College Captain 2022-2023

“The single biggest way to impact an organisation is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organisation that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.” This quote by John Maxwell very aptly describes the reason why St. Francis’ College is hailed as one of the greatest institutions in the country; these red and white walls have been creating leaders and men of character and fine discipline for the past 137 years and I can undoubtedly claim that this will go on for countless years. The history and the reputation that our school carries makes each day at St. Francis special. The students feel honoured to be associated with the school, to be associated with tasks and traditions which have been going on for more than 100 years is not something one gets to do anywhere. These practices play an instrumental role in shaping our lives, these very practices of unity, order and diligence gradually mould the students into men who thrive in their respective fields. In my 14 years at this divine institution, I have observed two qualities in almost each and every Franciscan, one of valour, and the other is the propensity of being leaders - be it pushing your team towards victory in inter-house events, marching with all determination for the final push of the cock house shield, or representing the school in inter school events. Across all these activities, what distinguishes a Franciscan from others is the way we care about the fine image and reputation of our school, the pride we feel in representing our school and the sense of devotion which we have towards these holy red and white buildings. Owing to the admirable job done by the teachers and staff members in mentoring the students, St. Francis’ College has now yielded successful results over the past few years in not only the board exams but also in the competitive examinations such as the IIT-JEE, NEET, CLAT, etc. Our school also boasts a number of students who have become renowned debaters, quizzers, singers, drummers and athletes. I remember as a junior student, I used to get inspired or rather fascinated when I’d see a senior wearing a badge, giving a speech, winning laurels at inter school events, etc. I used to look up to them and had tremendous amount of respect and love for them in my heart for they were doing something which I aspired to do one day. With patience and perseverance, I waited for my turn to be the person juniors could look up to, now, as the College Captain of this esteemed institution, I consider it my utmost priority to lead my juniors and batchmates by example, to carry out all tasks gracefully and with humbleness. My colleagues and I will also do our best to make sure that our institution touches new heights of success this year and that the glory of the institution remains intact. I believe that these are duties which need to carried out and understood by not just the Office Bearers or the 12th graders, but by each and every pupil of St. Francis’ College. I hope that we make our parents, teachers, seniors and the college proud, and are always at bay to serve the college, as the line of the College Anthem reads, “ We will answer when duty shall call.”