News from School October to December 2007

1. The Second quarter of the Academic Year was mostly devoted to the completion of syllabus and to the conduct of planned school activities.

2. The third monthly test was conducted form 29^th October to 3^rd Nov 2007. The first model examination for classes X and XII and second Mid Term examination for other classes were held from 08^th Dec to 14^th Dec 2007. The following inter house competitions were also completed during this period as under :-

(i) Inter House Hindi debate for Sub Juniors , Juniors and Seniors was held on 04^th Oct 2007.

(ii) Inter House Declamation for Seniors and recitation for sub Juniors and Juniors were held 10^th Oct 2007.

(iii) Inter House PT Competition for Sub Juniors, Juniors and Seniors was held on 15^th Oct 2007.

(iv) Inter house Cross Country for Sub Juniors , Juniors and Seniors was held on 22^nd Oct 20007.

(v) Inter house drill competition for Juniors and Seniors was held on 19^th Nov 2007

3. Diwali was celebrated in the school with a lot of fanfare on 08 Nov. The venue of the celebration was tastefully decorated with lamps, lights and festoons. The celebration started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Mrs Sreedevi Ajit Kumar. It was followed by a display of pyrotechnics by the cadets. A special dinner was hosted at the Cadets' Mess to mark the occasion.

4. Children's Day was celebrated at the school in a befitting manner on 14^th Nov 2007. A variety entertainment programme presented by the faculty in the auditorium was the highlight of the day. The Principal greeted the children and the School Cadet Captain Nikhil thanked the staff for their splendid cultural extravaganza.

5. The Passing Out Parade of 87 cadets of class XII was held on 22^nd Dec 2007 at the school parade ground. Shri Rishiraj Singh IPS, Inspector General of Police ( Crime) Govt of Kerala took salute and reviewed the parade. In his address the IGP complimented the cadets for their immaculate turn out and excellent standard of parade. He also awarded trophies to the outstanding cadets who excelled in various school activities. A large number of parents, old boys and invitees attended the colourful function.

6. The 46^th Annual Day celebrations of the school was held in the evening of 22^nd Dec 2007. Mr G Vijaya Raghavan the founder CEO of Techno Park, Trivandrum graced the function as Chief Guest. The Principal presented the school Annual report for the Academic year 2007 - 08. The Chief Guest gave away the prizes to the winners in academics and other co- curricular activities. He called upon the Sainik School students to keep abreast with the latest developments in Science and Technology and to equip themselves to take up the challenges the country is facing today. The variety entertainment programme presented by the cadets on the occasion entertained the gathering.

7. Thirty three cadets have cleared the UPSC written examination for admission to the 120^th Course of NDA . SSB training is being conducted for these cadets by a professional team of officers from Cavalier's Academy Trivandrum.

8. Christmas was celebrated in the campus on 17^th Dec 2007. Carol singing, Santa Claus , Crib and Christmas tree added colour and melody to the festivity. Unlike previous years friendly matches in cricket and volleyball among Officers, staff and employees were also played as part of the celebrations. The Principal gave the Christmas message and Mrs Sreedevi Ajit Kumar cut the Christmas cake. The celebrations cAme to an end with a Christmas dinner at the Cadets' Mess which was attended by all staff and their families.

9. The cadets of class X accompanied by three masters went on an educational tour to Hyderabad from 04^th Nov to 11^th Nov 2007. The party visited AOC Centre, Ramoji Film City, Golconda Fort, Charminar and other places of interest at Hyderabad. It was an enriching experience and exposure and helped the cadets widen their horizon.

10. The cadets of class VIII accompanied by three masters visited Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekady from 5^th Nov to 8^th Nov 2007. The cadets underwent mountain trekking and boating in the Periyar Lake.

11. The cadets of class X and XI were taken to Air Force station Shangumugham, Trivandrum to see the fighter planes like Sukhoi, Mirage and Jaguars at close quarters. They also had an opportunity to interact with Wg Cdr Suresh Kumar an alumnus of the school who was Officer in charge of the Air Show.

