Treating every ball on merit: SJC hosts CISCE REGIONAL U-14
Cricket Tournament
“When people throw stones at you, you turn them into milestones.” – Sachin
Tendulkar
Which sport draws the minds and the hearts of a populace inexorably and
inspires passionate viewership decade after decade? Cricket, obviously, is not
just a gentleman's game but also a boy's dream come true of donning the
colours of his team.
Welcome showers of blessings succeeded by clear and bright skies, set the
stage for 25th July, 2024, when St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj hosted the CISCE
Regional U-14 Cricket Tournament in the College grounds. The event kicked off
with the Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. L. Gaffney welcoming the Chief Guest,
Justice Siddarth Varma, being accompanied by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter
D’Silva, the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais, the Additional Administrator, Mr.
A. Mc Gowan, the Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube and the Middle School
Administrator, Rev. Deacon Gladwin Fernandes.
No programme can be successful without the blessings of the Lord, therefore, a
Bible reading and a special prayer was offered by Mrs. Madhulika D’Souza
followed by a prayer song by the College Choir.
The Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. L. Gaffney, subsequently introduced the
Chief Guest, Justice Siddarth Varma, to the gathering. Born on 19th
September, 1967, Justice Siddarth Varma, began his academic journey in St.
Joseph’s College, Prayagraj. The college played a crucial role in the
development of his skills, namely, teamwork, integrity, and the relentless thirst
for knowledge. After graduating from the college, he finished his studies in Law
in the University of Allahabad in 1992. His immense knowledge of the Judiciary,
helped him to enroll himself as an advocate on 5th February, 1992. There he
displayed his exceptional talents in the Civil Side, which have undoubtedly
resulted in the position where he is today.
The Chief Guest, Justice Siddarth Varma was then florally welcomed by the
Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva. Following the floral welcome, the College
Choir, sang a special welcome song.
After the glorious welcome of the Chief Guest, it was time for the most
important activity that any sportsperson partakes in, before a match, i.e. the
Oath Taking Ceremony. The Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva led the Oath while
the cricketers from various schools stood in unison, repeating after the
Principal.
Following the Oath Taking Ceremony, the Chief Guest, Justice Siddarth Varma,
addressed the gathering. He began by expressing his love towards the college,
his Alma Mater and talked about how he is not a Guest as his abiding love for
his college,makes him an Old Boy, a Josephite. He encouraged the participants
to cheer up despite the inclement weather referring to the inspirational book
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, asking them to will the most conducive weather
conditions in this rainy season. Referencing Sadhguru, he said that, “Once you
involve yourself in activity, the spiritual process has started. Sport is a fantastic
tool because you strive to achieve something; it is not like prayer.” He explained
how in sports there is no loser but only a winner and even the team which
doesn’t succeed, gains in experience which comes handy the next time. He
then, declared the CISCE Regional U-14 Cricket Tournament open.
The Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, moved by the inspiring words of the Chief
Guest, presented a memento as a token of appreciation.
Taking the podium afterwards, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, addressed
the Chief Guest, Justice Siddarth Varma, as a true son of the soil. He also
addressed all the teachers and coordinators, lauding them for their
commitment. He then talked about how he liked what the Chief Guest had said
about, sports being greater than prayer, because in prayer there is little
distraction but not in sports. He concluded his speech by encouraging the
players to give their best.
Last but not the least, Raghav Shukla, the Cricket Captain of St. Joseph’s
College, Prayagraj took the mic to deliver the Vote of Thanks, thanking each
and every member of the management, participating teams and of course, the
audience, for being a part of this highly anticipated sports’ fest.
The opening ceremony of the three day Regional meet got over with the
singing of the National Anthem, paving way for the series of matches to be
played by 14 teams with full enthusiasm.
