ANNUAL REPORT

OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION, SAINIK SCHOOL BHUBANESWAR

26 DEC 2021

Welcome and Introduction

 Dear OBEANs,

I extend a hearty welcome to all the OBEANS and their families present here on this Annual Old Boys Association (OBA) meet and General Body meeting. I also convey my best wishes to those members who couldn’t make it physically but are anyway connected to the organization through heart.

From the last OBA Meet on 22 Dec 2021, we had started circulation of the Annual Report as well as the statement of the account through electronic means for wide reach. This year also the same has been done. However during the meeting we will have the discussion on the amendment to bye-laws of OBA as well as election of the new office bearers, which couldn’t be held last year due to COVID restrictions. Col P K Mishra has very painstakingly drafted the amendments to the bye laws which were posted on the OBA website ‘ssboba.com’ for comments. The same will be discussed and passed as a resolution to be adopted hereafter. The nominations for various posts of office bearers have been received. Sri Smarajit Mohanty will act as the Returning Officer and conduct the elections.

I also must mention that the OBA annual function this year has been pegged at a lower scale due to the upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations of our School on 30 Jan and 01 Feb 2022 including the Biju Mini Marathon. The schedule for the same has been circulated widely on social media groups. I exhort all OBEANs to make it possible to attend the functions.

Dec 2019 witnessed a boost in participation of younger OBEANS which was encouraging. Besides registration and payment of membership fees by outstation members through e payment has also increased. I would request OBEANs to come in large Nos and participate in the events. The role of Batch coordinators in collection of annual subscriptions as well as executing various initiatives remains ever important.

HOMAGE TO A SOLDIER

The OBA pays homage to Capt Ashutosh Kumar of 2014 batch who laid down his life on the line of duty in the high traditions of the Armed Forces while fighting terrorists in J&K on 08 November 2020. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his conspicuous bravery.

Obituary.  

We lost following brothers during the last two years. I pray to the almighty to rest their souls in peace and give strength to their families to bear the loss. Due condolences have been conveyed to their families on behalf of the OBA and their respective batches. Assistance from OBA as required have also been provided.

Executive Body Meetings

Though the EC couldn’t meet as often as required due to the COVID, essential meetings were held to take decisions on various issues, latest being the coordination for the Diamond Jubilee and OBA day celebrations. Minutes of the meeting have been widely circulated on social media.

Effect of COVID

Past 21 months of the  COVID pandemic has imposed a No of restrictions on our activities due to which OBA gatherings have been far and few. However it has also taught us to fight the odds and innovate ways and means to keep social relations alive. A No of virtual meetings, formal and informal have taken place to keep the OBEAN fraternity connected. The pandemic, hasn’t overall been able to dampen the OBEAN camaraderie and spirit.

Resultant to the Pandemic some OBEANS, their near and dear ones left us for their heavenly abode spreading a shadow of grief. Some fought valiantly and came out of the clutches of death including our President Sri Amitav Swain. More than the Honorary Secretary OBA, I as a Doctor felt privileged to have been of assistance to many OBEANs during the pandemic.

Outreach During COVID

The OBA during the lockdown due to COVID pandemic carried out distribution of essential supplies in Bhubaneswar to marginal communities in slum areas, transgender and migrant workers. Sri P L Mohanty was gracious enough to contribute Rs 1 Lakh for the cause. Other OBEAN contributors were BB Dash, S K Adhikari, A K Sahu, Chandan Nayak, Mrutyunjay Acharya, R R Hati, TRD Samanta, Satyajit Mohanty, Dr Pravat Dash and Dr Niranjan Padhy. The 120 Infantry Battalion (TA), under Col D D Swain, helped in procuring, storing, packing and distribution of the supplies besides their contributions in the form of groceries. Shibashis Parida, an OBEAN on deputation to the BMC facilitated the distribution including provision of transport. Besides 1200 face masks were also given to the Bhubaneswar Police, Capital Hospital and BMC Hospital.

Assistance for Shifting Cadets to their Homes During COVID

Financial assistance for shifting 15 cadets from the School to their home town in UP and BIHAR during lock down was provided by Dr T K Nayak and 93 Batch as well as Dr N Padhy.

Personality Development Training for NDA

OBEANs Cdr Ranjan Bhattacharya and Rajesh Rout had conducted personality development training and financial support for the NDA aspirants of the School in Nov 2020. Their sessions conducted free of cost were well received and the cadets benefited substantially from them.

OBEANs Cdr Srikant Pattanaik and Air Commodore T K Rath also conducted SSB training for NDA aspirants.

Visit by OBEANs to the School

OBEANs, despite the COVID, visited the school regularly and interacted with the cadets to motivate and guide them.

Labour Saving Appliances for the School

One each electric saw and grass cutter were given to the School as Labour Saving devices for maintenance of the area.

Silver Jubilee Celebrations 1994 Batch

The 1994 batch celebrated their Silver Jubilee of completion of Schooling in Dec 2019. On the occasion they presented Blazers to the teaching staff which was highly appreciated. They also presented trophies to the School for various inter house competitions.

Dental Cover in School Infirmary

Dr T K Nayak has been providing Dental Cover to the staff and students of the school pro bono.

GHI

GHI registration and cover formalities for the year 2021-22 have been completed. This year the membership has increased to 544 from 457 last year.

Conclusion

Owing to the raging pandemic My tenure has been extended by a year. I tried my best to carry out my duties with right earnest. Today, as I finish my tenure as Honorary Secretary of the esteemed OBA, my sincere thanks and gratitude are with all OBEANs who have lent a supporting hand to me in discharging my duties. The journey over last three years will ever remain memorable with addition of new friends in my life as well as incidents imparting life lessons. Today as we proceed to elect the new Office Bearers, I request all of you to maintain the decorum of the event. My best wishes to all the candidates in the fray. Whoever is finally elected, will steer the activities of OBA hereafter. But the thing to remember is that we all were OBEANs and will always remain OBEANs. With no animosity, we must all together keep working towards the cause of OBA and SSB.

Wishing the OBAEN fraternity belated Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year in advance and best of luck.

Thank You. Long live OBA, long live SSB.

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