12. Air Vice Marshal Rajinder Singh, AVSM, VM, Senior Air Staff Officer Headquarters Southern Air Command and an alumnus of the school visited the school on 27^th Oct 2007. He drove around the campus and expressed happiness over the remarkable progress the school has made in all fields.

13. Six Senior Division cadets and one Junior Division cadet of the school have been selected to represent the Kerala Directorate at Republic Day Camp in New Delhi. Cadet Mukund Narayanan, the JD Cadet has been adjudged the best cadet of the Directorate and he will represent the Directorate at the best cadet competition in New Delhi.

14. Twenty five cadets of this school accompanied by two masters have attended a Seminar on `Learning of Science' conducted by Science Foundation at Hotel Residency, Trivandrum on 3^rd Dec 2007.

15. Participation of Cadets in Outside Events

(a) 18 cadets of classes XI and XII participated in the Regional Mathematics Olympiad held at Arya Central School on 07^th Oct 2007.

(b) 13 cadets of classes IX and XI attended the selection camp for RD Parade held at Pandalam from 03^rd to 15^th Oct 2007.

(c) Senior cadets participated in the All Kerala Inter School Basket Ball Championship held at Loyola School.

(d) 9 cadets attended the National informatics Olympiad conducted at Arya Central School on 17^th Nov 2007.

(e) 6 cadets of class XI and 1 cadet of class IX attended the pre RD Camp at Pangode from 17^th to 26^th Nov 2007.

(f) 12 cadets of class X took part in the NCC Day Celebrations on 24^th, 25^th Nov 2007 at Tagore Theatre, Trivandrum and presented a Mime in the presence of Mr. V S Achutanandan Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala.

(g) 8 cadets of classes VI and VII took part in the Hindu Young World Painting Competition at Govt Women's College Trivandrum on 24^th Nov 2007.

(h) The CBSE All Kerala Cluster Athletic Meet sponsored by Alan Feldman School was held at our School ground from 27^th Oct to 29^th Oct 2007, in which six athletes represented the school and Cdt Varghese Mathew won Silver Medal in 800 M, and Bronze in 1500 mts in the under 16 category.

(i) 25 cadets of class VI to VIII will be writing Science Talent Exam to be conducted by Kerala Science Foundation on 06 Feb 2008.

(j) The cadets of class VI to VIII will be participating in a cultural prgramme to be organized by Trivandrum International School on 25 Jan 2008.

(k) Cyber Olympiad: 50 cadets from class VII to XI appeared in the National Cyber Olympiad conducted by National Cyber Olympiad foundation, New Delhi and five of them received Medals and merit certificates.

(l) National Informatics Olympiad: 30 cadets of this school participated in the informatics Olympiad conducted by CBSE at Arya Central School, Pattom, Trivandrum on 23 Nov and the results are awaited.

16. NCC Training: The cadets of NCC proceeded on various NCC camps organized by NCC Directorate and few camps attended/being attended by the cadets are as under:-

1. Twenty cadets of class XI and 10 cadets of class IX attended National Integration Camps held at Alleppey and Mananthvady from 23^rd Dec 2007 to 01 Jan 2008.
2. 6 Senior division cadets and one junior division cadet have been selected for the Republic Day Parade NCC contingent of Kerala for the RD Parade Jan 2008 at New Delhi.
3. Cadet Mukund Narayan of class IX of the school represented the state in the Best Cadet Competition to be held in Delhi during the RD camp in Jan 2008.

17. Visit to School By dignitaries

1. Air Vice Marshal Rajinder Singh, AVSM, VM SASO, Senior Air Staff Officer, Southern Air Command and an old Boy of 1967 batch visited the school on 27^th Oct 2007.
2. Wg Cdr S Biswas PRO, Southern Air Command visited the school on 22^nd Nov 2007 and delivered a motivational lecture on career guidance on Air Force.
3. Mr. Rishi Raj Singh IPS Inspector General of police (Crime) visited school on 22^nd Dec 2007 and reviewed school POP.
4. Mr. Vijaya Raghavan eminent educationist visited the school on 22^nd Dec 2007 as Chief Guest for the AnnualDay
5. Air marshal Y R Rane, AVSM, VM, AOC -in-C Southern Air Command will be visiting and chairing the LBA meet on 24^th Jan 2008.
6. Old Boys of 1967 batch visited the school on 28 Dec 2007.
7. Brig R G Krishnan of 1974 Batch visited the school on 17^th Dec 2007.

