Garden City College (GCC) was the avenue ue for a unique celebration recently. The GCC Grand Parade, the pride of Gardenians was held on the college premises to help the students bond with parents. Two parents, Dr. K. Verma from Jaipur and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher from Bangalore were invited to the campus as the Parents of Honour on the occasion.

Bedecked in festive colours, the college presented a picturesque sight. Eagerly waiting students braced themselves for the evening as the guests descended on the campus. The Parents of Honour and the invited guests along with the Chairman of Garden City Group of Institutions, Dr. Joseph V.G. were escorted to the parade ground by the NCC cadets.

On their arrival, the guests were given the Guard of Honour. The event commenced with the inaugural speech by Prof. V.B. Coutinho, President of the GCC Governing Council. He introduced the Parents of Honour to the audience and welcomed them. He also welcomed Colonel Commandant Surendranath of the 9th Karnataka Battalion.

Addressing the gathering, moments after the rains had lashed the city, Prof. Coutinho said that the Grand Parade had the blessing of the Almighty. “The idea of this parade is our Chairman’s just like Gardenia was his idea.”

Emphasizing the importance of the occasion, he said that honouring the parents were like honouring ourselves.“We cannot go to each and every house and honour the parents of each and every student. These parents today represent all the parents,” he added. Prof. Coutinho also elucidated the significance of the flag that was specially meant for the occasion.

The second part of the programme unfolded in the auditorium of GCC. Here, the Chairman, Dr. Joseph presented the GCC memoirs to the Parents of Honour. Later, the GCC Roll 4 Soul team mesmerized the audience with their dance performance. Parent of Honour, Dr. Verma addressed the gathering on the occasion and acknowledged the facilities the college has put at the disposal of the students. Terming GCC as a premier

institution in the arena of higher education, Dr. Verma lauded the college for its commitment to providing quality education at affordable cost. “This is the greatest service to mankind,” he noted. He was also appreciative of the campus and the cultural programme put up by the students.

On his part, Parent of Honour, Mr. Christopher also expressed his immense pleasure and privilege on taking part at the function. “I am grateful to the institution for providing such a forum for parents.”

The chairperson expounded on the importance of parenthood in his address. He also acknowledged the role of his parents on the occasion. “Whenever I go out to seek the blessing of my mother, I worship my parents as well as all my well wishers.”

He once again emphasized that students are priority for the institution. He reinstated his belief in the principle of equality.

Acknowledging the contributions of Col. Surendranath towards the function, the Chairman, Dr. Joseph said, “I am thankful to Col. Surendranath. On behalf of all my students, I salute you. I have no wards to thank you for the valuable time you gave for the preparations of this event.” Further, he appreciated the efforts of all those who had contributed towards the success of the event. “Many more activities will be happening on this campus and you will enjoy them.” On this positive note, the Chairman, Dr. Joseph drew the curtains on the first of the many events planned along similar lines. The unique celebration of parenthood indeed showcased the pride of Gardenians for their institution and their beloved parents.

Anumeha Verma

MS (Communication)

Campus Kudos