Sainik School Kapurthala celebrated the 80th Independence Day along with its 65th Raising Day on 15 August 2026 at the historic Jagatjit Palace.
Tribune Times News
Kapurthala, August 16
The programme was presided over by Major General P. K. Singh, SM**, Chief of Staff, 11 Corps and Chairman, Local Board of Administration, Sainik School Kapurthala. Lieutenant General Gurdeep Singh (Retd.), distinguished alumnus of the school, and Mr Akash Bansal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala, along with senior alumni, parents, staff and cadets, were present on the occasion. The Deputy Commissioner joined the celebrations despite his busy schedule, reflecting the support and association of the district administration with the school.
Principal, Gp Capt I Manoj Menon, welcomed the Chief Guest, senior alumni, parents and other dignitaries. He also acknowledged the contribution of the alumni, staff and cadets in carrying forward the traditions and values of Sainik School Kapurthala.
The programme commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the school’s Smriti Sthal, where the Chief Guest and other dignitaries paid homage to the armed forces personnel and alumni who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
This was followed by the Guard of Honour and ceremonial parade. Reviewing the parade, Major General P. K. Singh appreciated the turnout, discipline, drill and coordination of the cadets. The Nishan Toli, school band and cultural presentations were also part of the programme.
Chief Guest’s Message: Freedom to Dream, Courage to Fail, Discipline to Rise
Addressing the cadets, Major General P. K. Singh emphasised the importance of dreaming with purpose, having the courage to face failure and developing the discipline to rise again.
He highlighted the significance of the occasion and the school’s 65-year contribution towards preparing young students for leadership and service to the nation. Appreciating the discipline, poise and coordination displayed by the cadets, he stated that these reflected the ethos of Sainik School Kapurthala.
His message to the young cadets was simple and relevant:
“Freedom gives us the space to dream. Courage gives us the strength to face failure. Discipline gives us the power to keep rising until the dream becomes reality.”
He encouraged the cadets to set meaningful goals, face challenges with confidence, learn from setbacks and remain disciplined and committed to their responsibilities. He also expressed confidence in the cadets and their potential to contribute to the nation in the years ahead.
The occasion also included the ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the 65th Raising Day of Sainik School Kapurthala. A sapling was presented to the Chief Guest as part of the school’s Green Welcome initiative.
The celebrations concluded with the participation of cadets, staff, parents, alumni and dignitaries, marking both the nation’s Independence Day and six-and-a-half decades of Sainik School Kapurthala’s contribution to nation-building.
