Lucknow: The campus of Seth M.R. Jaipuria School was filled with devotion, creativity and youthful energy as the Junior School Founders’ Day celebrations unfolded, showcasing the confidence and talent of the youngest Jaipurians.
The programme opened with a powerful recital of the Hundred Names of Sri Ganesha, performed in Hindi by junior students who delivered the chant with remarkable discipline. The audience joined in a moment of collective silence, setting a serene tone for the festivities that followed.
The devotional start transitioned into a beautifully staged Sanskrit play on Maha Kavi Kalidas, tracing the legendary poet’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The young actors impressed the audience with their command over classical Sanskrit, bringing clarity and simplicity to a timeless narrative.
The English play Swami Meets His Inner Friend, adapted from R.K. Narayan’s beloved stories, brought gentle humour and relatable childhood experiences to the stage. Swami’s dilemmas—both innocent and profound—mirrored the everyday questions that young students grapple with, making the performance endearing and reflective.
A contemporary highlight, AI ki Adalat, presented a witty courtroom drama exploring the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Through lively arguments, ethical questions and humorous exchanges, the young performers demonstrated maturity in their understanding of technology’s growing influence.
One of the most awaited segments was a live student podcast featuring Chief Guest Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, Paralympian and IAS officer. In an inspiring conversation, Suhas Sir offered heartfelt insights on courage, destiny and perseverance.
When asked how courage shapes destiny, he said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and people underestimate how difficult that first step really is. Unless you take that step, you will never know what you are capable of.”
Addressing students who feel limited by their circumstances, he remarked, “Circumstances will challenge you, but courage means moving forward despite them. What we can control is our effort and our attitude.”
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he reminded students of the value of detached effort: “Do your karma without attachment to results. Every day is a new day—you must start again.”
On the subject of passion, he offered a practical perspective: “Passion is beautiful, but learning how to monetise it is where the real work begins. Parents only fear their children’s struggle, not their dreams.”
His message resonated deeply when he added, with disarming honesty, “If I had not cleared the IAS exam or won a Paralympic medal, I would not be standing on this stage today. That is the reality of life.”
Suhas Sir concluded with a thought that stayed with every child: “Life is a journey, not a destination. Walk it with courage, take the first step, and allow yourself to discover what is possible.”
The Founders’ Day celebrations stood out not only for the artistic and intellectual performances, but also for the values they reinforced—courage, curiosity and character—hallmarks of the Jaipuria spirit.
