25th Founders’ Celebration

The 25th Founders’ Celebrations began on 10th February, with a Special Assembly. Chairman, Mr. David Summerscale, sent his wishes and blessings via a pre-recorded video. ‘Life is a struggle, upward and ever upward and effort is what counts’. he said. The Aviator symbol designed by student Zeenat Ullah was released. 51 staff members were recognised for 25 years of service to AVS. Major and Minor colours were awarded followed by the traditional school picnic.

11th February, Foundation Day, was marked with a Special Assembly and the release of the ‘Campus Chronicles’. After the Special Assembly unveiling of the Busts of Mr. B.M. Khaitan was done by our guest of Honour, Mr. Akhil Khaitan and Mrs. Julia Magor by Dr. Vidhukesh Vimal. Mr. Ashok Krishan, Head of Plantations, McLeod Russel inaugurated the Exhibitions (Art, CDT, Photography, Archives & Covid Chronicles). In the afternoon AVS enjoyed the first edition of The Silver Jubilee Debate between the alumni and the present debating team. The topic stated ‘An overdose of equality leads to anarchy.’ The motion was carried with Team Alumni winning the trophy. Students enjoyed the evening with a well-organised Rock Fest.

On the 12th morning we were treated to a dance-drama ‘The Game of Dice’ from the Mahabharata and a very well-crafted presentation from the Electronic Media team. Mr. Akhil Khaitan, Mr. Ashok Krishan Mr. Aparajeet Pattanayak (Postal Department), Dr. Vidhukesh Vimal and Param Nongmaithem (School Captain) released the Postal Cover. In the evening we were given some food for thought with a Hindi drama, ‘Ek Tha Gadhaa – Aladat Khan’ by Sharad Joshi, directed by the Headmaster.

On the 13th morning, AVS’ Covid Consultant and Chief Guest, Dr. Madhab Rajbongshi, Medical Superintendent of Tezpur Medical College & Hospital left the students with his pearls of wisdom at the Inter-House Athletics and March Past. The March past and the riding salute were impressive as was the show jumping by the skilled equestrian team. Owing to constraints of time but still determined to give the students the experience and feel of Athletics, there were only a few track events. Bhoroli-Lohit walked away with the March Past and the Athletics trophies. Dr. Madhab Rajbongshi impressed upon the gathering that health is wealth and that students must work towards making this world a better place.

Speeches & Awards started a few minutes after noon. The Headmaster talked about how AVS successfully transitioned from physical to digital in the months of the pandemic and reiterated that it was indeed a difficult year but the school turned adversities into opportunities; he thanked staff for their dedication and support.

Publications were released by the Chief Guest, Hon. Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. He was also kind enough to give away the special Founders’ Awards. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that as a country, we should be proud at the way in which we handled COVID and that we have done very well compared with most countries. He asked the students not to forget that while we may have become a country in 1947 we have been a great civilization for 6000 years with values to uphold and cherish. As Indians we have a responsibility to self, family, society, country and the universe he added. Drawing parallels from how we handled the pandemic, he told the gathering that we must be proud as a nation and we must realise and unleash the unique potential within each one of us; that the sky is the limit and no student must feel that they cannot achieve greatness.