Bokaro: It was not an ordinary school day at Sree Ayyappa Public School (SAPS). The school courtyard was filled with excitement as students gathered to witness a special moment – the arrival of their new student leaders for the academic session 2026–27.
With badges shining and sashes neatly placed across their shoulders, the newly elected Student Council members stood proudly, ready to take on a new responsibility.
The Investiture Ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Bokaro, Ajay Nath Jha, who was the chief guest. School Chairman P. Rajagopal, Vice Chairman Shashidharan Karat, Director Dr. S. S. Mahapatra, Principal P. Shailaja Jayakumar, teachers, members of the school committee and students also joined the celebration.
From darkness to light
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp. The words “Asato Maa Sadgamaya, Tamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya” filled the air, reminding everyone that knowledge can guide us from darkness towards light. A cheerful welcome song soon followed, setting a lively mood. Students then presented a beautiful Guruvandana through dance, earning warm applause from the audience.
Principal P. Shailaja Jayakumar welcomed the guests and spoke about the school’s motto, “Amritam Tu Vidya”, meaning that education is like nectar that enriches life. She also explained the importance of the school’s six Houses -Ganga, Yamuna, Pampa, Saraswati, Periyar and Kaveri. Like rivers that give life and keep moving forward, the Houses represent unity, strength, continuity and courage.
The moment everyone waited for
Then came the most exciting part – the Sashes and Badges Ceremony. One by one, the newly elected leaders received their badges and sashes. Head Boy Mihir Kumar Singh of Class 12/B and Head Girl Shradha of Class 12/I led the team. As the students took their oath, the atmosphere became serious. They promised to serve their school, respect their responsibilities and lead by example.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha congratulated the young leaders and gave them an important lesson: being a leader is not about having a special badge; it is about helping others. He compared student leadership to cricket. A captain may sometimes be criticised for decisions, but a good captain remains calm and keeps the team’s goal in mind. In the same way, student leaders must work together and support their classmates.
A lesson about AI and books
Jha also spoke about Artificial Intelligence, which is becoming an important part of everyday life. He encouraged students to use AI wisely but warned them not to let technology do all their thinking. He advised students to read books, build strong knowledge and think independently. He also reminded them that kindness, respect, empathy, discipline and responsibility are just as important as marks and trophies.
Meet the new team
The new council includes Vice Captains Nikhil Singh and Kritika Priyanshi, Literary Secretary Sundaram Jaiswal, Cultural Secretary Nayna Roy and Sports Secretary Naitik Kumar, along with their joint secretaries and House appointees. Chairman P. Rajagopal congratulated the students and urged them to protect the dignity of SAPS through honesty, dedication and discipline.
