PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 4: Friday proved to be a red-letter day for Loyola School, Jamshedpur, as two major events marked a new chapter in the institution’s history — the inaugural Fr. Cecil Leeming Volleyball Tournament and the NCC Raising Ceremony.
The day commenced with the much-awaited 1st Fr. Cecil Leeming Volleyball Tournament, held in honour of Loyola School’s revered Founder Principal, Fr. Cecil Leeming. The tournament was not just a competitive event but a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and teamwork.
The chief guest for the occasion was Fr. Charles Pareira, former Provincial of the Jamshedpur Province and Rector of Loyola School (1987–1993).
Other dignitaries in attendance included Fr. K.M. Joseph, S.J., Rector; Fr. Vinod Fernandes, S.J., Principal; Jayanthi Sheshadri, Vice-Principal (Senior Section); alumni members and coaches of the 13 participating schools.
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Fr. Pareira was welcomed with a sapling by Fr. Fernandes and felicitated with a shawl by Fr. Joseph.
The welcome address was delivered by Fr. Fernandes, following which Fr. Pareira addressed the gathering and officially declared the tournament open.
The sportsmanship pledge was administered by Raj Nandini Rana, a promising athlete from Loyola.
NCC Raising Ceremony
Later in the day, Loyola School witnessed another landmark moment — the official Raising of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit on campus. Known for shaping disciplined and patriotic citizens, the inclusion of NCC marks a significant milestone in the school’s journey.
The ceremony was graced by Colonel Vinay Ahuja, Commanding Officer, Indian Army, as Chief Guest. Accompanying him were ADM Col. Prem Chandra Jha, Subedar Major Ravin Khandal, and three other officers. The event began with the powerful NCC anthem, setting a patriotic tone.
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Col. Ahuja was welcomed by Fr. Fernandes and felicitated by Fr. Joseph, while a memento was presented by Sheshadri as a token of appreciation. Kripa Bhatia, a student, delivered an insightful speech on the relevance of NCC, followed by a presentation by GCI Ruchita Gautam. The official declaration of the NCC unit’s raising was made by Col. Ahuja.
In his address, Col. Ahuja urged students to actively participate in NCC activities and uphold its values of unity and discipline. Fr. Fernandes also shared words of encouragement.
The event also included the inauguration of the NCC Office and the unveiling of the NCC Board near Gate No. 1.
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