Parents play the most important part in shaping a person’s world. We owe our very existence and life to them. They are the first to applaud our success and tell us that there is life beyond future when we fail.

The parents shape the children’s perception as they grow up. They form a part of our earliest memories because they are always present. Their presence exists in our very fibres, whether they are far or near.

Recently Garden City College (GCC) decided to honour these integral parts of our lives, our parents. The GCC Grand Parade was held at the college premises where parents chosen campus. The parade was held in their honour followed by a cultural programme.

The first of a series of parades took place in November but preparations for it started months before. The brainchild of chairperson of GCC, Dr. Joseph.V.G., it captured the imagination of one and all on the campus. Parents – teachers meetings and Parents Day functions form a part of all the institutions activities but this is a novel way to interact with parents. It will not be exaggeration to term it as unique.

The enthusiasm of the students towards the programme was very obvious. They could be seen practicing with all the enthusiasm and zeal every morning so that the day could be perfection personified. Rains, the biting cold in the mornings and not even their exams could dent their spirit. As put by one of the lecturers from the Department of Biotechnology, “The students have been practicing hard everyday. They have been sitting for their preparatory examinations at the same time and are doing well in that too.” The enthusiasm of the NCC Cadets and students of the college could only be matched by the staff members. They left no stone unturned in motivating the students.

The drive behind the entire preparation was worth watching. The teachers and students appreciated the concept alike. It does not only honour the parents but also brings the parents and their awards together.

The excitement of the students was very much evident as they spoke about the various aspects of the event. After the parade a much elated Parade Commando (PC) Rajan Narayan of the NCC said: “I have no words to express what I am feeling. It was an awesome experience. To represent the entire college is an honour in itself and every cadet supported me to the best of his ability. Also, there was immense cooperation on the part of the management.”

The GCC Grand Parade also proved to be a learning experience for the NCC Cadets as well as the rest of the students of GCC. “We learnt a new drill other than our usual NCC drills,” says Rajan. “It was fun as well as an added advantage for us.” In words of the Management Trainees’ Platoon, it was a learning experience for all of them.