Grateful Nation, Proud School

CELEBRATIONS IN HONOUR OF THE ALUMNI OF LA MARTINIERE COLLEGE, LUCKNOW DECORATED BY THE PRESIDENT FOR GALLANTRY IN INDEPENDENT INDIA.

The College organized a programme to honour the old boys of our school for their bravery and contribution towards the defence of our country. The Chief Guest for the morning’s programme was the Chief of the Indian Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. A parade was presented by the three wings of the N.C.C (army , navy and air ) , the Rovers , the Scouts and the  cubs of our school . The parade was commanded by Mohd. Saqlain. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha took the salute. This was followed by the presentations and citations about the lives and achievements of the  war veterans who were being honoured .The following are the names of the war veterans , who were honoured – (Late)Wing Commander Eric Pushong ,(Late) Wing Commander Trevor Keelor , Flight Lt. Alfred Tyrone Cooke, Air Mashal Denzil Keelor , Air Vice Marshal Perminder Singh and Commodore  Arvind Singh. The war heroes were presented tokens of appreciation for their contribution. Mrs Patricia Keelor accepted the token on behalf of her late husband, Air Marshal Trevor Keelor. All the war heroes addressed the boys . Air Mashal Denzil Keelor spoke at length about the vital  significance of the Gnat Fighter plane during the time of the Indo-Pak war .

This was followed by a brief address by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.The programme on East Terrace of Constantia concluded with a  Vote of Thanks by our Vice-Principal , Mr.Collins.

The platform party then moved towards the newly renovated Memorial Hall. A Tablet containing the names of the alumni  being recognized, was unveiled by Mrs Patricia Keelor.

This was followed by the inauguration of the  Memorial Park. The newly acquired Gnat Fighter Plane was also officially handed over to the College. Air Marshal Denzil Keelor again addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of the Gnat towards the defence of India.

In the evening, the programme commenced with a Chapel Service in honour of the alumni who were being felicitated. The Chapel service consisted of hymns and readings chosen especially for this occasion. This was followed by a formal dedication of the Fourth Dormitory.

Later that evening the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh , Mr Akhilesh Yadav and his wife, Mrs Dimple Yadav, Member of Parliament, came to our school as Chief Guests . The combined bands of the Airforce and Army presented a wonderful selection of music. This was followed by a ‘Concert of Strings’ – a presentation by the Vienna University Orchestra. Mr Vijay Upadhaya, an old boy of our college  directed the orchestra. Mr. Akhilesh Yadav addressed the college and lauded the efforts and contribution of our Principal , Mr. McFarland.

The programme ended with a lavish dinner, hosted  by the Alumni of our college, in honour of our war heroes.

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