ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

THEME: VIKSIT BHARAT

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

— Jawaharlal Nehru

The school grounds of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, resonated with patriotic fervour and solemnity on 15th August 2026 as the institution commemorated the 80th Independence Day around the inspiring theme of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The proceedings commenced under the adept stewardship of the Master of Ceremonies, Farhan Arshad. Principal Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, Headmaster Rev. Fr. Gyan Prakash, School Coordinator Mr. Jyoti Dube and the Chief Guest, Brig. Syed Anwar Ali (Retd.), were gracefully escorted to the dais by the College Choir and NCC cadets, followed by an uplifting opening prayer by Mrs. Brenda Neogy and a soulful prayer song rendered by the Senior Section Choir under the tutelage of Mr. S. Nayak.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Brig. Syed Anwar Ali (Retd.), an infantryman-cum-academician par excellence. He has a formidable repertoire to his credit, having been awarded the Sena Medal for his services during the Kargil War in 1999 and having served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University in 2012. He was warmly introduced by Sushant Shukla and presented with a ceremonial sapling by the Principal. Brig. Syed Anwar Ali unfurled the National Flag, leading the gathering into a stirring rendition of the National Anthem and an impeccably synchronised March Past led by the College Captain, Anosh K. John.

Symbolising sustainable progress, a tree plantation ceremony was then conducted with the participation of Mr. N. B. Lawrence, Dr. Vishnu Deb, Mr. Shailendra Simon, Mr. Deepesh Sebastian and Mr. Abhishek Mahendra. An insightful address on environmental responsibility by Tarush Mehrotra added further depth to the proceedings.

The cultural presentation featured vibrant performances, including a delightful composite performance by KG Section pupils, an energetic dance by the Primary Section, and a spirited vocal performance by Alex K. John. Eloquence took centre stage with speeches delivered by the Junior School Captain, Suyash Srivastava, and the College Captain, Anosh K. John, in which they rightly emphasised that patriotism is not limited to the occasions on which we raise the National Flag or sing the National Anthem, but must be reflected in our everyday choices. After all, the future is shaped by the knowledge we gain, the values we develop and the choices we make.

In his illuminating address to the gathering, Brig. Syed Anwar Ali drew attention to the fact that the world loves talent, but respects character. Integrity and loyalty, he emphasised, are the highest qualities a person can possess. Only the attitude to learn and the willingness to work hard can lead a person to great heights. A focused mind achieves wonders.

A dramatic skit by Senior Section students highlighted the day’s theme, alongside patriotic group songs by the Primary Section and Red House. The celebration concluded with a memento presentation to the Chief Guest by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva. In his subsequent address, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva stressed that each one has the potential to make a positive difference to the nation’s progress. The cultivation of the mind is a powerful tool to lead life with purpose. Students are the torchbearers of the future; hence, it is imperative to commit to the values of freedom, justice and service to the nation. The programme concluded with a comprehensive Vote of Thanks delivered by the College Vice Captain, Varad Shukla.

On the occasion of Independence Day, SJC hosted a spirited football match between the SJC OBA and the SJC Present Staff. The Present Staff emerged victorious with a commanding 4–0 win. Mr. Vikalp Jha netted two goals and was adjudged Man of the Match, while Mr. Ankur Arora and Mr. Danny Ekka scored one goal each. The exciting encounter was brought to life by commentator Dr. Vishnu Deb, making it a memorable celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

In order to show their abiding respect and gratitude to all teachers, past and present, the OBA’s 2014 batch organised a free medical check-up camp in Hogan Hall. The noble gesture was highly appreciated by one and all and served as a fitting expression of the enduring bond between the College and its alumni.

Remembering Jhabbu Khanna: A Match Beyond the Scoreboard

Prayagraj, 15 August 2026: The Old Boys’ Association (OBA) of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, organised the Third Jhabbu Khanna Memorial Annual Friendly Football Match between the Old Boys and the Staff of St. Joseph’s College at the SJC ground on Independence Day.

Held in loving memory of Late Jhabbu Khanna ji, a much-loved member of the Josephite fraternity and a committed contributor to the OBA, the annual fixture brought together former students and members of the teaching staff in a celebration of friendship, sportsmanship and the enduring Josephite spirit.

Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, Principal, St. Joseph’s College, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, while distinguished senior Josephite and eminent orthopaedician Dr. A. N. Verma (1962 batch) was the Chief Guest.

Recalling Jhabbu Khanna ji’s association with the OBA, OBA Honorary Secretary Architect Piyush Tandon (1983 batch) spoke of his valuable contribution to the Association and the affection and respect he earned from generations of Josephites.

The match was sponsored by the family of Late Jhabbu Khanna ji. His son, Mr. Amit Khanna, along with other members of the Khanna family, was present to honour the memory of his father and participate in the prize-distribution ceremony.

The match witnessed an enthusiastic and spirited contest. The SJC Staff team, captained by Dr. Manoj Singh, emerged victorious with a 4–0 win over the OBA team, led by Rajesh Kidder.

The event was organised under the guidance of Honorary Secretary Architect Piyush Tandon, with Event Chairman Ankit Deora and Joint Secretaries Akshat Kapoor and Abhishek Verma putting in considerable effort to ensure its smooth and successful conduct. They were ably supported by Sports and Organising Committee members Sanjeev Chanda, Dr. Omar Hasan, Vibhor Prasad Rana, Manish Mehrotra, Asif Kamaal, Dr. Tushar Luthra and others.

The occasion was attended by OBA President Dr. Probal Neogy, Treasurer Sanjay Khanduja, Core Committee members Jyoti Dube and Dr. Vishnu Deb, along with Life Members including Sanjeev Bhargava, Anurag Pandey, Amit Misra, Raghav Maheshwari and Jagdishwar Khanna, besides several other Josephites.

The event was conducted by Osama Qamar Siddiqui, while Dr. Vishnu Deb kept the audience engaged with his lively and informative commentary. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by OBA Honorary Secretary Architect Piyush Tandon.

The Third Jhabbu Khanna Memorial Match was more than a sporting contest; it was a heartfelt tribute to a cherished Josephite and a celebration of the enduring bond between the Old Boys, the staff and their alma mater. The occasion beautifully brought together sport, remembrance, fellowship and the timeless spirit of Josephite brotherhood.

OBA’s Gesture of Gratitude: Honouring Those Who Shape Generations

Complimentary Health Camp for Present and Retired Teachers of St. Joseph’s College

Prayagraj, 15 August 2026: As part of its continued commitment to service and its endeavour to give back to the Josephite community, the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, organised a Complimentary Health Camp for present and retired teachers of the College on 15 August 2026.

The initiative was organised in association with Dr. Ayush Jaiswal (2014 batch) and Shakuntala Jaiswal Nursing Home, and coordinated by Abhishek Verma (2014 batch).

The camp offered present and retired teachers complimentary medical check-ups and health screening as a mark of appreciation for their invaluable contribution to educating, guiding and nurturing generations of Josephites. Adding to the gesture, Shakuntala Jaiswal Nursing Home offered a special 25% discount voucher to all participating teachers for further medical services.

The OBA expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ayush Jaiswal and the entire team at Shakuntala Jaiswal Nursing Home for their generous support in making the initiative possible.

Speaking on the occasion, OBA Honorary Secretary Architect Piyush Tandon described the health camp as a small but meaningful expression of appreciation for the teachers whose dedication has helped shape generations of Josephites. He added that the OBA would continue to undertake similar charitable and community-oriented initiatives in the future.

The health camp was a fitting reflection of the OBA’s enduring bond with its alma mater and its commitment to honouring, supporting and giving back to the Josephite community.