BE MULTI-TALENTED: PUNEET SRIVASTAVA

BE MULTI-TALENTED: PUNEET SRIVASTAVA

18-JULY-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------A grand ceremony was held on Friday at 'Shanti Smriti' Sambhavna Residential High School, located in Shubh Narayan Nagar, Majhauwa, to honor Puneet Srivastava, the Commanding Officer of the 5 Bihar Battalion NCC. Students welcomed the guests by performing a welcome song. School Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra and Principal Dr. Archana Singh jointly honored Puneet Srivastava by presenting him with a traditional stole (*angavastra*) and a memento. Colonel Rana Pratap Singh was also honored with a traditional stole on this occasion.

Addressing the students, chief guest Puneet Srivastava stated that for success, personality development is just as important as academics. He urged the students to avoid unnecessary addiction to social media, strengthen their memory, and study with dedication. He said, "Be multi-talented and focus on your personality development. There is no substitute for hard work. In the Indian Army, only hard work counts—not shortcuts or 'jugaad'."

He remarked that it is a matter of pride for the cadets of Sambhavna School that their Principal, Dr. Archana Singh, was once the best NCC cadet in Bihar and serves as a source of inspiration for the students today. He specifically called upon the female students to make the most of this opportunity.

The Commanding Officer stated that the NCC is a school of unity and discipline, offering youth excellent opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces, including the 'Agniveer' scheme. He also assured that he would strive to secure permanent recognition for the NCC unit at Sambhavna School, ensuring that both the school and the cadets could benefit from all government facilities.

In her welcome address, School Principal Dr. Archana Singh said that the Commanding Officer's visit had infused new energy into the students and NCC cadets. She noted that the school places equal importance on discipline, patriotism, and character building alongside academics. On this occasion, Colonel Rana Pratap Singh also guided the students, inspiring them to embrace discipline, leadership qualities, and a spirit of service to the nation in their lives.

Senior teacher Arvind Kumar Ojha conducted the program, while the vote of thanks was proposed by the school's ANO, Praveen Kumar Singh. The event was attended by Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra; music teachers Dharmendra Kumar and Amitesh Kumar; art teacher Sanjeev Sinha; NCC Assistant CTO Sheelu Kumari; Ankit Kumar Mishra; other members of the teaching staff; and a large number of students. The program concluded with a collective rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.