ISB Kicks Off Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Grand Style

TDT | Manama

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The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee with a spectacular inaugural event on Thursday, January 23, at its Isa Town campus. The celebration marked the beginning of a year-long tribute to the institution's 75-year legacy of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community service.

The ceremony was attended by a distinguished lineup of guests, including Her Excellency Dr. Sana Said Abdulla Al-Haddad, Assistant Under Secretary for Educational Planning and Licensing at Bahrain’s Ministry of Education; His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain; and Ms. Luluwa Ghassan Al-Mehanna, Director of the Private Education Directorate. Prominent business leaders and philanthropists such as Lalchand Gajria, Baboo Kewalram, and Nevin Megchiani also graced the occasion.

A Tribute to Legacy and Diversity

The event opened with the national anthems of India and Bahrain and a recitation from the Holy Quran. A vibrant procession and artistic performances followed, showcasing the school’s multicultural ethos. A special highlight was the unveiling of the Platinum Jubilee logo, designed by student Johan Johnson Titus of Grade 11R, symbolizing ISB’s enduring legacy.

Honorary Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering a global community in his presidential address. Principal VR Palaniswamy’s welcome speech highlighted ISB’s pivotal role in shaping generations of students, while Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian extended heartfelt gratitude to contributors and attendees.

The cultural program featured an invocation dance, a flash mob choreographed by alumnus Beena Babu, and a lively Arabic dance performance by students from the Junior Campus. Teachers paid homage to the school with a song penned by Junior Wing Principal Pamela Xavier.

Commemorative Video and Future Vision

A nostalgic video chronicling ISB’s 75-year journey was a key moment, created by students Madhav Manohar (Grade 11H) and Jonathan Abraham Dilson (Grade 11R), with voice-over by Tanmay Rajesh (Grade 12J). The video captured the school’s evolution, from its inception to its present role as a cornerstone of education in Bahrain.

Chairman of the Platinum Jubilee Organizing Committee, Prince S. Natarajan, announced an exciting lineup of events for the year, including an Aalekh Painting Contest, an Education Conclave, a Literary Festival, a musical concert, a Global Alumni Meet, and record-breaking dance performances. Major infrastructure projects were also revealed, aimed at enhancing the school’s facilities.

Community Participation and Honors

A host of dignitaries and former leaders of ISB’s executive committee attended, including Juzer Rupawala, Bhagwan Asarpota, Abraham John, and Saji Antony. Heartfelt video messages from luminaries such as Tony Jashanmal and former teacher Edna Sequeira added a personal touch to the celebrations.

Head Boy Shan Diamond Louis (Grade 12J) and Head Girls Abigail Ellis Shibu (Grade 12B) and Evana Rachel Binu (Grade 10J) expertly hosted the event under the guidance of teachers Dhanya Sumesh, Prajisha Anand, Sumi Mary George, and Kavitha Gopakumar.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from parents, teachers, students, and community leaders, marking a historic milestone for the Indian School Bahrain. This grand inaugural set the tone for a year dedicated to honoring the past while embracing a bright and promising future.