Isabella Thoburn College Revives Baccalaureate Awards Ceremony After Five-Year Pandemic Gap
In a significant academic milestone, Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow celebrated its Baccalaureate awards ceremony for the 2025-26 academic session on Friday. This event marked a joyous return after a hiatus of nearly five years, as it had been discontinued following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Hall Filled with Grace and Excitement
The ceremony was a vibrant affair, with students dressed elegantly in white sarees and white kurtis, filling the hall with an air of grace and palpable excitement. They enthusiastically captured memories by taking selfies while proudly holding their certificates, medals, and fellowship awards. Parents attended in large numbers, beaming with pride as they clicked photographs of their graduating children, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Ceremonial Traditions and Honors
The event commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp of knowledge, a tradition led by the chief guest, Bishop C Selvin, who was joined by retiring faculty members Prof Seema Joshi, Prof Vinita Vijai, and Paul Mathew. This act underscored the college's commitment to enlightenment and academic excellence.
A highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of Husna Ansari, who received three gold medals from Lucknow University for achieving the highest percentage of marks in Mathematics at the BA III and BSc III examinations in 2024. Her remarkable achievement was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Scholarships and Fellowships Awarded
Selected meritorious students were honored with prestigious scholarships and fellowships, recognizing their academic prowess and dedication. The recipients included:
- Mahek Walter, who received the Isabella Thoburn Scholarship.
- Jessica Pauline Lakra, awarded the Mary E Shannon Scholarship.
- Asna Wajahat Alam, honored with the Marjorie Dimmit Scholarship.
- Mahi Singh, who received the Olive Reddick Scholarship.
- Naina Tiwari and Anushka Singh, both granted the Sara Chakko Fellowship.
In addition to these awards, toppers from various courses and students actively involved in extracurricular activities were also recognized, highlighting the college's holistic approach to education.
A Resumption of Academic Traditions
The revival of the Baccalaureate awards ceremony signifies a return to normalcy and the reaffirmation of academic traditions at Isabella Thoburn College. After years of pandemic-related interruptions, this event served as a testament to the resilience and dedication of both students and faculty, fostering a sense of community and achievement within the institution.
