Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management (SACCM), Ludhiana, commemorated the 154th birth anniversary of Maharishi Sri Aurobindo Ghosh with profound reverence and patriotic fervour, while simultaneously marking the 80th year of India’s Independence. The occasion was further imbued with nationalistic spirit through the observance of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ under the aegis of the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of the college.
The ceremonial proceedings commenced with Prof. (Dr.) Vishal Kumar, Principal of the college, along with the faculty members, paying their solemn obeisance to Maharishi Sri Aurobindo and unfurling the majestic Tiranga, symbolising the sovereignty, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the nation. The atmosphere resonated with a deep sense of patriotism and spiritual consciousness.
As a significant academic component of the celebrations, a paper-reading contest was organised on the intellectually stimulating theme, “Knowledge is not the possession of the brain, but the discovery of the soul.” The theme, deeply evocative of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of integral education and spiritual evolution, provided the young participants with an opportunity to transcend conventional notions of knowledge and explore its metaphysical, intellectual and existential dimensions.
Dr. Leenu Anand, set the proceedings in motion with her articulate and engaging introductory address. Her words established an intellectually charged ambience and prepared the audience for an afternoon of reflection, rhetoric and patriotic expression.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Vishal Kumar paid an insightful tribute to Sri Aurobindo, describing him not merely as an extraordinary mystic and philosopher but as a visionary whose ideas anticipated the evolution of human consciousness. He exhorted the students to imbibe the teachings of Sri Aurobindo in their lives, not merely as theoretical precepts but as principles to be translated into action. In a deeply patriotic segment of his address, the Principal also invoked the fortitude, sacrifice and unwavering resolve of India’s freedom fighters, who endured imprisonment, persecution, deprivation and innumerable tribulations for the dignity and freedom of the motherland. He urged the younger generation to remain conscious of the enormous sacrifices through which the nation earned its hard won independence.
Students representing different semesters participated enthusiastically in the competition and displayed remarkable oratorical finesse, intellectual maturity and rhetorical confidence. Their presentations reflected a stimulating amalgamation of philosophical thought, national consciousness and the civilisational ethos of India. The young speakers held the audience spellbound.
The participants’ performances were evaluated by Dr. Iradeep, Assistant Professor, SCD Government College, Ludhiana, and Mr. Sahil Ghai, Assistant Professor, SACCM. The judges expressed their appreciation for the intellectual calibre, confidence and passionate delivery demonstrated by the young orators.
The winners of the competition were Shreya Gumber, who secured the first position, Manibha Jain who bagged the second position, and Abhinoor Walia, who clinched the third position. The participants displayed immense satisfaction and buoyancy over their performances, while the event itself emerged as a meaningful confluence of knowledge, conviction and conscience.
Ms. Sarita Arora proposed the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the Principal, faculty members, judges, participants and all those whose collective efforts contributed to the success of the event. The celebrations culminated with the solemn rendition of the National Anthem, after which a refreshing luncheon was served to all present.
The commemorative programme thus concluded on a note of patriotism, intellectual enrichment and spiritual reflection, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to nurturing not only academically accomplished students but also confident, conscientious and socially responsible citizens.
