BENGALURU:
Canadian International School (CIS), Bengaluru, celebrated its graduating class of 2021. The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of its 73 graduating students with special guest speakers including Bollywood Film Star and Humanitarian, Mr. Sonu Sood and internationally acclaimed wildlife videographer, Patrick Dykstra. Mr. Sonu Sood encouraged the graduates to come together with others to change the world. Mr. Dykstra, once a highly successful lawyer, encouraged the graduates to follow their passions, even if that path to reach them might be different. Both speakers inspired graduates to plan their futures and persevere beyond adversity to realize their dreams and help their fellow man.
The event was a celebration of academic excellence, hope for the future, resilience, and overcoming adversity in this most unusual year of remote education. In addition to the numerous academic accolades awarded, the attendees were treated to musical performances by two graduates of this year’s class. Graduates of the Class of 2021 have been accepted to over 270 colleges and universities around the world. The graduates have been awarded over nearly 3 million US dollars in merit scholarships.
Addressing the students, Sonu Sood, Indian actor and philanthropist said “There is a very famous saying by Mother Teresa that “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across waters to create many ripples. So I think when we all come together, we can change a lot of things in the world. I remember when I started my journey of helping people, i never knew that i can achieve so much and get connected with millions of people across the globe. I just kept moving because I believed in myself and I knew that I can do it. So it’s very important to plan your moves and believe in yourself. Patience and Perseverance is very, very important in your life. And all these young students of Canadian International School Class of 2021 who are going to different parts of the world to pursue higher education, i just want to say that work hard for the dreams of your parents. You can make it happen and i want to wish you all a lot of luck. You guys are the rock stars of tomorrow. Do your best. Love you all.”
Swapnasha Panagrahi, Valedictorian of the CIS Class of 2021 said- “To my fellow graduates, I hope our dreams of being pioneers in our communities will continue to be nurtured, and pray we can keep the spark of hope continually in our hearts, knowing that whatever mistakes we make, we will always have the chance to remedy it through reflection, as we continue to face the challenges of another day.”
Addressing the students, Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School said – “Today, I want you to think about the world around you and ask yourself, ‘Is there anything I can do to help? What can you do to make a difference to those less fortunate than you? We are all in this together, and if we all did something to help the situation, or perhaps just one person, it will go a long, long way. This is not the last time to think of the less fortunate. Even after the pandemic is gone, there will be those less fortunate than you. Make service to those in need an important part of your lives.”
The above press release is arranged by K2 Communications Pvt Ltd.
