The GIIS SMART Campus hosted its annual Global School Awards on April 13 at the Quantum Arena of the One World International School Digital Campus. The GSA recognised the achievements of students from Grades 4 to 9 and CBSE 11, across a range of disciplines including academics, co-curricular activities, and sports.

The ceremony featured prestigious awards such as the APJ Abdul Kalam GIIS Award for Academic Proficiency, the MGK Menon GIIS Award for Academic Proficiency, the Ambassador Abid Hussain GIIS Award for Academic Proficiency, the Subject Proficiency Award, the Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari GIIS Award for Co-curricular Excellence, and the Chandu Borde GIIS Award for Sports Excellence.

The event commenced with an inspirational speech by the SMART Campus Principal, Ms. Melissa Maria. Addressing students and parents, she shared the inspiring story of Gitanjali Rao, a student who, at just 12 years old, won a $25,000 science prize in 2017. Drawing parallels to Gitanjali's journey, the principal encouraged students to persist and strive for success.

Following this, students performed the Ganesh Vandana, a reverent and graceful rendition that garnered enthusiastic applause, setting an uplifting tone for the ceremony.

The award distribution began with the APJ Abdul Kalam GIIS Award for Academic Proficiency and the MGK Menon GIIS Award for Academic Proficiency. The students' joy and the proud applause from their parents highlighted the ceremony’s celebratory atmosphere. This was followed by the presentation of subject proficiency awards, the Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari GIIS Award for Co-curricular Excellence, and the Chandu Borde GIIS Award for Sports Excellence. The prestigious GSF President’s Award for All-Round Excellence was then proudly bestowed upon students who demonstrated exceptional achievements across multiple disciplines. The final category, the Multiple Awards Category, honoured students who received awards across different sectors.

Dr. Prahlad Vadakkepat, the Guest of Honour and an esteemed Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), renowned for his research in robotics, shifted focus from accolades to the importance of parental understanding and its impact on students' well-being and fulfilment.

In conclusion, the Global School Awards 2023-24 celebrated not only academic and co-curricular excellence but also strengthened the sense of community, camaraderie, and cherished memories among the participants. As students and parents left, their hearts were filled with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to a truly remarkable event.