[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="36810,36809,36806,36807,36808"] Hassan Cheruppa Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The graduation ceremony of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) for its outgoing class 12 students was held in an impressive ceremony, marked with grandeur. Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak was the chief guest and veteran journalist and Editor-at-Large of Saudi Gazette Khaled Almaeena was the guest of honor. Mohamed Abdul Raziq, chairman of the managing committee (MC), felicitated the graduates while head boy Muhit Masood and head girl Lamiah Basheer delivered emotional farewell speeches. Dressed in their ceremonial gowns, a total of 548 students, including 317 girls, received their course completion certificates in the presence of their parents and mentors at the packed Boys' Section Auditorium. The function was replete with inspiring speeches of dignitaries on how to build a successful career in future, and luminous experiences of student leaders on how they reached that level par excellence. In his speech, Mubarak advised the graduates to come out of their comfort zone and focus to realize their own dreams. "It is now the right time with the right eco system for flourishing by breaking out of the comfort zone and exploring oneself in pursuit of excellence. Try your best to realize your own ideas and dreams and not that of others," he said. Mubarak emphasized that entrepreneurship is the best means to realize one's own ideas and dreams, stating, "Prior to liberalization in 1991, most people preferred to have a government job as they saw it as a secure zone and later they began working in some big companies where they worked for somebody else's dreams and ideas. But this situation changed recently. From 2010 onwards, lots of Indians are becoming entrepreneurs, breaking out of their comfort and safety zones to take risks so as to be able to score stories of success." While advising students to focus on the best with hard work, the consul general cited the example of Michael Fred Phelps II, the American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 22 medals in three Olympiads. Phelps' life is an amazing story of how a boy, who suffered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fought against odds to scale ladders of success through continuous practice with undying determination and dedication. Abdul Raziq commended the MC members and the teachers for their persistent efforts in improving the school's academic standard, year after year. "After living under the comfortable shelter of your parents and teachers for more than 17 years, the time has now come for you to stand on your feet to plan your future wisely and shape your life accordingly. As time management is very crucial, complete your task as per schedule without postponing it for tomorrow. Give prime importance to your skills, aptitudes, abilities and vision, and be wise in choosing your friends, with stay away from bad friends. Listen always to parents while chasing your dreams, be grateful to teachers, and above all be a good human being." Abdul Raziq said the MC is ready to work hand in hand with the school to serve the students and the community at large. "The MC, with the support and guidance of the consulate, is trying to find a solution to the burning issue of finding accommodation for more students," he said while alluding to the allegations with regard to finding a new campus for the school. "Our objective is to take care of the larger interests of the community with regard to education of their children but some internal and external forces are threatening to spoil our mission. Undoubtedly, as team leader and chairman of a radiant and courageous team, we will fulfill our vision," he said. Earlier, while welcoming the gathering, Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of IISJ, said: "I am at a juncture of welcoming my own students who are on the threshold of stepping into a wider world. Dear students, today as you have a mixture of feelings and emotions, we the teachers and staff too have similar feelings and emotions in us. Once you were the shy, fearful and hesitant kids, but today we see you as confident youths who are ready to face the challenges of the world." Ahmed advised the students to take up challenges in life boldly and fearlessly: "Don't forget, no obstacles prevent you from proceeding to excellence and there won't be anything that deters you from your path. Take every step fearlessly and shun away from momentary pleasures and seek eternal happiness and success." The principal also paid tribute to two brilliant students who died prematurely. "Two of our students left us to meet their Lord quite early – Fawaz Ismail and Amal. Though they have departed, but their memories will be in our hearts forever, and may their souls rest in peace." The dignitaries who attended the graduation ceremony included Rafiuddin S. FazalBhoy, who was one of the founders of the school, and Dr. Kareemuddin, former chairman of MC and member of the Higher Board. Earlier, the program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by Mohammad Ashfaq and translation by Fuzail Shareef. The School Cabinet gave a floral welcome to the guests of the evening. Consul General Mubarak honored the Saudi Chapter Gulf toppers in the public examination of last academic year — Kristin Davis (commerce) and Shurooq Ahmed (Humanities) — by presenting them mementoes and certificates. Bursting with pride, the outgoing students marched forward to receive their certificates from Mubarak, Almaeena, Haj Consul and School Observer Shahid Alam, Lathifa Mubarak, Dr. Shakeela Shahid Alam, and Abdul Raziq. More than 1,000 parents watched their young wards receiving certificates from the distinguished guests. Dr. Najeeb Qais Ammar, vice principal of Boys' section, proposed the vote of thanks. Teachers Bushra Zaidi and Touqeer Fatima were the anchors. ‘The Last Lesson,' a farewell video with the message of the valuable life lessons, marked the end of the ceremony.
