Dhanbad: One of Jharkhand's best-known cradles, DPS-Bokaro, celebrated its 32nd foundation day on Monday.

Over 2,000, faculty, director-principal Hemlata S. Mohan, Bokaro Steel general manager Sudhir Kumar Agarwal, who happens to be the school's pro vice-chairman, and chief guest, Padma Shri social worker Ashok Bhagat were present at the event on the school's main Sector IV campus.

While academic excellence, regular attendance and creativity were rewarded, dignitaries also spoke extensively on the values - giving back to society - that made DPS-Bokaro special.

Learning is lifelong but in this new age we compete on how fast we can learn, Agarwal told students. Drawing upon his managerial experience, he said, "One should learn right things as unlearning the wrong is more difficult than learning right. Also, if one admits to his mistakes fast, it's more convenient for him to learn."

While learning alone was good, it was better in pairs or small groups, he said, as too much focus on the self could lead to loneliness and depression.

Padma Shri Ashok Bhagat, known as Babaji for his work among tribals in Latehar and Bishunpur (Gumla) through his NGO Vikas Bharti, said children were like soft clay and the onus lay on parents and teachers to shape them.

Urging students of the elite school to work for society and nation, Bhagat said, "You are lucky children to get quality education. You must also think of giving education to 80 per cent others who are deprived of the same. Keep national interest above everything."

Bhagat, who earlier also inaugurated a wellness lab at the school, praised the school and director-principal Mohan for giving children a holistic education. He also gave away awards to 67 students for academic excellence.

Mohan, who shared academic feats of her students, recalled olden days when she started the school way back in 1987 with no infrastructure. "It has been a great journey to grow, evolve and emerge as a school to reckon with. But we are more satisfied in giving back to society through projects such as Deepansh (Siksha Kendra for marginalised children) launched in 1998."

Bhagat presented academic excellence awards to 67 students. Agarwal gave away regularity awards to over 400 students of the senior wing for 100 per cent attendance. Over 50 children taught under Deepansh got uniforms and study kits.

Students presented songs, a group dance on women's education, a kathak recital, among others. The school's magazine DIPS Reflection and newsletter Zenith were also released.