Location: Delhi Gymkhana Club, New Delhi
Day/Date: Monday, 18th September 2017
The new Executive Committee of the Old Columbans Association held a unique event on 18 September 2017 with a view to promote and fund its proposed activities for the benefit of present and future students of St. Columba’s. Over 80 select and prominent Columbans interacted with the school principal Bro. Miranda and members of the new Executive Committee. OCA President, Mr Arun Khanna and members of the Executive Committee hosted the event at New Delhi’s prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club.
Welcoming Bro. Miranda and the distinguished guests, Mr Arun Khanna stressed upon the need of all Old Columbans to participate in whichever way possible to elevate further the school’s facilities, standards and reputation. Extolling the gathered invitees for their personal achievements, he requested their increased participation towards these objectives. The OCA President then introduced the newly elected members of the Executive Committee.
Speaking at the occasion, the Principal Bro. Miranda expressed his joy at the initiatives being taken by the OCA President and Executive Committee for the school’s benefit. He also praised the efforts and contribution of the Old Columbans Trust (OCT) and the various groups of Old Columbans. Thanking all Old Columbans, Bro. Miranda acquainted those present with his vision for the school and suggested the various areas where the alumni’s assistance was most welcome and urgently needed. In particular, Bro. Miranda sought help for special tuitions and training programmes for the under-privileged and economically weak students of the school.
Mr Sanjeev Bikhchandani, prominent businessperson and OCT trustee, next addressed the assembled Columbans. He appraised the guests of the past and present initiatives of OCT and assured Bro. Miranda of the OCT’s commitment towards helping the school in raising funds and providing support to the OCA in implementing various schemes and activities in the coming years.
In his Motion of Thanks, OCA Secretary Mr Karan Khanna thanked the school Principal Bro. Miranda and the select Columbans for their participation at the get-together. He assured Bro. Miranda the OCA, together with the OCT, would do their utmost together towards the noble objectives laid out by him. He next made mention of two very special Columbans present at the get-together. Bro. Miranda presented momentous and flowers to veterans Dr Indar Dhawan (1946) and Mr Jawahar Lal Khosla (1947).
After a few poignant moments of nostalgia, it was then time for the party to begin. Initiating informal interaction with the Principal and between old Columbans, OCA President Mr Arun Khanna invited all present to enjoy the varied and excellent snacks and food-items courtesy of Mr Sunil Lamba of Kwality Catering, a prominent Old Columban himself, which added immeasurably to the success of the evening.