18. Infrastructure and other Developmental Activities

1. Construction of new Swimming Pool is over but electrification, filtration plant and compound wall is pending.
2. Construction of Computer Lab in the `Gurudakshina Tower' under slow progress. Estimate of Rs 25 lakhs for the remaining work has been submitted by the PWD to the Govt for sanction.
3. Networking of class rooms and provision of TVs in class rooms is taken up in a phased manner. To begin with all classes of North wing are provided with the facility and classes in South wing will be completed before reopening of school. This will facilitate utilization of educational software already procured for all classes.
4. Provision of mosquito proofing in Mess and Dormitories under progress.
5. Provision of a Multimedia Class Room under progress on a fast track. Civil work has been completed. We are awaiting the computers released by the COAS to complete the remaining work.
6. Construction of QM & Clothing Stores. Work is in progress.
7. Construction of Bio Gas Plant near Cadet Mess: Case was taken up with Board of Governors. However non acceptance to meet the expenditure from Reserve Fund was conveyed verbally. Hence expenditure to be made out of School Fund by employing Govt Agency `ANERT' has been approved by LBA.
8. Installation of Inverters in Study halls of 11 Dormitories. Nearing completion.
9. PA Equipment and sound system exclusively for Auditorium.
10. Stainless Steel washing sinks in Mess Pantry.
11. Laundry & Drier machines for Dhobi shop.
12. Water purifier cum coolers for remaining dormitories & Mess.

19. The School closed for mid term break on 23^rd Dec 2007.

News from School - July to September 2007

1. The first quarter of the year was devoted to the preparation for NDA examination coverage of syllabus and the completion of various co curricular and extra curricular activities. The first Mid Term Examination for class VI to XI was held from 8^th to 14^th August 07. The first Mid Term Examination for class XII was conducted from 7^th to 13^th Sept 2007.

2 The OBA reunion is a major event in the school calendar. This year the OBA reunion was celebrated on 07-07-2007. A good number of old boys along with their families turned up for the function to relive the memories of their school days. The programme commenced with a wreath laying ceremony by Capt (IN) Louis George Meprath, President OBA and Col B Ajit Kumar, Principal, Sainik School Kazhakootam at the “Stupa of Remembrance”. This was followed by friendly matches in Cricket, Basketball and Volleyball between the Old Boys and the school teams, which revived many nostalgic memories. The OBA of Sainik School Kazhakootam is one of the most vibrant OBAs among Sainik Schools. The alumni of the school has a strong bond with the school and they have been consistently contributing their mite to the overall growth and development of the school since 1969. This year the OBA dedicated a Clock Tower on the occasion of the OBA to the school. It was constructed at a cost of 10.5 Lakhs sponsored by the 1982 batch of OBA. The tower, christened as Gurudakshina Clock Tower is a tribute to the masters who shaped and moulded the destiny of legions of students who passed out of the portals of this unique institution. The clock tower was formally inaugurated by Sri Mullakara Ratnakaran, Hon'ble Minister for agriculture, Govt of Kerala. The valedictory function, held in the Auditorium was presided over by Mr. Raju Abraham MLA. He addressed the gathering and gave away the trophies and prizes to the winners of various competitions and examinations.

3. The UPSC written examination for entry into the 120 course of NDA was held on 19^th August 2007. 85 cadets of class XII appeared for the exam at various centers in Trivandrum.

4. The Principal Col B Ajit Kumar attended a 02 day interactive session with the trainers of Intel Corporation under PLTF (Principal's Leadership Training Forum) on 2^nd and 3^rd August at Sainik School Bhubaneshwar.

