ICC CL Sr Citizens Honor High School Grads

CLEAR LAKE CITY: As an annual traditional event led by the late Sanjiva Rao Allam in 1998, and later led by Radha Golikeri, this year under the leadership of B.G. Harchandani, Senior citizens of India Center Clear Lake recently honored the high school graduates of Indian origin of the Clear Lake area. Since its inception, 675 students have been honored.
This year ICC had 36 students out of which 20 attended. The attendees included this year’s valedictorian, Ruchika Bengani.
Radha Golikeri introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Syamal Poddar, and welcomed the students, parents and event sponsors for the occasion. This was followed by a short speech by Anand Marfatia, current President of India Center Clearlake.
Dr. Syamal Poddar, a longtime resident and volunteer, past president of ICC Clear Lake chapter and a past member of the Board of Trustees and Chief Trustee, in his motivational speech, highlighted a few fundamental points to success.
Syamal advised students to choose their individual careers under the guidance of their parents, cultivate a sense of respect for all, practice politeness and be driven by a purpose. He advised them not to run after money but to get ready to positively impact society through their thoughtful and responsible actions. He also told the graduates to cultivate effective communication skills by being good listeners. Finally, he stressed the importance of time management and the importance of being humble as we make progress in our journey of life, by quoting a stanza from “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray, (written in 1750):
“The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth, e’er gave,
Awaits alike the inevitable hour,
The paths of glory but lead to the grave.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks followed by a sumptuous lunch buffet at Mogul restaurant.