Nagpur + Wardha Annual Day - 2026

A Report - Written by Juhi Barai, GEF Student, M.Sc. Clinical Embryology

GEF - Nagpur and Wardha Centre celebrated its Annual Day on 1 February 2026 at Dnyanda School, Satefal, near Hinganghat. The event brought together nearly 200 school students, GEF students, parents, mentors, alumni, and supporters, reflecting a year of learning, growth, achievements, and strong community bonding.

The program began with an icebreaking and networking activity conducted by Shivcharan, a GEF student, which served as an engaging warm-up before the formal proceedings. This was followed by a dignified lamp-lighting ceremony symbolizing hope, knowledge and new beginnings. The soulful GEF welcome and theme song, performed by GEF and Dnyanda students, beautifully captured the foundation’s journey. Juhi Barai (GEF student) presented an introduction to GEF, highlighting its mission, initiatives, and impact on students’ lives.

A key highlight of the event was the interview of the Chief Guest, Shri Madhukar Uplenchwar, Founder of Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti, conducted by GEF students Sakshi Pawar and Rutvik Ladhi. Shri Uplenchwar emphasized the importance of discipline, value-based education, and social responsibility. The first half also featured a theme dance on environmental awareness by Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti students. Another inspiring moment was the interaction with Niraj Kumbhar and Rajat Pujari, GEF alumni from Mumbai, who shared their professional journey and long association with GEF.

Sakshi Pawar and Rutivik Ladhi conducting the interactive session with Shri Madhukar Uplenchwar (Centre), along with Shri Lucky Khilosya (2nd from left) and Shri Vinod Lonbade (extreme left) from Dnyanda School

The second half began with a traditional dance on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, setting a patriotic tone. A special address was delivered by Shri Harish Ethape, President of Adhyayan Bharti, Vidarbha, and Director of Children Theatre Academy, Vidarbha. In an interactive session conducted by GEF students Anuja Vaidya and Komal Hore, Shri Ethape offered valuable guidance on education, personality development, and social awareness. This was followed by a graceful poetic presentation by Rupal Walchale, and a talk on Social media by Parth Sharma, both GEF students. An intresting guessing game conducted by Rutvik Ladhi, with active participation of all students, brought forth the exceptional talent of GEF students. In a motivating and emotionally moving session, Swanand Buwa (GEF alumnus) and Mohini Pachrutkar (GEF student) shared their experiences, which further enriched the event. This was followed by a vibrant dance performance by Komal Hore. Finally Dr. Pradeep Waychal Sir, who could not attend the event in person, joined online to address the students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a sense of fulfillment, leaving everyone with cherished memories and renewed motivation

A scene from the theme dance on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

The successful execution of the Annual Day was made possible by the dedicated efforts of all GEF students, alumni, volunteers and supporters. Special mention for the efforts of the event anchors - Shital Yekhande, Parth Sharma, Shweta Torotkar, and Kiran Dhote, and GEF alumni – Shubham Lingayat, Harshal There, Swanand Buwa, Rajat Pujari, and Niraj Kumbhar. Special thanks also due to the management and staff of Dnyanda School, especially Shri Lucky Khilosiya, who made this event possible. And finally sincere gratitude to our mentors Shri Mohan Varadpande Sir, Vinod Thakre Sir, and Dr. Lalita Deshpande ma’am for their unwavering guidance .

The team behind the event with the guests