97th Founder’s Day ! 29th January 2022
Video by Barnes School E – Learning via YouTube
Source
THE 97TH FOUNDER’S DAY
SATURDAY, 29TH JANUARY 2022
Call it a gut feeling, or vibes, possibly the supernatural, or the highly spiritual, but I can’t shake off the notion that Barnes School’s 97th Founder’s Day service on Saturday, 29th January 2022 somehow triggered the reopening of schools after a hiatus of almost 2 agonizing years.
The introduction of the Founder’s Day as the most important day in the school calendar to commemorate those who founded the school, by the Junior School Supervisor, Mrs. Leona Kingsellers, was followed in quick succession by A Call to Worship, Blessing of the Flags, the School Hymn, the First and the Second Reading.
The Principal, Mr. Edgar’s Founder’s Day message began with a huge thank you to the Alumni for having driven all the way from Pune and Mumbai to attend this auspicious and solemn occasion, including words of heartfelt gratitude for Air Chief Marshal Anil Tipnis and Admiral Karambir Singh for the MiG-21 and the Sikorsky UH-3H Seaking, twin-engine helicopter gifted by them as a token of their undying love for Barnes.
Mr. Edgar willed the teachers to think out of the box, be innovative and resourceful since what was taught yesterday may not be relevant today. He cited “experience” as the best teacher in the world and urged the teachers to leave the power of their teaching with the children and let them find their path, because a well-educated mind is a well-framed mind.
His short but overwhelming message included the creation of the cheapest car, Nano, and the cheapest ECG machine, the setting up of the 1st IIT center in Kharagpur from the remains of a detention center under the British, as well as the discovery of the pathbreaking “zero” by Aryabhata, the brilliant Indian Mathematician.
The Intercessory Prayer by the Pre-Primary Coordinator, Mrs. Sharon Frederick, followed the choral presentation of “It is well with my soul” by the choir consisting of staff and students, after which came speeches by the Vice Head Boy, Kaushal Mhatre and the Head Boy, Varun Pillai, aptly describing Barnes as “a home away from home.”
The Offertory Hymn, the School Anthem and the customary cutting of the cake concluded the 97th Founder’s Day service.