5 The Diamond Jubilee of the Indian independence was celebrated in the school in a befitting manner on 15^th August 2007. In the morning the Principal unfurled the National Flag and delivered the independence day message to the gathering. Mrs. Sreedevi Ajit Kumar distributed sweets to the Sub Junior cadets of the school. Patriotic songs sung by the school choir and the school band enthralled the gathering with patriotic spirit.

6. The closing ceremony of the 46^th Annual Athletic Meet of the school was held on 16^th July 2007 at the school parade ground. Shri M A Baby Honourable Minister for Education, Govt of Kerala graced the function as Chief Guest and gave away the trophies and medals to the winners. The programme commenced with a colourful march past led by the School Cadet Captain. The Honourable Minister took salute and declared the meet closed. Speaking on the occasion the Minister complimented the cadets for their fine turn out and smart drill movements. Band display, Mass P T display and Karate added colour to the closing ceremony. The Principal welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest to the gathering. A large number of parents, old boys and invitees attended the function.

7 53 cadets of the school attended CAWTC - I conducted by the Trivandrum group (NCC) from 04^th to 15^th Sept 07. The School contingent won the Inter Battalion Drill Competitions in Senior Division as well as Junior Division. The contingent also won the second position in the Quiz and the Flag Area Competitions.

8. As many as hundred and six cadets of the school attended CAWTC - II at Trivandrum from 19^th to 30^th September 2007. Nine SD cadets and five JD cadets from this camp have been selected for the inter group competition to be held at Pandalam from 3^rd to 14^th October 2007.

9. 40 cadets of the school participated in the KV Utsav at Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom and won the trophy in the Inter School Drama Competition. Cadet Anand Mohan of class XI won the coveted Best Actor Award for his sterling performance in the drama competition.

10. The following inter house competitions were conducted during this period.

Sl No	Date	Activity
1	5-7-07	Inter House Malayalam Debate
2	10-7-07	Inter House Volleyball
3	12-7-07	Inter House English Debate
4	18-7-07	Class cleanliness competitions
5	27-7-07	Inter House cleanliness competitions
6	14-9-07	Inter House P T competitions
7	27-7-07	Inter House Hockey

11. The cadets of class VI went on an educational tour to Trivandrum and nearby places on 28^th July 2007. The party visited Trivandrum, Zoo, Art Gallery and other places of interest in the city. In the afternoon the party visited “Happy Land”, an amusement park near the state capital.

12. The cadets of class VII went on an educational tour to Kanyakumari on 28^th July 2007. Enroute the party visited the historic Padmanabhapuram palace of the erstwhile Travancore kings. At Kanyakumari, the party visited Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Tiruvalluvar Statue and the Gandhi Mandapam.

13. Two Masters of the school attended the workshop in computer training at Sainik School Bhuvaneshwar from 4^th to 13^th August 2007. The workshop was conducted by Intel Corporation.

14. Onam, the biggest festival of Kerala was celebrated in the school with lot of fanfare on 17^th August 2007. Unlike previous years, this year the festival was observed with lot of competitions associated with Onam. All cadets participated in floral design (athapookalam) competition which is a rare blend of colours and designs with flowers. It was followed by a variety entertainment programme presented by staff and their families. Some of the traditional art forms, folkdances and tug of war added colour to the celebrations. The sumptuous ` Ona Sadhya' at the cadets mess marked the culmination of the celebrations.

15. Fifty cadets of the school took part in the FM radio programme at Kinfra Video Park on 19^th August 2007. The party presented radio-programmes in English and Malayalam . The programme was aired on 21^st Sept 2007.

16. The School Sub Junior house day “Soiree' was staged on 19^th September at the Kazhak Silver stage. The tiny tots of the school presented dance, music skit and mimes in English, Hindi and Malayalam. The programme was well appreciated by one and all.

17. The Junior house day “Edmonton' was presented by the Junior house cadets on 21^st Sep 2007 , The dance, music , orchestra and skits presented by them was well received by the audience.

18. The Senior House Day `Thrijanya' held on 25^th Sep was the culmination of the house days. The hilarious comedies, sweet melodies, rocking dances and the sterling mime shows mesmerized the audience.

