JEDDAH: The International Indian School in Jeddah (IISJ) held the graduation ceremony for its outgoing 12th graders last week.

Graduation Day is the time when students trade in their books for academic gowns and caps. It marks and prepares the young graduates to enter a significant phase of their lives.

The program witnessed inspirational and motivational speeches from both the invited guests and the students.

Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak was the chief guest and Saudi media analyst Khaled Almaeena was the guest of honor.

Mohammed Abdul Raziq Abdul Vahid, chairman of the school managing committee, former Chairman Dr. M.S. Kareemuddin and Indian community patriarch Rafiuddin S. Fazalbhoy were among the special invitees.

IISJ Principal Syed Masood Ahmad congratulated the young graduates and exhorted them to shoulder the responsibility of an enlightened citizen. “Now onward, the responsibilities on your shoulders are doubled; on one hand you have to excel in your career and on the other you have to accomplish your duties toward your family members and the society in general,” he said.

All 548 students of Class 12 marched forward to receive their certificates for completing the required course of studies and being eligible for the AISSC Exam to be conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in March.

Sharing their success at the ceremony were friends and families, as well as the entire Staff of 9-12 Block, including IX-XII Block Boys’ Section Headmaster Noufal P. and Girls’ Section Vice Principal Farhadunnisa.

Mubarak advised the students to pursue higher studies and keep on learning while earning. “You must work hard to realize your dreams, instead of working to realize the dreams of others,” he said.

Almaeena urged the children to play an active role and be a change they want to see in others. “Don’t let negativism control you. Play a role that may enhance the quality of people’s lives. Don’t leave politics to politicians alone,” he said.

He appreciated the Indian culture and said: “The beauty of India lies in its own culture. Do not import foreign culture. Follow yours.”

Muhit Masood, head boy, and the Lamiah Basheer, head girl, in their speeches paid tribute to their teachers and parents as well as school officials for their love, care and guidance.