RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Adarsh Vidyalaya Devendra Nagar celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 14 th December 2024 with great fervor, contentment, pomp and show. It was a momentous occasion for school to celebrate the special milestone of the 50th year of its glorious, unwavering and dedicated commitment to the cause of quality education at an affordable fee for the people of Raipur. The much awaited event, "Swarnima" was the fever pitch culmination of the year long celebration of the institution's great success in the field of education, manifested by the group's undeniable presence with 4 quality schools in the city - Adarsh Vidyalaya Devendra Nagar (CGBSE), Adarsh Vidyalaya Tatibandh (CBSE), Adarsh Vidyalaya Mowa (CBSE) and Adarsh International Atal Nagar (CBSE).

The event was held in  two segments at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Auditorium, Raipur. The first segment was the Alumni Meet from 9.00 a.m.to 2.00 p.m. The former students from the batch of 1986-87 to 2023-24 felicitated their teachers and expressed their love and gratitude for all their benign efforts to transform them into what they are today. The students by their exemplary gesture made the Indian tradition of teachers-students relationship immortal.

The second segment  meant for the present students, parents and teachers commenced at 5.00 p.m. with a joyous get- together. The guests were escorted and adorned with the golden- jubilee badges. The programme formally started with the lighting of the lamp and garlanding of goddess Saraswati by the guests who were cordially welcomed with saplings according to the rich tradition of the school and a melodious welcome song by the school choir.

Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice - Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Dr. Vijay Kumar Khandelwal, DEO Raipur as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Vinod Pillai, President of the Raipur Kerala Samajam as the Special Guest and the other Members of the Governing Body of the Samajam were the Special Invitees to the event, 'Swarnima'. The Jubilee Souvenir - "ADARSHIKA" - was released by the chief guest who presented a  copy to the guests present on the occasion.

The special guest, Vinod Pillai in his speech congratulated all the stakeholders of the institution - teachers, students, parents and well-wishers for their respective contributions to its overall growth. He also gratefully and respectfully recalled the salutable dedication and commitment shown by the pioneers and their successors of the Raipur Kerala Samajam in bringing up Adarsh Vidyalaya as an ideal educational institution in Raipur. The guest of honour, Dr. Vinay Kumar Khandelwal, DEO Raipur wished a fruitful time and all the blessings of goddess Saraswati on the occasion of the school's milestone of the golden jubilee. The chief guest appreciated and congratulated all students, teachers, officials, and the management committee members for their wonderful work which brought credit to the city in the field of education. He opined that serving the cause of education is an act of nation building which the Adarsh Group of Schools has been performing  gracefully. He wished success and good luck to all.

The toppers of class X & XII of the previous year were given away special prizes for their outstanding performances in the Board Examination 2023-24 by the chief guest and the guest of honour.  Sports champions and achievers in Competitive Exams were also awarded on the stage. Mementos were offered to the guests. The  Annual School Report was presented by the school Principal, Ms. Suman Shanbhag.

The scintillating cultural programmes presented by students swept the stage and won the applause of the gathered. The 'Golden Jubilee Journey Skit', depicted the humble beginning of the school in 1974 at its Jail Road old campus by the daring initiative of the founders of the Raipur Kerala Samajam, the salutable dedication of its members and the school's eventful journey till the milestone of the 50th jubilee celebrations.  The Golden Jubilee song created a nostalgic effect on the audience.

The stage  performance of the Nursery class charmed the entire auditorium. 'Me and Mom' by the kids had the novelty of the mother-parents and their nursery kids dancing cheerfully together on the stage. A 'Puppet Dance' by PP I took the viewers to the traditional social rural life of Rajasthan, whereas 'Season Dance' by PP II provided a feel of different seasons to the spectators by means of the props and the costumes of the little dancers. The parents were beaming with pride in their children's talents.

'Rhythm of Kerala' gave an enchanting presentation of Kerala's  vibrant cultural and social life, with different popular dance forms and martial arts captured the spectators' mind. 

'Bharat Darshan' from the students of class 6-8 gave a glimpse of the rich cultural life of the different states of the motherland, India. 

The colourful and energetic performances of 'Ganesh Vandana' & 'Shiv Stuti',  by the senior student- dancers created a pious environment of reverence and awe. 'Pride of Chhattisgarh' showcased the cultural tradition of the state with its simplicity and peaceful life in the lap of nature, strengthening a feeling of pride belonging to the land.

A theme-based  performance, 'Women Empowerment' depicted the theme of exploitation and  difficulties faced by women. The dancers made a firm declaration of their support to all women to move forward fearlessly in all walks of life and be winners. 'Bhangra', the lively dance by senior students took everyone to the land of the Punjab. Everybody gathered at the auditorium felt impressed by the electrifying shows of the students. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Vice-Principal, K. K. Unnikrishnan Nair and the singing of the national anthem.