The Assam Valley School: Founder’s Day, 2004

[I can't express how deeply I miss my days back in The Assam Valley School. Sitting out in the veranda this evening reminiscing, reliving the good days and the bad, I remembered the day I had to make this speech, and how my voice had quivered and how tears had rolled down my cheeks when I had said the words 'Thank You'.]

This is a profound moment for The Assam Valley School: The resolve to work and excel has come to signify the institution. At this moment our alma mater demands commitment. Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the urge to draw back, and always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative, and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. Each one in The Assam Valley School is committed to the cause of this wondrous institution; to the change that this world so desperately requires. With the strength, the will, and the determination that would even move Providence, this community is but a step away from the ideal.

This is not the outcome of the effort of an individual, but of the collective effort of a thousand odd individuals, each unique in his or her contribution to the building of this family, without which this family would have been incomplete.

Today we are gathered in this hall to celebrate the commitment and the effort that has gone into the successful endeavour that is The Assam Valley School. From the person wielding the pen in the Headmaster’s office, to the person wielding the broom in the classrooms and corridors; from the person bending over stoves in the school kitchen, to the person with a rifle in the cold darkness of the night; from the pupils who frequent the teachers’ conversations, to the pupils who go unnoticed: It is the dedication and hard work of these souls that have made The Assam Valley School what it is today. Even to the most undiscerning eye the effort of these people will never go unnoticed even though they may themselves remain unrecognized. To these people, who’ve been my family, my friends, and have made AVS more than a second home to me, I owe half of everything that I am today. And all I can say in return are two small words: ‘Thank you’. And this I say with all my heart.

I take this opportunity on behalf of The Assam Valley School to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Chief Guest, Sir Mark Tully, whose presence has enormously impacted on the AVS community. Sir, this moment, we shall cherish for life. We deeply appreciate the presence of Mr. BM Khaitan, Mr. PK Khaitan, Mrs. JJ Garwood, Professor Ranjit Bhatia, and Mr. Rajeev Takru. Your mere presence has enhanced the reputation of this school. I thank you for your gracious presence.

~ by Sayan on September 20, 2008.