Thursday, July 11, 2024

Valedictory Ceremony of Fulbright TGC Program: A Memorable Farewell

Dehradun, July 11, 2024 — The valedictory ceremony for the FulbrightTGC Program was held at Government Girls Inter College, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The event marked the conclusion of a vibrant and enriching seven-day exchange program that brought together educators from the USA and India.

Dignitaries Present and Awards

Bandana Garbyal, Director of Academic Research and Training, graced the occasion as the chief guest. She presented certificates and tokens of appreciation to the visiting Fulbright teachers, Corinna and Danielle Brown, in recognition of their contributions to the program.

Program Highlights

Host Fulbright Scholar Teacher, Ramesh Badoni, provided a detailed account of the daily activities and teaching sessions that took place over the week. He highlighted the seamless integration of classroom teaching with site visits, which were meticulously planned as per the timeline and work agenda set by Fulbright and IREX, in collaboration with the host school.


Engaging Activities and Cultural Exchange

The seven-day program was a blend of educational activities, games, and cultural exchanges. Both guest teachers, Corinna and Danielle Brown, actively engaged with students from various grades, sharing their knowledge and fostering a deep cultural understanding. The students reciprocated with heartfelt gestures, including dedicated songs from Class 6 for Danielle and Class 9 for Corinna, bringing both teachers to tears.

Cultural Performances and Feedback

During the valedictory ceremony, the guest teachers wore traditional Uttarakhand costumes, showcasing their respect and appreciation for the local culture. Corinna captivated the audience with a melodious rendition of the folk song "Bedu Pako Baramasa," which was praised by all present, including the Director.

Students and host teachers shared their feedback, expressing admiration for the innovative teaching methods introduced by the guest teachers. They emphasized the importance of such exchange programs in enhancing global understanding and tackling educational challenges.


Praise and Future Endeavors

Joint Director Kanchan Devradi applauded the entire program, reporting its success to the Director and advocating for its continuation. She highlighted the significant impact the TGC program had on both teachers and students, appreciating the efforts of Principal Premlata Baurai in facilitating the event. Premlata Baurai, a dynamic principal, was also acknowledged for her dedication and contribution to the program.


Concluding Remarks

The ceremony concluded with performances by the students, including songs, dances, and heartfelt gestures of gratitude towards the guest teachers. Joint Director Kanchan Devradi delivered the vote of thanks, expressing pride in her sister Premlata Baurai for hosting the TGC program. She praised Ramesh Badoni for bringing such an enriching program to Uttarakhand for the first time.


Farewell and Future Assurances

The event ended with photo sessions involving students and faculty, capturing the love and appreciation for the guest teachers. Ramesh Badoni assured that such programs would continue in the future, with the Director affirming her support for ongoing collaborations. 


As the ceremony drew to a close, the guest teachers, Corinna and Danielle Brown, departed for the airport to continue their journey to another state in India, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, cultural exchange, and heartfelt connections.