From stirring speeches to spectacular stagecraft, the day brought together the best of tradition, talent, and triumph!
Auckland House School, Shimla, came alive with pride, nostalgia, and celebration as it hosted its Senior Section Speech Day, one of the most awaited and cherished events on its academic calendar. The day marked a blend of reflection, recognition, and rich artistic expression—showcasing the school’s vibrant culture of academic excellence and creative engagement. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest was Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, whose presence added gravitas to the celebration. (CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS)
The ceremony commenced on a solemn and reverent note with the hymn “Land of Our Birth”, setting the tone for a day of gratitude and purpose. This was followed by the Principal’s Report, delivered by Smaraki Samantaroy, who highlighted the school’s key achievements over the past academic year—emphasizing progress in academics, co-curricular activities, and the holistic development of students.
Further deepening the moment of reflection, Head Girl Rehmat Bola presented a heartfelt report on the journey of the student body. She spoke eloquently about the values, experiences, and collective growth that have defined their years at Auckland House, offering a poignant glimpse into the memories and milestones that shaped them.
In his inspirational address, Prof. Singh applauded the school’s commitment to a well-rounded education that balances intellectual, emotional, and ethical development. He urged the students to pursue excellence with humility, reminding them that true success lies in character and compassion. He also felicitated outstanding achievers in academics, sports, and co-curricular pursuits, lauding their dedication and perseverance with awards and trophies.
Artistry in Action
The spirit of the day was lifted further by a Variety Entertainment Programme that celebrated student creativity through theatre, music, and dance. The segment began with the uplifting hymn “Oceans”, a soulful piece that reminds listeners of unwavering faith in God, the grace of divine blessings, and the strength we draw from the Almighty in times of hardship. The hymn’s message served as a spiritual prelude to the performances that followed.
One of the most engaging highlights was the English play “Ralph Roister Doister”, reimagined for the modern age. Originally penned by Nicholas Udall, the play is known for being one of the earliest comedies in English drama. In this witty and satirical adaptation, the students transported the classic into a contemporary setting, portraying the central character Ralph as a flamboyant, self-absorbed social media influencer hopelessly in love with the elusive Eliza—or was it Lisa? Accompanied by his overzealous sidekick Mary Gossett, Ralph’s clumsy pursuit of love unfolds amidst viral embarrassments, miscommunication, and hilariously misguided bravado. The performance—rich in comic timing, modern references, and sharp character work—had the audience in splits.
Offering a powerful contrast in tone and message, the Hindi play “Sapno Ki Udaan” delivered a deeply moving portrayal of resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. The play drew inspiration from the life of Arunima Sinha, a national-level volleyball player who overcame a life-changing tragedy—losing her leg after being pushed from a moving train in 2011. Defying all odds, she went on to become the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest in 2013 and later conquered the highest peaks on every continent. Through strong performances and a stirring narrative, the play reminded audiences that dreams know no boundaries and that strength lies in never giving up, no matter how steep the climb.
Music and Movement: A Fusion of Cultures and Sounds
The evening’s artistic expression extended beyond drama into music and dance, with a lineup that reflected both diversity and depth. The musical segments included soulful choir renditions of “Words” and “Photograph”, which showcased the students’ vocal harmony and emotional range. The energetic group dance “Mahua Jhare”, infused with rhythm and cultural vibrancy. The graceful Indian classical dance “Sakal Ban”, which captured the serenity and precision of traditional art forms. A stirring Piano Recital that highlighted the technical skill and musical sensibility of the young performer. The Indian Music Orchestra, adding depth, resonance, and a sense of tradition to the evening’s melodies.
A standout moment came with the school band SHELZ, whose high-octane rendition of “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams brought the house down. The performance was electric, brimming with youthful energy, and left the audience cheering and clapping to the beat—a perfect blend of passion and stage presence.
The programme concluded with the school song and the National Anthem, a unifying anthem that brought the entire auditorium together in spirit and voice. As its final notes echoed through the hall, they carried with them a shared sense of pride, gratitude, and inspiration.
The day served as a glowing testament to Auckland House School’s legacy of nurturing talent, discipline, creativity, and leadership. From academic excellence to artistic brilliance, the Senior Section Speech Day 2025 stood as a celebration of everything that defines the school’s students—resilient, expressive, and ready to shape the world with confidence and compassion.
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