By MANAMA, Bahrain: The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) accorded a grand and heartfelt farewell to its Principal, VR Palaniswamy, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Held at the institution’s Jashanmal Auditorium, the event marked the retirement of the longest-serving principal in the school’s history, celebrating an illustrious educator whose contributions have shaped the institution for over two decades.
The ceremony brought together members of the ISB Executive Committee, prominent educational leaders from across the Gulf region, staff, and distinguished guests to honor a career spanning more than 40 years in education.
The event was attended by ISB Hon. Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese, Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian, Hon. Vice-Chairman Dr. Mohammed Faizal, and Executive Committee members Ranjini Mohan, Bonny Joseph, Mithun Mohan, Biju George, and Mohammad Nayaz Ullah. Junior Wing Principal Pamela Xavier, who welcomed the gathering, was also present alongside Vice-Principals G. Satheesh, Rajesh Nair, Priya Laji, and Staff Representative Parvathi Devadas.
Prominent educational figures representing the Council of CBSE Affiliated Schools in the Gulf also attended to pay their respects. Among them were Dr. Mohammed Tayyab (Ibn Al Hytham Islamic School), Molly Treasa Mammen (Asian School), Dr. Arun Kuumar Sharma (New Millennium School), Monika Sethi (Al Noor International School), Gopinath Menon (New Indian School), Saji Jacob (Bahrain Indian School), and former EC member Rajesh Nambiar. They highly commended Mr. Palaniswamy’s immense contributions to raising the standards of quality education and institutional excellence across the Gulf region.
In his felicitation address, Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese paid rich tributes to Mr. Palaniswamy’s visionary leadership, dedication to academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of both students and staff. A special video presentation was screened during the event, showcasing memorable milestones and achievements from his distinguished leadership journey at the ISB.
As a mark of profound gratitude, Mr. Palaniswamy was wrapped in a ceremonial shawl by Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese in the presence of his wife, Chandra Palaniswamy, and his son, Dr. Sandeep Kumar. Mrs. Chandra Palaniswamy was also presented with a bouquet in recognition of her steadfast support throughout his professional journey.
The school management presented commemorative mementos to Mr. Palaniswamy celebrating his 25 years of dedicated service to the ISB, which includes 15 years at the helm as Principal. Additionally, a special memento from the Staff Club was presented by Pamela Xavier on behalf of the teaching and non-teaching staff. The event also served as a platform to honor Mrs. Molly Treasa Mammen, the retiring Principal of the Asian School.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Palaniswamy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee, staff, students, parents, and the wider community for their trust and cooperation throughout his tenure, emphasizing that teamwork and dedication were the cornerstones of the school’s success.
The grand occasion also featured the presentation of Long Service Awards to dedicated ISB staff members who completed 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of loyal service to the institution. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandiyan, who wished Mr. Palaniswamy a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retired life, cementing an enduring legacy of educational excellence.