A celebration of the timeless triumph of student life, marking the transition to a new chapter.
24th January, 2026, was a momentous day for Bishop Cotton Girls’ School, marking the defining moment of the 304 students of Std X and 121 young women of Std XII of the 2025-2026 batch. The solemn occasion began with the graceful procession of the graduating students.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Presiding Dignitary, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop, CSI Karnataka Central Diocese, Chairman, Board of Management, the Chief Guest, Ms. Aiyshwarya M. Mahadev, National spokesperson, Indian National Congress, Chief Spokesperson, Indian National Congress (Karnataka), Vice Chairperson, Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), Government of Karnataka. The others present were officers of the Diocese, members of the Executive and the Education Committee, members of the Board of Management, principals of diocesan schools, former principals, and other dignitaries.
The formal function began with the singing of the school song, echoing the school motto, On, Straight On! This was followed by a prayerful invocation song, Potter’s Hand, rendered by the students of Std X and XII. The opening prayer was led by Rev. Theodore William D, Presbyter-in-charge, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Vice Chairman, Board of Management.
The Principal, Mrs. Christy Priyadarshini F., delivered the welcome address, formally introduced the Chief Guest, and acknowledged the gracious presence of the dignitaries and parents.
To inspire hope, creativity, and the pursuit of ambitious goals, the Std X choir set the emotional tone with the song, Million Dreams. The School Captain, Anoushka De (Std XII Science), shared her experiences in her speech, highlighting that the school has given roots strong enough to stay grounded and wings, strong enough to fly.
A special choral rendition of High Hopes by the school choir encouraged the graduates to capture the spirit of ambition, perseverance, and belief in one’s dreams as they take up their new journeys.
In her address, the Chief Guest, Ms. Aiyshwarya M. Mahadev, a proud alumna of the school (ISC Batch 2011), encouraged the students to be women of consequence and to speak up when it is difficult. She advised the students not to trade the values taught by their parents and teachers.
The Std XII choir beautifully rendered, Slipping Through My Fingers, touching the hearts of not only the parents, but also the teachers who had guided the young ladies, and led them this far.
Mrs. Rituparna De, in her Parent’s Speech, equally presented a heart-touching attachment to the school. She left the students with the thought by quoting Dr. Maya Angelou’s piece of wisdom, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
The next significant moment of the ceremony was the presentation of a memento by the Principal to the School Captain, representing the outgoing students of Std X and XII. The graduating students then took a pledge of allegiance to their alma mater, led by the Principal.
The school also honoured the retiring and retired teachers and support staff, felicitated by the Bishop and the Principal.
The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, in his Presidential Address, appreciated the achievements of the students and reminded them of the foundation laid by the founders of the school to nurture confident young women, instilling in them moral values, compassion, and a strong sense of justice.
The Vice-Captain, Saanvi S. Malteesh, proposed an emotional vote of thanks.
The most auspicious part of the ceremony was the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and the Principal. Further, the Principal symbolically passed on the light to the class teachers of Std X and XII, who, in turn, religiously kindled the lamp of the students to illuminate the path that lies ahead for them. Sherril Johnson (Std XII Commerce), by singing, Carry Your Candle, inspired her fellow classmates to spread the light and hope as they move on in their lives.
The remarkable graduation ceremony came to an end with the closing prayer by Rev. Christopher Samuel, secretary, CSI Karnataka Central Diocese, Presbyter in charge, St. John’s Church, and the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar pronounced the benediction. After which, the dignitaries led the recessional procession of the graduating students, bringing the memorable ceremony to an end.
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