Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, my dear students, and everyone present here.
Sofia and her team during a community meeting in Manpur
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, my dear students, and everyone present here.
It is truly an honour for me to stand here today in my own school—a place where I spent 12 very important years of my life. Coming back to my alma mater as the Guest of Honour is a proud and deeply emotional moment for me.
As I entered the main gate, I felt as if I was stepping into nostalgia. All the memories of my school days came rushing back like flashbacks. Sitting in a semicircle late into the night, having long conversations with friends, standing in long queues in the mess, preparing for board exams, and basking in the sun. From bunking lectures to standing here to receive topper-of-the-class trophy, I have experienced it all.
I still remember my very first day at school. I was just six years old, and I cried a lot when my father left me at the school gate. But over the years, this place slowly became my second home—my family. I was fortunate to have a family legacy here, as my elder brothers had already studied in this school, which made my journey easier.
This school has given me so much. Honestly, I cannot imagine where I would have been if I had not studied here. This institution has played a very important role in shaping my life and in helping me grow as a person.
To keep it short, this school gave me opportunities to grow in many ways—not just academically, but also as a human being. The quality of education and exposure that this school provides, especially in such a remote area, is truly commendable.
Today, when I see myself and my siblings discussing social issues, talking about sympathy and empathy, and dreaming of bigger aspirations, I feel this is exactly the vision that Director Sir must have had while starting this school. The vision was not just to provide education, but to create responsible, sensitive, and aware generations.
As I work today, I carry the values and learnings that this school has given me. I work in southern Rajasthan, in remote tribal areas where nearly 90% of the population is tribal. In these regions, we see poverty, lack of basic facilities, and very limited employment opportunities. Many men migrate to cities to earn a living, leaving their families behind.
We run nurse-led clinics in these areas to provide dignified healthcare services to communities living at the margins. We see people as young as 30 years old dying from diseases like tuberculosis, which is completely curable, simply because healthcare facilities are not easily accessible. We see severely anaemic women delivering a baby at home. Children who are severely malnourished. At the same time, we have also seen hope. When quality care is provided, lives are saved.
Working in these communities has made me realise one very important thing—that all of us should have a purpose in life that is bigger than ourselves. Whatever path you choose—whether you become a doctor, engineer, teacher, or anything else—let your work be guided by a larger purpose. Always think about how you can give back to society in whatever way possible.
All of us sitting here today are receiving a certain level of education, and that is a privilege. I am not saying that you should feel ashamed of it or not enjoy it—but be mindful of it. Think about those who do not have the same opportunities.
On a day like Republic Day, when we remember the values of equality, dignity, and justice written in our Constitution, I feel that our true duty as citizens is to ensure these values reach even the most remote and marginalised communities.
I would like to thank my school for giving me this foundation and these values. I will always carry them with me.
Thank you !
Sofia Hussain is an Executive at Basic Healthcare Services. She anchors the trainings (in-house and also outside of BHS), also plays an important role in BHS community empowerment program, and in Stree Sehat (a collaboration with Aajeevika Bureau for strengthening Women’s health).
From class 1st to 12th, Sofia studied in Aravali Public School, Firozepur Jhirka, Haryana. This is the speech she delivered before the school on 26th January, where she was invited as a special guest.