The 66th Founder’s Day of Sainik School Kunjpura was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur on 24 July. The vision behind the establishment of Sainik Schools by the late Defence Minister Shri V. K. Krishna Menon continues to be realised.

The ceremony was graced by Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, IG (Operations), Headquarters National Security Guard, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest, while Lieutenant General D. D. S. Sandhu (Retd.) attended as the Guest of Honour. The dignitaries began the celebrations by paying floral tributes to the martyrs at the school’s War Memorial. The formal function was then held in the Manekshaw Auditorium.

Welcoming the guests, the Principal, Captain (IN) Gurbir Singh, presented the Annual Report of the school and highlighted the institution’s achievements and activities during the year.

The ceremony commenced with the felicitation of Cadet Arpita and Cadet Harsh for securing the highest positions in the Class VIII and Class XI examinations, respectively. Cadet Moksh of Chillianwala House was honoured with the Best All-Rounder Trophy, while Cadet Krish received the prestigious Chief of Staff Trophy.

The Best House Trophies for academic excellence were also presented. Chhamb House won the Holding House Trophy, Thaneshwar House was declared the Best Junior House, and Chillianwala House emerged as the Best Senior Academic House.

The prestigious NDA Trophy was awarded to Panipat House for sending the highest number of cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the announcement by the Sainik School Kunjpura Old Boys Association that it would award ?25,000 to every cadet of the school who successfully clears the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, as a gesture to encourage and recognise future defence officers.

Addressing the gathering, Major General Mukesh Bhanwala encouraged the cadets to embrace both technology and tradition, emphasising that today’s soldier is not merely a soldier but a “techno soldier.” He urged the cadets to focus not only on sports and physical fitness but also on acquiring technological knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of modern warfare. Highlighting the values of courage, compassion, and commitment as the keys to success, he told the cadets that they were among the best and studying at one of the finest institutions.

In his address, Principal Captain (IN) Gurbir Singh expressed confidence that, with the committed efforts of its dedicated staff and talented cadets, Sainik School Kunjpura would continue to scale new heights of excellence and uphold its glorious traditions.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by the Vice Principal, Lieutenant Colonel Sheilza Dogra, while the programme was conducted seamlessly under the efficient supervision of the Administrative Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sandeep Rathee.

Among those present on the occasion were members of the staff, parents, and cadets, who added to the grandeur of the celebration.