On a lazy Saturday morning I was going through some of my pale yellow papers and found one which is very close to my heart and which has never been shared with anyone. Now could be an appropriate moment as this year Welham celebrates 75 years and all of us are remembering the good old days. Below is the graduation speech which I never got a chance to deliver:
On 25th March 1992, 26 boys with dreamy eyes came to Welham unaware of what this place held in store for them. All they came with were their aspirations and dreams. They had come to a place which would be their second home, Little did one of those little boys know that 12 memorable years would lead him to this podium, speaking on the occasion of the graduation ceremony.
Speaking about memorable incidents in Welham will take an entire lifetime. Each moment spent here has been exceptional and memorable. From hilarious talks with friends, amusing interactions with teachers, the much awaited mid-term breaks to the high spirited inter house matches.
Welham teaches one to be independent. Independence which is very necessary to build up the character of a person. From this freedom - integrity, confidence, self-respect and sincerity creeps into a Welhamite and enables him to face every situation in life boldly.
Another important aspect of time spent in Welham is the friends made here. Staying together and growing up with friends has developed a unique bond between us. We've been together here in times of fun, happiness as well as times of crisis. This standing by each other in every situation has given us life long friends.
As boards are starting in 2 days, class 10 & 12 should keep this in mind that boards are not the beginning and end of life. There's much more to life than one examination. Doing well in them is obviously essential but if can't do well by any chance, then one shouldn't get depressed. One's potential is not determined by these exams but by the determination and self belief one has. If one has faith, one will definitely do well in life.
When we were in Junior school and use to see our seniors feeling bad when they left school, we used to wonder how one can feel bad when one's leaving school. We said to ourselves that we'll be the happiest people on earth the day we leave, but today when the day of leaving beckons us, all of us are going through the emotions our seniors had undergone.
Today is a day that bridges the secured life led by students in school and the challenging life out of school for which they have been prepared all these years. It's a day filled with nostalgia and excitement. Nostalgia for leaving the place from where one learnt traits of life, nostalgia for parting with a place that will be connected with life's best memories and nostalgia for parting with friends who one might never again see in life but there is a certain excitement also as one looks forward to the new life which one will lead in college. Now one can venture into unexplored avenues and further the knowledge acquired in school. Today one looks back with fondness the unforgettable moments lived in school and numerous things learnt here, today one has to think of the present as performing in boards is of prime importance and today one has to think of his future, so this day comes and brings with it a lot of memories and responsibilities.
On behalf of class 12 I would like to thank and express gratitude tom all the teachers that have taught us over the years and molded us into capable young men that we are today. It is due to their patient hard work with us that we'll be walking out with pride from Welham. I also take this opportunity to wish class 10&12 best of luck for their exams and wish each one passes with flying colors.
Thank you.
