- PM SHRI Adarsh Primary School athletes feted for Khel Mahakumbh triumphs
- New Year celebration blends sport, education and nation-building ideals
- RRU reinforces grassroots sports ecosystem aligned with India’s Olympic aspirations
NE EDUCATION / SPORTS BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JAN 6
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, marked the first day of New Year 2026 by celebrating sporting excellence and grassroots talent, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young minds through education and sports. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of holistic youth development, RRU continues to strengthen PM SHRI Schools by promoting discipline, resilience and excellence, while preparing young achievers for national and international sporting platforms, including India’s long-term Olympic vision for 2036.
Reflecting this commitment, RRU hosted Neemaben Parekh, Principal and USA Fulbright Scholarship awardee, along with achiever students of PM SHRI Adarsh Primary School, Lavad. The students were felicitated for their outstanding performances at the Khel Mahakumbh competitions in Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Volleyball and Athletics. The event recognised their perseverance, competitive spirit and achievements, while reaffirming RRU’s sustained support for building a strong sports culture at the grassroots level.
The programme commenced with a special documentary screening on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, inspiring participants with ideals of unity, discipline and nation building.
The welcome address was delivered by Priyanka Sharma, Dean, Extension and Distance Learning Directorate, RRU. She congratulated the student achievers for their talent and determination, appreciated the dedicated efforts of RRU’s sports trainers and the school sports teacher, and congratulated Neemaben Parekh on securing the prestigious USA Fulbright Scholarship.
Sapna Pal, Sports Training Officer, School of Physical Education and Sports, RRU, shared her experiences in nurturing young sporting talent and assured continued support, particularly in preparing students for Kho-Kho competitions, to further strengthen their performance and confidence.
Yash Sharma, Director, School of Physical Education and Sports, RRU, spoke about his own journey in tennis marked by struggle and perseverance. He encouraged students to stay connected with sports throughout their lives, underlining its role as a lifelong discipline that builds character and resilience.
During the experience-sharing session, PM SHRI School students spoke about overcoming fear through structured training received from RRU and guidance from their sports teacher. They shared their motivation and determination behind their competitive success. Dhaval Solanki, Sports Teacher, PM SHRI Adarsh Primary School, Lavad, expressed gratitude for RRU’s continuous support in preparing students for the Khel Mahakumbh competitions.
Neemaben Parekh, Principal of the school, thanked RRU leadership, EDLD and the School of Physical Education and Sports for supporting her vision of channelising students’ energy towards sports. She highlighted RRU’s role in nurturing sports culture by providing human resources, technical guidance and support for developing sports infrastructure. She also acknowledged the university’s holistic assistance—from skill-building sessions to logistical support—which has deeply motivated students from a remote village of Gujarat.
Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor, RRU, congratulated the student achievers, the Principal, the school sports teacher, EDLD and the SPES team for their collective efforts in bringing laurels to the institution. He advised students to respect their parents and teachers and to include at least one hour of yoga and sports in their daily routine. Congratulating Neemaben Parekh on her Fulbright Scholarship, he expressed confidence that her international exposure would inspire many and benefit students across Gujarat through training-of-trainers initiatives. He assured continued support to the school in line with the Prime Minister’s vision and the commitment of Vice Chancellor Bimal N. Patel.
As a mark of recognition, students who competed at the state level were felicitated with RRU merchandise mugs, while Neemaben Parekh was honoured with a shawl for her achievement in securing the USA Fulbright Scholarship from a remote village of Gujarat.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Kashyap Parmar, Administrative Officer, EDLD, who thanked the student achievers, school leadership, RRU leadership and the SPES team for making the programme memorable.
The event concluded with mass singing of the national song “Vande Mataram” as part of the 150th birth anniversary commemorations, followed by a group photograph at the Grand Porch and refreshments. The celebration marked a purposeful beginning to New Year 2026, reinforcing RRU’s commitment to nation building through education, sports and sustained collaboration.
