79 Catholic Students Honoured for Academic Excellence in Delhi

NEW DELHI, August 25, 2026: Seventy-nine Catholic students who scored 80 per cent or above in the 2026 CBSE Board Examinations were honoured for their academic achievements at the Fr. Alex Toppo Memorial Excellence in Education Award 2026 held here on August 23.

Organised by the Commission for Tribal Affairs of the Archdiocese of Delhi, the award ceremony took place at DCC Hall, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gol Dak Khana. The award was open to Catholic students from all communities and was not restricted to students from tribal backgrounds.

Among the 79 awardees, 34 were Class X students and 45 were from Class XII. Each recipient was presented with a certificate and memento in recognition of academic performance.

The programme was attended by Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi and Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Chairman of the Commission for Tribal Affairs of the Archdiocese of Delhi. Other guests included Fr. Valerian Barretto, Fr. Santosh Vazapally, Fr. Maria Antony, Dr. Preeti Margaret and Maxima Ekka.

The programme began with an opening prayer and the lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Vijay Toppo, Regional Secretary of the Commission for Tribal Affairs. The dignitaries were subsequently felicitated, followed by group photographs with the awardees.

The main felicitation ceremony recognised students from Classes X and XII, with the awards presented in groups to facilitate the proceedings.

Top-performing students also shared their experiences with the gathering. Angel Anamika Ekka, a Class XII student, spoke about the role of hard work, academic achievement and encouragement in a student's journey. Class X student Oddapally Khushal urged fellow students to remain focused, work hard and continue striving for excellence.

A cultural dance performance by Prabhu Prakash Girja of Trilokpuri Parish added a cultural dimension to the event.

Addressing the students, the dignitaries congratulated them on their achievements and encouraged them to pursue higher standards in education while growing into responsible and contributing members of society.

The annual award ceremony seeks to recognise academic achievement among Catholic students and motivate them to pursue their education with dedication. The programme was supported by students, parents, parishes and volunteers from various parishes who contributed to its organisation.

By Vijay Toppo