Sarvajanik Education Society Launches 85th Gandhi Cup, 18th Sarvajanik Cup in Grand Surat Ceremony

Surat | Gujarat — Surat once again witnessed the power of sport to inspire, unite and shape young minds as the 85th Dewan Bahadur Gandhi Cup for schools and the 18th Sarvajanik Cup Games for colleges were inaugurated with great enthusiasm on December 18, 2025, at the K.P. Commerce College Grounds, under the aegis of the prestigious Sarvajanik Education Society (SES). With over 3,000 student athletes participating from 15 schools and 14 colleges, the event marked one of the city’s largest academic sports gatherings of the year.

The ceremony was graced by Arjun Award winner and seven-time National Badminton Champion Ami Sunil Shah (PIA) and noted philanthropist Rajen P. Shah as chief guests. Adding pride to the occasion was Mohammad Murtuza Vania, a Deaflympics Air Rifle medallist from the recent Tokyo Games and a first-year B.Sc. IT student at the society-run Shri Ramakrishna Institute of Computer Education and Applied Sciences, who attended as the special guest.

Welcoming students, parents and dignitaries, SES Chairman Ashishbhai Vakil stressed the importance of sports in holistic education. “We must make maximum use of our sports grounds. Seeing thousands of athletes here, I urge you to play with passion, bring glory to your institutions, and make the nation proud,” he said.

Addressing the young participants, Ami Sunil Shah expressed her emotional connection with the city. “Surat is my birthplace. I am grateful to be part of such a grand sports festival. Just like in sports, in life too you must keep playing, keep striving and keep moving forward,” she told the students, drawing loud applause.

Philanthropist Rajen P. Shah underlined the lifelong relevance of sports. “There is no age limit for sports. They are essential for all-round development,” he said, while suggesting the inclusion of swimming facilities across SES institutions. He also informed the audience about emerging water-sailing facilities being developed in Surat.

The ceremony also honoured students who have won national and international medals, with dignitaries felicitating them for their achievements—sending a strong message that excellence in sports is celebrated alongside academics.

The event saw the presence of SES office-bearers, including First Vice Chairman Dr. Kishorebhai Desai, Second Vice Chairman Ajitbhai Shah, Sports Committee Chairman CA Mayankbhai Desai, Provost Dr. Kiranbhai Pandya, principals, teachers and lecturers. The programme was efficiently coordinated by Surendra Vadile, Mapaben Thakar, Prof. Dilip Patel, Dr. Amit Patel and Dr. Nishith Desai.