Unity College, Lucknow, celebrated Teachers’ Day with great reverence and joy on September 4, 2025, a day prior to the national occasion, owing to Milad-un-Nabi falling on the same date. The vibrant celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the committed teachers who nurture young minds and guide them towards excellence.
The programme commenced with a special morning assembly dedicated to teachers. Fatima Ahmad (XII-B) opened the occasion with a soulful recitation of the Quranic verses, setting a spiritual tone. This was followed by the College Pledge, administered by Wajiha Naqvi (XI-D). An eloquent address by Maryam Zehra (XI-C) paid rich tribute to the teaching fraternity, acknowledging them as mentors, guides and role models—true multitaskers blessed with extraordinary patience. She emphasised that students look up to their teachers with admiration and strive to emulate them in order to carve a meaningful place for themselves in society.
A note of gratitude in Urdu was delivered by Qudsiya Fatima (XI-A), who highlighted the exalted position of a teacher in every sphere of life. She described teachers as the architects of character whose truthful, honest and diligent service nurtures individuals to lead purposeful and successful lives. To add an element of fun, Safeena Naqvi (XI-B) and Yashra Fatima (X-C) engaged the gathering with riddles and a light-hearted quiz, bringing smiles to both students and teachers alike. The programme was gracefully anchored by Zehra Mehdi (XII A).
Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews extended warm greetings to the teachers and reminded them that the greatest teacher of all is the Almighty, the eternal guiding light. He encouraged teachers to embody humility, generosity, kindness and understanding in their profession. Stressing the nobility of the vocation, he remarked that teachers are specially gifted individuals, entrusted not with one but with entire classrooms of young learners. He urged them to continuously upgrade their knowledge so as to shine brightly and inspire students to excel.
Vice Principal Mr Sachindra Bharti congratulated all the elegantly dressed teachers on their special day. Comparing them to candles that burn to illuminate others’ lives, he lauded their tireless commitment. He concluded his message with poignant lines in Urdu:
‘Fanoos ban kejiskihifazathawakare,
WohshamakyabujhejiseroshanKhudakare.’
The celebration continued later in the Central Hall with a vibrant cultural programme, delightfully compered by InshaHaider and Tuba Ahmad of class XII-C, featuring a perfect blend of music, poetry, games, and performances.The occasion was graced by Secretary Mr Najmul Hadan Rizvi, Jt Secretary Dr M Talha, Administrative Officer Mr Farman Kazmi, Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews and Vice Principal Mr Sachindra Bharti. It featured a variety of engaging performances, including a melodious solo song by RohmaArif (X-B), a poignant poetry recitation by HaniaZehra (XII-A), a soulful ghazal by FarisAbrar (XII-D), and a spirited qawwali by the students of class XII. Adding a personal touch, Fatima Rizvi (XII-A) recited her self-composed poem, while Sara Iqbal (XII-C) delivered an impactful speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude and admiration for teachers. The programme was further enlivened by a lively and captivating act portraying a classroom scene, performed by the Primary students. ArhamHaider (XII-B) and Ali JafarKazmi (XII-B) lightened the atmosphere with a stand-up comedy act, subtly mimicking the mannerisms of some teachers with gentle humour. Further, some fun-filled games for teachers such as Object Pick Up, Guess the Word, Dumb Charades, and Passing the Parcel were organised, adding a joyous and light-hearted spirit to the day. Lastly, a short video was screened as a tribute to the Founder President, Padma Bhushan recipient Late Dr S Kalbe Sadiq, under whose patronage the College flourished, capturing memorable moments shared with the teachers.
As a gesture of gratitude, the College dignitaries, along with the teaching and non-teaching staff, were presented with gifts as tokens of love and respect. A delightful cultural touch was added through the presentation of special awards, recognising teachers from different sections for perfectly adhering to the dress code. The recipients included Ms Fauzia Abbas, Mr MirzaSaif Husain, Mr AtulBatham, Ms Sahifa Rizvi, and Ms SaimaIshtiaque. The titles of ‘Ms Star Performer’ and ‘Mr Star Performer’ were conferred upon Ms SeemaKazmi and Mr Jai Banerjee respectively, in appreciation of their remarkable enthusiasm during the programme.
The celebration concluded with an address by College Secretary Mr Najmul Hasan Rizvi, who commended the students for organising a heartfelt programme that sincerely conveyed appreciation for their teachers, and also applauded the teachers for their sincere efforts in fostering growth and guiding learners towards excellence. As a token of recognition, Secretary Mr Rizvi and Jt Secretary Dr Talha presented shawls to the comperes, InshaHaider and Tuba Ahmad, in appreciation of their commendable compering.
The occasion concluded with a sumptuous lunch, serving as a fitting tribute to the devoted mentors of the College. It reflected the profound sense of gratitude and respect cherished by the Unity family towards its teachers, reaffirming their indispensable role as torchbearers of knowledge and wisdom.