Bicentenary Cycle Parade and Walk
What a day of excitement it was! The sun beamed upon Uduvil Girls’ College on the 22nd of November, having hidden himself for a couple of days. In fact, there was such heavy downpour the previous day that many were starting to have doubts as to whether the parade could be held the following day.
Nevertheless, preparations went on the previous day-the floats were decorated, the band practiced, and the evening was full of excitement even though it was raining cats and dogs.
On the great day, the kids and the staff started arriving at the wee hour of 5am, dressed in their bicentenary t-shirts and caps. The skies had cleared completely! All praise belongs to God Almighty, who gave us good weather that day!
Joined by Board members, the three immediate past principals-Mrs. Suneetha Jebaratnam, Mrs. Shiranee Mills and Dr. C.V. Chelliah , past and present pupils , parents and well-wishers, the cycle parade began where it all began-at Union College Tellipalai. It is noteworthy that Mr. John Erlandson, a great great great great grandson of our dear founder Ms. Harriet Winslow came all the way from the US to celebrate with us, along with Dr. Victoria Phillips and her husband.The statue of Rev. Daniel Poor was garlanded to commemorate the life of this great missionary. A pray was said by the Chair of the Board Rt.Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan and the principal welcomed the participants.
The College Western Band lead the parade, followed by the main float, depicting the Bicentenary logo and the iconic College Hall. The Board members and principal cycled, followed by prefects. The other floats depicted the four Houses named after the four missionary principals and attempted to showcase the achievement of the school during their respective tenures. It incorporated a life-size picture of the principals as well.
The cyclists were joined after 3km at Chunnakam junction by the walkers.
These were children from grade 6 upwards, carrying banners that represented the various extracurricular activities of the school.
With just 1 km to be covered, the parade was joined by grade 3 to 5 kids who waved their little flags and giggled with excitement. The tiny nursery, grade 1 and grade 2 kids joined us closer to the school. It is significant that nearly all 1600 children participated!
The parade concluded at the school with prayer and songs of gratitude. Prayers were also said at the missionary graveyard opposite the school and a wreath was laid in memory of all the missionaries who served the peninsula.
Excitement was written in the face of everyone that day, especially the children and the past pupils, many of whom had come from various countries for the celebrations.
Gallery
