In a heartfelt tribute to one of its illustrious alumni, St Joseph’s School (North Point), Darjeeling, in collaboration with the Indian Navy, orchestrated a series of commemorative events on March 15, 2024, in honor of Admiral RL Pereira, PVSM, AVSM, affectionately known as ‘Ronnie P’.
The celebration marked the continuation of the centennial jubilations dedicated to Admiral Pereira, who served as the 9th Chief of the Naval Staff, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Indian naval history from 1979 to 1982.
Admiral Pereira’s connection with St Joseph’s School dates back to his formative years, where he pursued his education from 1932 to 1937, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in the Indian Navy.
To pay homage to his legacy, the school organized a series of events, including a football tournament and an essay writing competition, reflecting the Admiral’s passion for both sports and academia.
The campus of St Joseph’s School reverberated with jubilant cheers as students engaged in friendly matches on the football field, echoing the camaraderie and spirit of sportsmanship cherished by Admiral Pereira.
Meanwhile, within the hallowed halls of academia, young minds explored the depths of their imagination through the essay writing competition, inspired by the Admiral’s intellectual prowess and commitment to excellence.
The festivities reached their pinnacle with the arrival of a distinguished delegation from Naval Headquarters, led by Commander Anup Thomas and Commander Gurbir Singh.
Commander Thomas shared insights into the remarkable life journey of Admiral Pereira, highlighting his valor, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation. Commander Singh illuminated the audience with a captivating narrative of India’s maritime history, underscoring the pivotal role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the nation’s interests across the seas.
Over 800 students and faculty members were enthralled as the visiting officers interacted with them, offering invaluable guidance and elucidating the myriad career opportunities within the Indian Navy. The engaging dialogue resonated with the aspirations of the young minds present, igniting a newfound zeal to embark on a journey of service and adventure on the high seas.
In a poignant gesture, the Indian Navy announced the establishment of the ‘Rolling Sports Trophy’ and a scholarship in memory of Admiral RL Pereira, presenting a generous contribution of Rs 2.5 lakhs to St Joseph’s School. This endowment serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Admiral Pereira, ensuring that his spirit of excellence and service continues to inspire future generations.
As a living tribute to the Admiral’s memory, a tree was ceremoniously planted on the school grounds, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the eternal bond between St Joseph’s School and the Indian Navy.
Father Stanley Varghese, Principal and Rector of the school, expressed gratitude to the visiting Naval officers for their unwavering support and presented them with tokens of appreciation, reaffirming the enduring partnership between academia and the armed forces.
The centennial celebrations of Admiral RL Pereira at St Joseph’s School, Darjeeling, serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have on shaping the destiny of a nation.
Through remembrance and reverence, the legacy of Admiral Pereira continues to illuminate the path for generations to come, inspiring them to strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.
