Stanes School Celebrates 163 Years of Legacy and Excellence with Grand Annual Day

A glittering evening marked the 163rd Annual Day celebrations of Stanes Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore, as students, alumni, faculty, and distinguished guests came together to honor over a century and a half of educational excellence. The event was graced by Swarnalatha J., Managing Trustee of Swarga Foundation, as Chief Guest, and Dr. K. Jayakumar, renowned ENT specialist, cricketer and an alumnus of the school, from Pollachi, as Guest of Honor.

Also present on the occasion were Philip R.J. Fowler, Correspondent of Stanes School; Merci Oomen, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Stanes Schools; Dr. Guruprasad T.S., Trustee, Swarga Foundation; Mr. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Stanes Schools; John Stephen, Principal, Stanes Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School; and Rajkumar, President, Past Students Association.

In her moving address, Swarnalatha J. lauded the school’s rich heritage. “Celebrating 163 years is no small feat—it’s a monumental achievement,” she remarked. Drawing from her own life journey, she shared how being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009 left her paralyzed and completely unprepared. “I had two choices—to complain endlessly or to accept life as it came and live it wholeheartedly. I chose gratitude over despair,” she said. She spoke about finding purpose through the founding of Swarga Foundation in 2014, alongside her husband, which became a platform to transform challenges into opportunities. 

Emphasizing the importance of discipline, routine, and positive parenting, she urged parents to be role models: “Children watch what you do more than what you say. Set the right example and teach them gratitude for life’s blessings.

Dr. K. Jayakumar, himself an alumnus of the school, offered heartfelt reflections on his student days in the 1960s. “This institution is not just a school—it’s a million memories, thousands of mistakes, hundreds of stories, and infinite love, happiness, and friendships,” he said. 

Commending the academic achievers, he described the occasion as both a celebration and a moment of introspection. “Keep working hard and strive to do better than yesterday. Success will naturally follow,” he advised students, while urging them to remain humble and grounded.

Earlier, Principal John Stephen welcomed the gathering with pride, describing the Annual Day as a moment to recognize student achievements and celebrate the school’s unmatched legacy in Coimbatore’s educational landscape. “This is a day to acknowledge the hard work and latent talents of our students, as well as 163 glorious years of service to society,” he noted.
The evening unfolded into a spectacular cultural extravaganza, showcasing the creative flair of the students. The audience was treated to an eclectic mix of music, dance, and drama—from tiny tots performing ‘What a Wonderful World’ to students enacting ‘Heaven’s Grocery Store’ and an evocative scene from Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ A vibrant dance medley titled ‘Together in Tune: A Musical Journey’ left spectators spellbound, while a lively classical dance performance, added color and energy to the event.
The function concluded on a high note, with applause echoing through the auditorium as parents, alumni, and dignitaries appreciated the young performers’ talent and enthusiasm. The 163rd Annual Day was not just a celebration of the past, but an inspiring reminder of Stanes School’s enduring commitment to shaping future generations with knowledge, discipline, and 
values.