Platinum Jubilee Concerts of St Joseph's School, Bhubaneswar Spotlight Character and Values

Bhubaneswar, December 14 — The exhortation to place character above marks emerged as the defining message of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Joseph’s High School, Bhubaneswar, as the institution marked 75 years of academic excellence with two days of grand Jubilee Concerts on December 12 and 13.

Addressing students during the Senior School Concert, Chief Guest Col. Surender Kumar Rohilla, Director (General Staff and War Establishment) and a distinguished alumnus of the school, urged young learners to focus on building strong character rather than merely chasing academic scores. Emphasising that integrity, discipline and values form the foundation of lasting success, Col. Rohilla credited St. Joseph’s High School for shaping his own outlook on life and service. Recalling his student days with warmth, he said the values instilled within the school campus continued to guide him throughout his professional journey in the armed forces.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations began on December 12 with the Junior School Concert, which featured Mr. Madhab Mishra, IRS, Commissioner (GST Kolkata South), as Chief Guest. Mr. Mishra lauded the institution’s sustained commitment to shaping young minds and nurturing responsible citizens, affirming that schools like St. Joseph’s play a decisive role in nation-building by combining academic rigor with moral formation.

The Senior School Concert on December 13 was further enriched by the presence of Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, as Guest of Honour. Archbishop Barwa commended the collective efforts of the management, staff and students in preserving the school’s ethos over seven and a half decades, and encouraged the Josephite community to remain steadfast in its mission of holistic education rooted in values.

Dignitaries who graced both days of the celebration included Sr. Justine G. Senapathy, President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy (India), Sr. Divya, SSJA, Vice President, and former Principals Sr. Lucy Joseph and Sr. Sylvia, SSJA, whose presence added solemnity and continuity to the landmark occasion. Sr. Justine expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire school community for sustaining the institution’s legacy and spirit over the years.

Anchored in the theme “Celebrating the Past, Orchestrating the Future,” the Jubilee Concerts featured a rich array of dances, skits, musical performances and thematic presentations that vividly traced the school’s 75-year journey of education, values and holistic growth. The programmes reflected not only artistic talent but also the ideals that have defined St. Joseph’s High School since its inception.

As part of the celebrations, the school honoured members of the staff who completed 25 years of dedicated service, recognising their invaluable contribution to the institution’s growth and stability. Sr. Archana, the Principal, presented the Platinum Jubilee Report, highlighting key milestones, achievements and the school’s continuing mission to provide quality education grounded in discipline and moral values.

The two-day celebration concluded amid thunderous applause and a deep sense of pride, as the Josephite family reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward a 75-year legacy — one that, as the Chief Guest exhorted, places character, values and service at the heart of true success.

By Catholic Connect Reporter