Graduation day is probably the most important day in the academic life of an individual. A momentous occasion for every college student, it also is the most memorable one. It is an achievement that comes from within that signifies maturity, the ability to cross multitudes of obstacles and reach a goal of unprecedented possibilities. They learn many new skills, gain knowledge and uncover new passions that they'd apply in the walks of their lives. Family, friends, colleagues and well wishers celebrate the big day and pay tribute to the hard work and efforts of the graduates.
As a professor at the institute, it is a part of my portfolio to be the Master of Ceremony for the event. I always take it as an honour. It is certainly a big day in the life of the graduating batch as well as for us at the institute. To me it is particularly very emotional. It is the time to bid farewell to a batch of students who we have seen for 3 years, seen them as young girls and boys when they join us to turn into young ladies and gentlemen. The parents see the change and somewhere they give us the credit, but its always a team effort, as teachers we are their mentors, guides, facilitators of knowledge and we somewhere become their inspiration and role models. Oh my God!.... isn't that some responsibility we carry on our shoulders?
The event requires a lot of planning. It starts months in advance right from deciding on the venue, the invitees, the menu and a few rehearsals of the parade of the graduating batch in their robes. It makes such a spectacular sight, ... and an emotional one too.
Institute profile
The Apeejay Institute of Hospitality located at CBD Belapur shares its premises with The Park Navi Mumbai. It is an initiative of the Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels that operates its collection of Luxury Boutique hotels in India. The institute offers a 3 years Bachelor’s Degree programme in Hospitality Studies (BSc-HS)affiliated to the University of Mumbai & YCMO University and is recognized by the University Grants Commission.AIH is also the center for learning of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels.The group's Management Training Programme, Professional Development programmes as well as consultancy projects for the hospitality industry are some of its additional core activities. Not only academics but extra curricular activities are also given equal impetus. Students have the advantage of getting hands-on operational training at The Park, Navi Mumbai, doing their industrial
training from any of the Park properties or associated organizations and take up careers with the Park Hotels as well as other hotels.
The Ceremony
The 4th batch graduated from the portals of the AIH on the 16th of March 2013 in a spectacular ceremony held at the Park Navi Mumbai. The Chief Guest for the function was Ms. Priya Paul,Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels. Also present was Mr. Lemuel Herbert, Associate Vice President and Area General manager, The Park Hotels. The invitees were parents of final year students, AIH alumni, Principals of Hotel Management colleges in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai, media, Hotel General Managers and recruiters.
The function that started at 12 noon went a little over an hour.The Master of Ceremony welcomed all the guests and thanked everyone for joining AIH on their special day in celebrating the graduates. She also expressed her appreciation to all those who had supported them – parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and close friends.
Principal Mr. GM Bhuvan presented the annual report; the juniors presented a cultural programme, a melody of classic graduation dances. Then Ms. Priya Paul, chief guest of the function addressed the audience. Apart from the inspiring address to the graduating students she gave an insight into the hospitality industry’s current standing and spoke about the measures that’ll have to be taken in the future. Final year representative Mr. Rajdeep Tokhi, shared his experiences of the journey at AIH with the audience and it was received with cheer and applause.
Chief Guest Ms. Paul distributed the course completion certificates to the graduating batch. This was followed by conferring the Jit Paul and Surrendra Paul Gold medals. The medals carry great value for the student as it is a recognition of his or her achievement over the 3 years at the institute, it carries material value as well as each medal is 15 grams, 24 carat gold.
Jit Paul Gold medal is awarded to the passing out student who is an all rounder with the best attitude and values. The winner of this award was Ms. Pratiksha Palkar. Mr. Holsten D’Souza was the winner of the The Surrendra Paul Gold medal awarded to the student for academic excellence.
The passing out batch took the oath lead by the Master of Ceremony, this was in full academic regalia, students wearing their graduation robes and hats, holding the candles lit by their faculty members signifying the transference of knowledge.
The programme concluded with the national anthem sung by everyone present. The faculty and students then joined the guests for lunch. Parents were happy seeing their children graduate, it is said that they come to the ceremony as parents but go back home as contemporaries.Certainly a day cherished by all!
We wish for you, a joy filled transition
From the shelter of AIH to the world so wide....
We wish for you new friendships,While you cherish the old ones.
May you have a smooth journey,
Towards your chosen destination.
Congratulations!
May the world embrace you, excite you, delight you
And strengthen you in everything that you do!
May you make wise decisions,
And have great success!
"It's not your blue blood, your pedigree or your college degree. It's what you do with your life that counts". ~
PS
I'll keep with my promise of writing about Abhilash Tomy in my posts till he is back from his historic voyage.
(Abhilash Tomy is attempting to be the first Indian on a solo non stop unassisted circumnavigation of the globe).
He is homeward bound now, crossing the equator for the second time in this voyage. Of course a few days from now and this officer will graduate to be a part of the elite group of men and women - the sailors who have lived their passion and have circumnavigated the globe, solo and unassisted. He also became a Cape Horner, - joining yet another elite group during this voyage.
There has never been an achievement that did not begin with a dream. It must be a great sense of achievement for Tomy that he would be the person that he dreamt of, doing what he wanted to do. Ofcourse he had the courage and the belief in his potential and held on to that dream. What a remarkable examble of strength of character and enormous courage. Fighting all odds and being the survivor. He is on the last leg and an absolute last phase of his voyage. He shall be home soon but ....he has miles to go.... before the nation welcomes him.
This facebook update of Mhadei caught my attention:
"If you are between 13 and 18 years of age, write to me about how sailing protects the environment in less than 50 words and win a chance to sail with me soon.
Do this before March 26! Happy writing!"If any of my readers are in this age group, I guess they must try to be the 'One' that he chooses to sail with. Give it a short, who knows you may be sailing with the first Indian solo circumnavigator!... phew!
To know more about Lt. Cdr Tomy and his boat the Mhadei, follow the link below.
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