Toppers’ Felicitation Ceremony 2025
The Toppers’ Felicitation Ceremony 2025 was organized by Khola Hawa on 31st May 2025 at the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House and Cultural Centre, Kolkata, to honor meritorious achievers of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations 2025. The program began with devotional songs rendered by Swami Stutanandaji Maharaj, along with soulful compositions by Swami Chandikanandaji Maharaj, followed by a cultural performance by noted singer Ranjita Chakraborty, which set an auspicious tone for the evening. The ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Swami Jnanalokananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission; Sri Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition, West Bengal; Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, President of Khola Hawa and Former Member of Parliament; Sri Tathagata Roy, Former Governor of Meghalaya and Tripura; Prof. (Dr.) Ashim Ghosh, Eminent Professor, and Dr. Pankaj Kr. Roy, Secretary of Khola Hawa.
In their addresses, Sri Suvendu Adhikari invoked Swami Vivekananda’s vision of holistic education rooted in character-building and service to the nation; Prof. (Dr.) Ashim Ghosh emphasized humility, discipline, and the duty of uplifting society; Swami Jnanalokananda inspired purposeful living with gratitude and service; while Sri Tathagata Roy shared personal memories of his academic journey, motivating students to blend achievement with spirituality and idealism, while Dr. Swapan Dasgupta eloquently highlighted the importance of intellectual clarity, cultural rootedness, and informed civic engagement, urging students to cultivate critical thinking alongside a deep sense of national responsibility.
The toppers were felicitated with medals, tablets, books, rudraksh saplings, and carefully chosen inspirational volumes. The rudraksh plant symbolized spiritual strength and purity, while the saplings represented growth, responsibility, and nurturing values. Each awardee also received Vidyasagar Rachanabali, embodying the reformist vision and educational ideals of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar; Taruner Swapno, a work that inspires the dreams, determination, and responsibilities of youth; and The Master as I Saw Him, reflecting the spiritual life and message of Swami Vivekananda authored by Sister Nivedita, encouraging students to imbibe selflessness, courage, and service to humanity. These gifts were intended not only as tokens of recognition but also as guiding lights for the intellectual, moral, and spiritual journey of the young achievers.
The Top 5 rank holders of the 10th and 12th examinations from the ICSE, CBSE, and West Bengal Boards were honored at the event. These distinguished achievers received blessings and encouragement from the dignitaries’ present.
On behalf of all the awardees, heartfelt gratitude was expressed to the organizers, the Ramakrishna Mission, and the esteemed dignitaries for this meaningful honor. The students acknowledged the support of their parents and teachers and affirmed their resolve to pursue excellence with humility, integrity, and a commitment to serving society in the spirit of Swami Vivekananda.
A short cultural program of music and recitation added vibrancy to the ceremony, which concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the rendition of the National Anthem. The event not only celebrated academic brilliance but also reinforced the message that true education is not limited to examinations but extends to character-building, humility, and service to society, carrying forward the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
