Good Morning – Friends, Class Mates, Fellow Columbans & Respected Brother Miranda.
At the outset, I would like to thank – Brother Miranda, the outgoing President Mr. Arun Khanna, his Executive Team and those present here for giving me an opportunity to steer this extremely vibrant and robust association, thus giving back to school.
For those not known to me, I would like to introduce myself.
I am Parvinder Singh Kohli (Pavee for my friends). Am a proud columban of the batch 1968 and have spent my formative years in columbas from 1960 to 1968. Coming back to school after more than 50 years, brings back nostalgic memories of our growing up years.
This building was constructed after I passed out of Colomba’s. Although the building is new for me, but the feeling of pride – of being a Columban is the same.
I remember the academic and methodical teaching by the Irish brothers and the teachers trained under them. They didn’t just teach us but taught us to think and understand.
I remember the morning inspection of shoe laces being tied properly, your tie in proper position, nails manicured properly, and the period of moral science and poor fund. Things we took for granted and secretly sneered at…… But it were these personal grooming and value building rituals, which made Columban’s stand out and ready for the world outside the security of school.
As the President, I feel it’s our duty as an Alumni, to make the Alma matter strong and vibrant.
This can only be achieved by re-kindling. The spirit of brotherhood belonging to a resourceful network of over 15000 Alumini members.
In the next 2 years I propose to make OCA a stronger network beyond the shores of India. In my endeavour to achieve this, I am supported by a very energetic young Executive Body, who will strengthen the OCA, due to their varied experiences, each one bring.
Please allow me to introduce the new Executive Body of OCA:-
I would now like to introduce my team…
| Batch | Name | Post Applied for |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Amit Bansal | SECRETARY |
| 1981 | Sanjay Wahi | TREASURER |
| 1993 | Aditya Mohan Chug | EC MEMBER |
| 1984 | Ajay Singh | EC MEMBER |
| 1967 | Anil Gambhir | EC MEMBER |
| 1987 | Deep Kalra | EC MEMBER |
| 1989 | Kunwar Pranav Pratap Uppal | EC MEMBER |
| 1972 | Rajan Malhotra | EC MEMBER |
| 1982 | Sanjay Hans | EC MEMBER |
| 1981 | Sanjiv Chawla | EC MEMBER |
| 1990 | Santosh V Kalyani | EC MEMBER |
| 1976 | Bennet Aloysius Pinto | Nominated |
| 1985 | Yogesh Sachdeva | Nominated |
After great deliberation and study with the team I propose the following to meet our goal:-
- Improving and increasing the Membership of OCA, through social media and strong follow up through both small mail and E-mail.
- More participation by the Batch Co-ordinations:- wake up “The Sleeping Batch Co-ordinators” as I call them and get them more involved with the activities of OCA. May be a regular round of drinks every month should do the trick.
- To initiate OCA Chapters in all major cities around the world:-.
It will be a shame if such strong, successful and well established NRI Alumini cannot be connected with each other in their respective cities abroad. By leveraging social media (as mentioned above) this is easily doable.
Our endeavour is to give help to all students passing out with regard to that profession to take up. My request is that we make a directory to all professionals in the corporate world Architects, Doctors, Dentists, Builders, Lawyers, etc and circulate the same to these young boys and they can take appointment with the Senior Columbans and discuss with them regarding their professions. These list of professionals will also help OCA members to take advise in case of problems in their day-to-day life.
To achieve the above aim we need to have a strong back office in the school. Our team shall take up the renovation of the office with 2 to 3 small meeting rooms, secretariat office and the board for EC meeting. This is also to facilitate visiting old students to interact with school and gather information from the secretariat. The cost of this shall be approximately Rs. 8 to 10 Lakhs for which we hope to find a donor to fund this project.
6) There are many activities already in progress and we shall continue the same.
To make this a success, our estimated running cost is approx. Rs. 75000/- per month which needs to be generated by donations / subscription / sponsorship (of monthly magazines) and collection in the venue of sports / lunches / Souvenir Sale / etc.
There are still many other activities to improve the image of the OCA which we shall introduce.
“All the above initiative will ensure no matter where you go. There will always be a Columban Brother a call away to support you.”
With this I come to an end and thank you all for your co-operation in the coming year.
Parvinder Singh Kohli
President OCA – 21-23