“Inspiring Holistic Growth by Emphasizing on Sports Education”
National, 19th December 2024: The 7th Founder’s Day of SAI International Residential School (SIRS) was celebrated on Thursday, 19th December, 2024 with a series of inspiring and vibrant events that embodied the school’s commitment to holistic development and excellence. The day began with an energetic Sports Day at the state-of-the-art SAI International Stadium. The esteemed Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Narendra Hirwani, a former Indian cricketer renowned for his remarkable debut performance in Test cricket. In his opening address, Mr. Hirwani emphasized the significance of hard work and resilience in sports, stating, “The only shortcut to success in sports is hard work, consistency, and sustained effort over days and years. Today’s young talent has immense potential and access to resources to achieve greatness. However, two key factors—hard work and hardships—are the true accelerators of passion for any sport. Luck eventually plays its part, but effort is the foundation.” The event was attended by parents, grandparents, and peers, who came together to celebrate sports in the form of an annual sports meet. The spectators cheered enthusiastically for the participants, adding to their confidence and enthusiasm.
The day’s events included the hoisting of the school flag, a spirited march past by students, and the lighting of the Olympic torch, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship. The Chief Guest declared the Sports Meet open, and the excitement heightened with thrilling competitions such as the 110-meter hurdles for senior boys, the 4x100-meter mixed relay for seniors, and a mesmerizing calisthenics display by students. The sports champions were recognized with awards during a special ceremony, celebrating their dedication and achievements. The Sports Meet concluded with Chairperson, Dr. Silpi Sahoo, declaring it closed, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Deputy HeadMaster, Shri Soumyadipto Maitra.
The celebrations extended into the evening with a spectacular cultural program. The highlight of the evening was the Founder’s English play, Chronicles of Harry Potter, performed flawlessly by the talented SAIoneers. Their captivating performance transported the audience into the magical world of Hogwarts, earning resounding applause and admiration from all present.
Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, shared, “SAI International provides a nurturing platform for children to realize their fullest potential. Our founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, envisioned a holistic approach to education, integrating academic excellence with personal growth. As we continue his legacy, I wish our students the very best as they excel academically and uphold strong moral values.”
Mr. Amitabh Agnihotri added, “At SIRS, we honor the vision of our Founder Chairman, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, by embedding their values into our pedagogy. Beyond intellectual growth, we believe in shaping well-rounded individuals through confidence-building, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Our extracurricular activities are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of a child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and social development.”