Lady Shri Ram College for Women felicitated three of its illustrious students in a grand ceremony held on 10th of October, 2024 — Ms. Manu Bhaker, the two-time Bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed 10 metre air pistol team event categories; Ms. Rhythm Sangwan, a prolific shooter active mainly in the women’s 10m and 25m categories who made her Olympic debut at Paris this year; and Ms. Maheshwari Chauhan, who represented India internationally in women’s skeet, securing the 4th place in the skeet mixed team shooting with Anantjeet Singh Naruka at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jaspal Rana, Manu’s coach and the proud parents of Manu Bhaker and Rhythm Sangwan were present to witness the glorious moments.
The program commenced with the College Prayer followed by a Welcome address by the Principal, Prof. Suman Sharma. Highlighting LSR’s vision and the legacy of excellence, Prof. Sharma spoke about the institution’s commitment towards empowering women through quality education, leadership, and a strong emphasis on holistic development. She also lauded the faculty in charge of physical education, Dr. Meenakshi Pahuja and Dr. Anurag, for their tireless efforts. Thereafter, the Chairman of the college, Mr. Arun Bharat Ram graciously addressed the gathering. Reminiscing on his arduous Sitar practice sessions under the tutelage of Pt. Ravi Shankar, Mr. Bharat Ram encouraged the audience to ‘climb to the peak of the mountain’ and try their best at whatever they put their minds to.
Dr. Meenakshi Pahuja recounted personal anecdotes of her first meetings with the Olympians and lauded their devotion not only to sports but also to academics. Thereafter the Olympians were felicitated on stage by Prof. Suman Sharma, Mr. Arun Bharat Ram and Ms. Vasavi Bharat Ram. Arjuna, Dronacharya, and Padma Shri-awardee, Coach Jaspal Rana was felicitated by Justice Gita Mittal and Prof. Kalkal and applauded for his ground-breaking work and relentless support in the field of shooting.
Manu recounted her memorable moments at college and how she received the constant support of her coach, Jaspal Rana, Dr. Meenakshi Pahuja and other faculty members. Maheshwari Chauhan expressed her gratitude for the adoration and love, reminiscing about her fondest memories with her friends and teachers at college. She inspired the audience, saying, “LSR women have changed the very fabric of the nation” and encouraged the LSR women to keep breaking boundaries.
