Gallery : PRABHA-2026
From First Bell to Final Farewell – PRABHA 2026
"Schools are not just buildings we leave behind; they are the stories we carry within us.”
PRABHA: Valedictory Ceremony 2026, held on the 31st of January 2026, was a grand procession at Gopalan National School that transformed the school campus into a wondrous haven. The atmosphere brimmed with excited parents out front, anxious 10th graders, and teachers prepping behind the scenes. The event started with a warm welcome by the Vice Principal, Mrs. Linda Bird, who received the chief guest, Mr. Shrilal Shreedar, escorted by the former Head Girl, Nitya, and former Head Boy, Aghosh, along with other dignitaries and parents present. This was shortly followed by the entry of the show's stars – the tenth-grade batch of 2025–26 – donned in elegant sarees and suits, owning the stage built specially for them. Keeping in line with the school’s tradition, the programme proceeded with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, after which the graduating students of Grade 10 shared their views on core virtues like empathy, gratitude, perseverance, courage, responsibility, and integrity that strengthen and guide one throughout life. Various religious verses were also recited, honouring India's secularity. A captivating dance performance followed, with elegance becoming one with precision.
Soon, one of the most anticipated events of the evening arrived – the passing down of the mantle: the School Flag. As the current Head Boy, Shrish, and the Head Girl, Shriya, marched along, the former Head Girl, Nitya, and former Head Boy, Aghosh, walked toward them. They handed over the flag to the Principal, Mrs. Bhaswati Mukherjee, who then passed it on to the new leaders. It was a moment of pride for them, holding the school flag, as feelings of responsibility and diligence swelled within, with the awareness that they now carried an important duty on their shoulders.
The gathering was then enlightened by the chief guest, Mr. Shrilal Shreedar, whose speech highlighted the importance of learning from setbacks and moving forward instead of repenting over obstacles. As an individual working under the DRDO for around three and a half decades, he spoke about Viksit Bharat and how school life would lay the foundation for the years to come.Next, the valedictorians were felicitated by the chief guest, the Principal, and the Director, Mrs. Sunita Prabhakar. Each valedictorian was called up to the stage to proudly receive a memento, while their goals and visions were shared over the mic. The MCs, to everyone's surprise, then announced the Best Outgoing Student: Niharika, the school's Red House Captain.
The former Head Boy and Head Girl delivered a speech traced with nostalgia as they recollected their years spent within the campus walls – personal experiences with their friends, teachers, and coaches – thanking them all for their everlasting support. This was followed by an address by the Principal, Mrs. Bhaswati Mukherjee, who, after welcoming the dignitaries and parents, spoke directly to the graduating batch about the power of feedback, the importance of accepting and looking out for opportunities to improve themselves, and always choosing a righteous path with no shortcuts. Sunita Ma'am, the Director, also addressed the gathering, reminiscing about moments of school life – forgotten homework and field trips – that will forever be cherished in the students’ hearts.
Parents of a few 10th-grade students also addressed the gathering, sharing their experiences with GNS over the years. When the audience expected the ceremony to come to a close, yet another surprise awaited. The previously calm atmosphere was cut through by the melodious singing of the high school teachers, who had been preparing for this moment for two entire days. The drummer of the school choir decided to take things up a notch and showcased his beatboxing skills, truly adding to the excitement.
The closing speech was given by the high school co-ordinator, Mrs. Rakhi Rawat, who not only expressed sincere gratitude to all the contributing members of PRABHA but also highlighted the value of self-appreciation. The event ended with the lighting of candles held by each valedictorian. As they walked the ramp and gathered in the school ground, the most awaited moment arrived – after a three-second countdown, caps flew high in the air, amidst laughter and subtle melancholy. Students and their families captured this cherished moment at the photobooth arranged by the school and enjoyed a scrumptious dinner before calling it a day. It was indeed a magical experience, filled with joy, pride, nostalgia, and a sense of timeless connection to the school, leaving many wondering how PRABHA will unfold in the years to come .
