE and Sports Dr. Mohammed Faizal, Hon. Assistant Secretary & Hon. Member-Academics Ranjini Mohan, Hon. Member-Finance & IT Bonny Joseph, Hon. Member-Projects & Maintenance Mithun Mohan, Hon. Member-Transport Mohammad Nayaz Ullah, Principal VR Palaniswamy, Junior Wing Principal Pamela Xavier, Senior School & Academic Administration Vice-Principal G. Satheesh, Middle Section Vice-Principal Jose Thomas, Junior Wing Vice-Principal Priya Laji, and Staff Representative Parvathi Devadas attended the ceremony. Prince S. Natarajan, the Chairman of the Platinum Jubilee organizing committee, took the stage to announce a series of exciting events and activities planned for the year-long celebrations. These will include an Aalekh Painting Contest, an Education Conclave, a musical concert, a Literary Festival, a record-breaking dance performance, a Global Alumni Meet, and major infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing the school’s facilities. Several notable businessmen and community leaders and former members of the school’s executive committee also attended the event, including LuLu Group Regional Director Juzer Rupawala, Bhagwan Asarpota, Vijay Kumar Mukhiya, ICRF Chairman Adv. VK Thomas, Sayid Fakrudhin Thangal, former chairman Abraham John, former secretary Saji Antony, Shafi Parakatta,Vipin Kumar and Jacob Varghese.
A key moment in the ceremony was the screening of a video showcasing the school’s illustrious 75-year journey. The video, created by students Madhav Manohar (Grade 11H) and Jonathan Abraham Dilson (Grade 11R), was a nostalgic look at the institution’s evolution and impact over the decades. The video’s voice-over was narrated by Tanmay Rajesh (Grade 12J), and the logo animation was done by Gordon Godwin Edacheril(11J). The video not only highlighted the school’s academic achievements but also its contributions to cultural diversity and community service. A vibrant flash mob, choreographed by alumni Beena Babu, captivated the audience with their energetic performance. The little ones from the Junior Campus delighted the audience with a vibrant Arabic dance performance. In a heartfelt tribute to the school’s rich legacy, the teachers also performed a song, beautifully penned by Junior Wing Principal Pamela Xavier. Jashanmal Group Director Tony Jashanmal and former teacher Edna Sequeira sent heartfelt video messages to the school’s celebration, sharing their memories and best wishes for the ISB’s continued success.
Earlier cultural programme was enriched by an invocation dance presented by the ISB students, reflecting the school’s vibrant arts scene. The event began with the national anthems of India and Bahrain, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the celebrations. Principal VR Palaniswamy delivered a warm welcome address, acknowledging the significant role the school has played in shaping generations of students. Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian expressed sincere gratitude during the vote of thanks, acknowledging all those who contributed to the success of the event.
Head Boy Shan Diamond Louis(12J) and Head Girls Abigail Ellis Shibu(12B)and Evana Rachel Binu(10J) served as the Masters of Ceremony, performing exceptionally well under the guidance of teachers Dhanya Sumesh, Prajisha Anand, Sumi Mary George, and Kavitha Gopakumar. A large number of parents, teachers, students, and representatives from various organizations and institutions were present to celebrate the school’s milestone.
