“Never lose touch with creativity,” Bedi told youngsters during an annual day function at the school. “Everyone is creative; even the driest of bankers is a creative person within himself; those who are engaged in serious sciences or quantum physics are also very creative people within themselves.”

Well known for his distinctive voice, the veteran actor’s speech captured the audience, which included a who’s who of the Eastern Province’s expatriate community, and was punctuated by frequent applause.

“Love your craft, and then the craft will reward you,” he said. “This is true for all professions; try to find things in life that are close to your heart because then getting up in the morning and going to work will become a great source of joy.”

Some were surprised by his candor.“I would not advise you to pursue a career in films. I have been an actor all my life, and in some sense you say I am a successful actor, but I don’t recommend this profession to you. I have seen the difficulties in this profession. There is too much insecurity.”

Actors are not seen as role models, and most parents do everything to shield their children from film stars. However, Bedi’s speech made everyone present a fan.

“You have been born in some of the most exciting times; in the times I grew in, there was no television, no mobiles, no Internet, no e-mails,” he said. “Within a span of seven years, giant companies like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have emerged and have changed the landscape forever. New inventions are taking place every day opening new possibilities and new career options.”

He said it is good to be part of a good school. “A great school gets you the best head starts in life; here are teachers who care for you, who inspire you, who recognize what is special in you. Celebrate the fact that you are part of Dunes.”

The main architect behind the school’s creation, Indian businessman and educator Nadeem Tarin, said: “It seems just yesterday the school was opened for admissions, and now almost a year has gone by and a lot has been accomplished during this 12 months.”

Tarin acknowledged the “impressive and able” leadership of school directors Amjad Khan and S.U. Rahman and Principal Dharminder Manon and the multinational teaching staff.

“We will do everything in our ability to ensure that the trust and confidence that our patrons and parents have reposed in us is never betrayed,” he said.

Encouraged by the success of Dunes School and Delhi Public School-Riyadh, Tarin said he hopes to set up 10 more schools in the Kingdom. “With the help of Almighty Allah we hope to achieve this in the next 15 years,” he said.

Earlier, Manon highlighted the achievements of the school and the students, not only in academics but also in sports and other extra-curricular activities. Students presented a variety of programs lasting five hours. Prizes were awarded to students excelling in scholastics and athletics.