ANNUAL SPORTS DAY 2025-26 of St Joseph’s Convent, Bhopal
The city of Bhopal witnessed a gala event of a unique blend of sports activities and cultural bonanza on the 6th of December 2025 in the sports arena of St. Joseph’s Convent School, Idgah Hils, Bhopal as the school celebrated its 42nd Annual Sports Day. The program, aptly titled AAROHAN was designed in such a way so as to prepare every child to reach the summit and win. The chief guest for this occasion was Brig. Rajneesh Singh Gaur, DDG (NCC MP & CG Directorate) from the Army Service Corps of the Indian Army. A highly decorated officer, Brig. Rajneesh Gaur has been felicitated with Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card twice in 2013 and 2022. He has also been bestowed with General Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Command Commendation Card in the year 2019 for his instructional prowess at DSSC, Wellington. He has numerous other awards to his credit.
Rev. Sr. Maurice George CSJ, Provincial Superior (Pachmari Province) was the guest of honor.
On arrival, the chief guest was received by the principal Dr. Sr. Lilly and greeted with fanfare for VIP call by the school band. The chief guest was then escorted to the VVIP enclosure by the NCC cadets.
As per the tradition of the school, the program began with a prayer service. Student representatives from all levels gave a welcome speech. The star of show was Iris, the special Robot of the school, who greeted the guests in her own special way. The chief guest and guest of honor were greeted with a sapling, denoting progress, growth and continuity. The solemn ceremony of unfurling of the sports flag was then done by the chief guest in the presence of the principal Dr. Sr. Lilly assisted by the sports officer Mr. Ravdeep Singh Malhari.
The Prime Minister of the school parliament Wania Alam then marched forward to invite the chief guest for the inspection of the parade. The students, arranged in squads according to their respective houses, stood in attention as the chief guest inspected the parade. The chief guest was then escorted back to the VVIP enclosure. As the prime minister cautioned the parade for march past, the school mascot Joseita emerged, dressed in white and holding a bunch of lilies, symbol of beauty, peace and perseverance. Behind her all the squads, led by the prime minister Wania Alam presented a rhythmic and disciplined march past on the beats of the school band.
In a unique blend of Indian and Western music, the school choir, band and the dancers presented a welcome song and dance making it clear that music transcends boundaries and art knows no limits. Through their performance, they gave a message of Peace, Progress and Prosperity.
The chief guest then declared the 42nd sports meet open. This was followed by the solemn ceremony of lighting of the sports torch. The sports minister Sanskriti Shivhare and the Dy. sports minister Saumya Nahar carried the torch through the sports field and installed it on the highest point to keep it burning till the end of the program. All the athletes then took the oath of fair and honest play.
The students of all the classes presented their respective PT displays according to their groups interspersed with various track events. The bright beginners of education, the nursery students, presented their PT display titled Ripples of Joy. Dressed in green frocks and colored streamers, they emerged from the gates of heaven giving the message that each joyful action is a phenomenon to multiply kindness and love with a far reaching and lasting influence on numerous lives.
The students of KG I & II presented their colorful PT titled Crown of Freedom. Dressed in yellow frocks and holding a floral ring, the tiny tots, through their heart stealing actions, gave the message that humanity needs freedom to dream, freedom to allow imagination to touch the horizon of ideas and the freedom to dance with electronic beats.
Lanterns of Harmony was the PT display presented by the minor students of classes I & II. Holding their house color lanterns they showcased various formations. The rising lanterns with gentle swing movement reflected transition and clarity of life. Together, all the lanterns symbolized inner illumination.
The Sub Juniors of classes III & V presented a new and empowered world of green and sustainable energy through their PT titled Build the Empire of energy. Dressed in white naval outfit and holding a windmill, they came with a message to the world to become a leader of clean green energy. These naval guards with timeless wisdom were all prepared to lead the world towards an ecofriendly development of Swarnim Bharat.
Students of classes VI to VIII, dressed as Veeranganas of new India, presented their PT based on the theme Rhythm of Life. They highlighted the importance of self defense and women empowerment.
The school band presented a splendid display of harmony and rhythm and disciplined march with various instruments, their presentation showing weeks of practice and final perfection.
Life is dynamic. A static life has no meaning. Thus, all set to create Waves of Change, the senior students of classes IX to XII presented their PT display. They held feathers as a metaphor for powerful transformation not of mere individual but of the entire society. At the end of the display, the school mascot Joseita emerged as a harbinger of peace, holding a conch shell, a symbol of cosmic energy, denoting its resounding call for final victory.
In his address to the audience the chief guest Brig. Rajneesh Singh Gaur appreciated the grand show presented by the school. He also said that real education connects you with your roots. He insisted that the young girls of today must make winning their habit. He also added that today’s generation must not prepare to get a job but rather prepare to give jobs. He encouraged them to develop a passionate love towards their country.
Prizes were given to all the winners and achievers of various sports events and competitions. The principal Dr. Sr. Lilly proposed the vote of thanks. The 42nd Annual Sports Meet was then declared closed. In the solemn ceremony of Beating Retreat, the sports Flag was respectfully folded and handed over by the prime minister Wania Alam to the sports officer Mr. Ravdeep Singh Malhari, who handed it over to the chief guest, who in turn handed it over to the principal. The principal then handed the sports flag to the sports officer to be kept in safe custody till the next sports meet.
Nitish Chughani, Saumya Nahar and Rumesha Ahmed were declared individual champions in their respective categories. Tagore House, meanwhile, clinched the Inter-House Overall Championship Trophy.
The program concluded with the national anthem played by the school band.
