The vibrant and pristine morning of 18th December 2023 witnessed glory on the part of APS Barrackpore community with the essence of jollity and fervour chronicled by celebrating the ‘21st Annual Sports Day’. marking the completion of 25 years of relentless and impeccable journey of the hallowed institution, the Annual Sports Day enthused the spectators with thrill and gusto at Dhyanchand Stadium, Barrackpore Cantonment with the budding students participating in the grandiose event with zest and vigour.
The event was graced by the magnificent presence of Gurbux Singh in the capacity of Chief Guest. An eminent hockey player and Arjuna Award winner with many International and national accolade to his credit, Gurbux Singh’s presence and words exuded dynamism, emphasising on the role of sports in shaping human lives.
Gurbux Singh is a former Indian field hockey player who was a member of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics, the bronze medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics and the gold medal at the 1966 Asian Games. He was the joint captain of the Indian team at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He was also the coach of the Indian team at the 1976 Summer Olympics. For his outstanding contribution to the country in the field of sports, Gurbux received the Arjuna Award in 1966.
However the meet initiated with the inauguration of the Sports Carnival followed by the welcome song performed by the school choir group. The dauntless stride of the four Houses – Roy Chowdhury, Manekshaw, Cariappa and Raina named after stalwarts of Indian Army accompanied by the White House comprising the Student Council members and NCC Cadets added stature and uprighteousness to the day. The rhythmic beats of the drum during the March Past along with the Army Band transformed the arena into an exuberant extravaganza. As the AWES Flag and the School Flag soared high and the pigeons were set free by the luminaries, the symbols of peace scaled the blue sky with soaring aspirations. The event gained momentum with the declaration of the meet opened by the Chief Guest.
The speech rendered by Dr.Moitreyee Mukherjee, the Principal, emphasized on the importance of sports and holistic development of the learners in adherence to the tenets of 21st Century Education, NEP and CBSE. An array of colourful events and athletic competitions showcased by the young learners comprising Marathon, Races namely Relay Race and Hurdle Race, Javelin Throw, Mass Drill, Fusion of Karate, Pyramid Tableau formation and aerobics perked up the spirit of the audience. Camaraderie of the Staff also found reflection in special events conducted for them. The Prize distribution ceremony witnessed the reciprocation of the efforts put in by the young delights on the Annual Sports Day and varied events spanning across the academic year.
The ebullience of Annual Sports Day 2023 delineated by Army Public School Barrackpore observing 25 years of its journey will find a significant mention in the history of the institution.
Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) manages and ensures proper education facilities to children of All Army Public Schools through Local Military Authorities.
The Indian Army who are always made more than a billion people of the Motherland feel safe by guarding India’s International borders with their selfless sacrifice and dedication has also been very prominent with its contribution towards sports helping the country provide some of the best athletes on the global stage.
With inputs from Pratyusha Mukherjee
Source: Army Authorities
(Pratyusha Mukherjee is a Senior Independent journalist working for western media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and National media awards for Journalism).