19. 35 cadets of this school participated in the various literary competitions conducted by Hindi Prachar Sabha on 19^th September 2007 at Trivandrum. The school teams won second prize in Hindi patriotic song and third in Hindi quiz and recitation.

20. The school teams have taken part in the South Zone Games meet held at Sainik School Amaravathi Nagar from 20^th to 24^th Aug 2007. The school football team won the runners up trophy in football. Cadets IR Rahul and Cadet Hari Prasad won the Best Defender medal in Basketball and Football respectively. The school debate team won the trophy for the English debate competition held during the games meet. This is the third consecutive year that Sainik School Kazhakootam is lifting the English debate trophy in the South Zone games meet.

Rediscover the Sainik school

New Article by MP AnilKumar for Rediff.com . Read it online at http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jan/25anil.htm

Capt Harshan AC in news

Lot's of media coverage happened about Capt. Harshan father receiving Ashoka Chakra. I am trying to collect all of them in one place

• President of India, Pratibha Patil awarding Ashoka Chakra to Harshan's father
• New Indian Express
• Rediff.com
  

Awards - Republic day

On behalf of OBA and my self congrats our OB's receiving the following awards on 26th Jan 2008:

• Lt. Gen. Thomas Mathew AVSM - PVSM (6/1965)
• Lt. Gen. S. P. Sreekumar AVSM, ADC - PVSM (38/1965)
  
• Rear Admiral Rajendra Singh NM, VSM - AVSM (4/1968)
  
• Brigadier K. S. Venugopal - VSM (413/1972)
  
• Brigadier Rajeevan Gopalakrishnan - VSM (592/1974)
• Wg. Cdr. K. S. Suresh Kumar - VM (1443/1984)

Minutes of meeting - 2nd OBA executive committee meeting

The second executive committee meeting of OBA was held at SSKZM on 30 Dec 2007.

The following Attended the meeting

From School

1. Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
2. Mr K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM.

OBA

1. Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972), President.
2. Dr Jayasankar R Warier (952 / 1980), General Secretary.
3. Mr G Jayakumar (892 / 1979), Treasurer
4. Mr Raj Kumar S (2569/1995). Joint Secretary
5. Mr U Thaju (1643/1986), EC Member (1986-90)
6. Mr P Premchandran Pillai (768 / 1977), Ex-General Secretary
7. Lt Colonel Rajesh K Nair (1039/1980), Ex- Registrar, SSKZM

The points discussed are as shown below

1. Welcome address by President OBASSKZM.
2. Address by Patron, OBASSKZM
3. Bust in honour of Late Captain Harshan, Ashok Chakra (2776 / 1997)
4. Students' Aid Fund
5. Pavilion Project of 1997 batch
6. OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day
7. Fees issue - contribution of State Govt. towards scholarships
8. Creation of blog
9. Any other points by the members

Welcome Address by President, OBA SSKZM

The meeting began by observing a minute's silence in memory of the dear departed Alumni. Thereafter, the President in his address thanked Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Mr K Rajendran and the OBA members for taking pains to be present for the EC meeting on a Sunday afternoon. The President informed that the OBA would continue to work in synergy with the School authorities for the development of the cadets.

Address by Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron,OBA SSKZM

The Principal briefed the gathering on the happenings at SSKZM. The following significant points were brought out:

1. Swimming Pool: The Swimming Pool construction though over; cannot still be utilised due to non-commissioning of the purifying plant and non -construction of the boundary wall. Without a proper boundary wall and a purifying plant, it would be unsafe to commission the Swimming Pool. Both these issues are being regularly taken up with the State Govt. The boundary wall would cost around Rs. 8.00 lakhs. The State Govt has not yet sanctioned funds for these
2. Computer Lab. A lecture hall has been converted into a Multi Media lab for use by the students. 36 networked computers with LCD projection systems etc will be housed in this hall with internet and digital display facility also provided. The computers promised during the visit of Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, the then Chief of the Army Staff during his visit to the School in Feb 2007 will also be housed in this hall
3. Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is functioning well. However, the proposal to construct an internet hub on the first floor has still not materialised due to lack of funding by the State Govt. In addition, the finishing touches to the Clock Tower are still awaited.
4. Annual Day / POP. All events like Annual Day / POP were well conducted. Alumni also participated in these events. The Principal was proud to mention that for the first time in the history of SSKZM, a girl cadet also took part in the Passing - Out - Parade. This is a great achievement for the School as well as for the Alumni, as the girl Cadet (Cadet Priyanka) is the daughter of Lt Col Rajesh K Nair, Ex-Registrar of SSKZM.

