UN Charter presentation - G D Goenka Public School, Srinagar

The National UN Volunteers, India 

Installation in GD Goenka Srinagar. 

UNGC ID:481682

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. —Warren Bennis

GD Goenka Public School, Srinagar, constantly works to instill in its students a feeling of duty and devotion, with their heads held high and prepared to shoulder responsibilities as leaders, in order to attain new heights and the pinnacle of success. As the first school in the valley to join the UN-designated group of schools, August 12, 2024, was a momentous day for GD Goenka, Srinagar, as it witnessed  the installation of UN volunteers.

Mr. Gulam Qadir Shah, the Chairman of the Al Habib Educational Trust and the founder of the GD Goenka Public School ,Srinagar, graced the event as the chief guest. Among the dignitaries were Mr. Imtiyaz Kawoosa,( VC and managing Trustee), Madam Massara Kawosa ( Managing Director) , Mr. Mohammad Ameer Kawoosa( Executive Director) and Principal, Mr. Johnson PJ. The custom of the school to start every occasion with a memory of Allah was upheld when holy quranic verses were recited to open the celebration. This was followed a  beautiful prayer song that uplifted everyone's spirit and intellect.

A welcome address and introduction of the program was presented by the Lead coordinator, Mrs Asia Mushtaq. She extended  her appreciation to the council members  and enumerated the duties that the newly elected school council who are leading the students of  UN volenteers –India in the school are expected to fulfill, emphasizing the need of modeling good behavior. Principal, Mr. Johnson P J introduced the UN Volunteer Program to everyone including the parents, teachers, staff members and students, specifying the significance of signing in as a life long volunteer ship for a noble cause. In addition, he stated that as a participant in the program, the school aims to impart knowledge and learning as a means of establishing human rights and dignity as well as sustainable  development goals in the communities where people's potential is realized by following 10 UN principles and 17 SGD’s.

The honoured chief guest and other dignitaries presented the leaders with sashes and badges. The principal bestowed the oath of office to the leaders and  captains, requesting them to preserve the school's traditions and ideals and to perform their tasks with honesty, faith, and uprightness. Witnessing the members of the council, elegantly dressed in sashes and badges, swear to maintain the principles of their alma mater and the confidence placed in them was an incredible experience for everyone.

Madam Massara Kawoosa, Managing Director, commended the Student Council members and encouraged them to carry out their duties with the deepest understanding and care for everyone. She exhorted those who had earned the badges to get ready for this new world, where they must think of others before themselves and come up with ideas for changing the status quo. She further expressed gratitude to parents and educators in her speech for their excellent cooperation in shaping and nourishing children and getting them ready for a better future. 

The installation of UN Volunteer Ambassadors was administered by the Executive Director Mr. Mohammad Ameer Kawoosa. Badges and certificates were given to the volunteers from coordinators, teachers, and staff members. Mr. Ameer- the Executive Director exhorted the council members to pursue greatness and be the greatest leaders they can be. During his speech, the Executive Director expressed gratitude to the school for giving students the chance to participate in such events.

The chief guest, Mr. Gulam Qadir Kawoosa, then released the school's Special Edition of e magazine  which was then followed by vote of thanks by the Head girl, Tauha Bashir.  In her speech, Tauha pledged to preserve the honor of her position and the school's principles.  Mother of Kabir Yassir, Junior school general secretary also expressed gratitude to the GD Goenka team and administration for providing  students with these possibilities. 

It was a proud moment for all the Parents to witness their children being invested with great responsibilities while embarking on a new journey as leaders. With the flags held high and heads standing tall, the ceremony concluded with the School Anthem.