IBPC’s ‘Meritorious Awards’ celebrate academic excellence

• IBPC’s ‘Meritorious Awards’ event began on time with a robust turnout of dignitaries, principals, students, parents, and IBPC members, joined by a large audience in the auditorium and hundreds more tuning in via council’s YouTube Channel.

The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Kuwait) hosted its prestigious ‘Meritorious Awards’ ceremony at the SIMS school auditorium on the evening of April 20.

Dignitaries, school principals, students, parents, and IBPC members attended the event, along with a large crowd of guests in the auditorium, while hundreds more watched the event via live streaming on the IBPC YouTube Channel.

The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by His Excellency Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, accompanied by the IBPC executive committee, including Mr. Gurvinder Singh Lamba – Honorary Chairman, Mr. Kaisar Shakir – Honorary Vice Chairman, Mr. K P Suresh – Honorary Joint Secretary, and Mr. Sunit Arora – Honorary Treasurer.

The event stood out not only for its punctual start but also for its strong attendance. It began with the national anthems, sung by Master Rohit, a student, first Kuwait’s and then India’s.

Mr. Sunit Arora, the event director, warmly welcomed the guests and explained the history and importance of the awards. He elaborated on the rigorous selection process and criteria used by IBPC to recognize the exceptional academic achievements of students from Indian schools in classes 10 and 12. The awards underscored IBPC’s dedication to promoting educational excellence within the Indian community.

Mr. Gurvinder Singh Lamba inspired the audience with a keynote speech, providing a success mantra for the young scholars.

H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika captivated everyone with a motivational speech, emphasizing the importance of not getting demotivated if students worked hard but did not qualify for the awards. He also encouraged children to participate in strengthening India by moving towards a ‘Viksit Bharat.’

The ceremony was successfully hosted and conducted by selected students themselves to ensure the event was centered around the children.

This year, 134 students met the high standards, qualifying with 95% and above at the CBSE board for both 10th and 12th standards, and were honored at the event. Among them, four gold medalists and three silver medalists received not only medals but also cash prizes and shopping vouchers.

The Indian Community School won the trophy for the 12th standard, and the 10th standard trophy was taken by the Indian Education School (Bhavans) this year.

Their victories were met with resounding applause and cheers, underscoring the community’s support and pride in their achievements.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Suresh KP, Hon. Jt. Secretary, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, the IBPC Education & Career Guidance Committee, partner IIT IIM, other sponsors, and all attendees for their support in making the event a super success. The ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements but also fostered a sense of community and inspiration among the Indian diaspora in Kuwait.