The agenda points were then taken up for discussions.

Bust in honour of Late Captain R Harshan (2776 / 1977) , AC by OBA SSKZM: The President intimated that a Bust of Late Captain R Harshan, AC could be installed in the second quadrangle of the School Main Building. The Principal kindly agreed to the request made by the OBAEC that the installation work should be taken up by SSKZM. Funding for this would be provided by the OBA. The work is expected to take about 6 to 8 months to complete at an approximate cost of Rs. 1.60 lakhs (inclusive of Bust and structure surrounding the Bust - similar to the existing Bust of Late Colonel NJC Nair, AC, KC in the first quadrangle). The President thanked the Principal for agreeing to take up this task.

Students' Aid Fund: The President intimated that the existing procedure of identifying SAF beneficiaries by the School Authorities was adequate. The amounts given to each cadet under this scheme was Rs. 1000/-. However, this could be enhanced on a case-to-case basis.

Pavilion Project 1997 batch: The President intimated that he is in regular touch with Mr. Sunil Jose Gregory (2731 / 1997) regarding the Pavilion Project. The present status is that fund collection drive from batch-mates is on in full swing. The construction activity is likely to be started in Feb 2007.

OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day: The President intimated that based on the feedback received from Alumni, the General format for conduct of the OB day would generally remain unchanged viz. Wreath laying, Cricket Match, GBM, Football / Basketball / Volleyball matches, Commemoration Meeting etc. The finer details like timing for the various events would be finalised in the next meeting. However, points brought out by Alumni like provision of Bottled water at vantage points, programmes for family members, more registration counters, counters for career guidance to be manned by Alumni from various fields etc. would be kept in mind for implementation during OB day 2008.

Fees issue - contribution of State Govt: Mr. Premchandran Pillai gave a briefing on the subject. The current rate of Tuition Fees is Rs. 40,180/- for all cadets. Of this, the Kerala State Government contributes only Rs. 14,000/- for a full scholarship holder. At present, a major part of this fees are utilised for payment of salary and pensions of the Staff. The Tuition Fees are expected to go up once the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations are implemented. It was the general opinion that the salary and pensions of the Staff should be paid either by the State Govt. or the Central Govt. The President intimated that the OBA would take up the matter at the appropriate forum at Delhi.

Creation of blog: The President informed that Mr. Raj Kumar (2569/1995), Joint Secretary has created a blog. Information could be posted on the blog by sending an E Mail to news@sskzm.org. The Principal also intimated that news items from SSKZM and photographs would be sent for inclusion. The President thanked the Principal for the same.

Any other points. Lt Col Rajesh Nair brought out the fact that there is a Master who retired prior to 1989 (i.e. before the pension scheme came into effect). He is not in receipt of any pension from SSKZM. Lt Col Rajesh was of the view that the OBA should consider giving a one - time grant to him as Gurudakshina. The President OBA requested the Principal to intimate how many Staff / Masters had retired prior to implementation of the pension scheme (indicating the date they joined SSKZM and the date they retired / resigned). The President opined that a decision on this point could be taken after the relevant information is obtained from SSKZM.

There being no other points the meeting was adjourned at 1730 hours.

Dr. Jayasankar R Warier, 952 / 1980
General Secretary, OBASSKZM
04 January 2008

Awards on the occasion of Army Day 2008

Following old boys have been awarded COAS/VCOAS Commendation Cards on the occasion of Army Day 2008

• Maj Gen Jatinder Singh, SM (228/1969) - COAS
• Brig Sarath Chand, VSM (628/1975) - COAS
• Lt Col Neeraj Mehrotra (1309/1982) - COAS
• Col P Ramesh (1366/1982) - VCOAS