Bhubaneswar: The Annual Founder’s Day of SAI International Residential School (SIRS) was celebrated in style, with the two-day event highlighting the essence of sportsmanship, teamwork and holistic education.
The 7th Founder’s Day programme began with an energetic Sports Day at SAI International Stadium on December 19.
Former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani inaugurated the SIRS annual sports meet. The evening featured a vibrant performance of the Founder’s English Play and Chronicles of Harry Potter.
The second day saw cultural programmes and festivities, and presentation of academic honours.
Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate of Cuttack, encouraged students to integrate their studies with sports and arts, and develop into well-rounded personalities.
“Education is the solution to all issues and teaches you to distinguish between right and wrong,” he said.
Shinde recalled collaborating with founder-chairman Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo to provide benefits to people from poor communities in Ganjam, which resulted in the district winning two national awards.
Praising Dr Sahoo for his services to government schools while serving as advisor for Odisha Adarsh Vidyalayas, Shinde said the former’s innovative work was crucial in raising governmental standards. He also applauded SAI International Education Group chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo for carrying on the inspirational heritage of Dr Sahoo.
The audience was entertained by a Symphony Choir performance, and an exhibition showcasing student innovation and creativity was organised.
Achievers in academics and extracurricular activities were felicitated, and prestigious awards like the Founder’s Trophy (Dhvaja House) and Overall Academic Awards were presented to the winning houses.
The following were felicitated and honoured — winners of Founder’s Cup Debate (champions Vajra House, runners-up Chakra House), toppers from Science (95.2%), Commerce (98%) and Humanities (97.6%), emerging Global SAIoneer, recipients of Overall Academic Award (Vajra House), runners-up Award for Overall Academics (Chakra House), winner award for Cultural (Chakra House), runners-up Award for Cultural (Dhvaja House), and the prestigious Founder’s Trophy (Dhvaja House).
