Head Girl's Message
2026-2027

“A true leader is not the one who always stands first, but the one who feels genuinely proud watching others rise beside them.”

To all my COLUMBIANS, respected teachers, and the entire Columbian family,

Standing here today as the Head Girl of this esteemed institution fills my heart with immense gratitude, pride, and emotions beyond words. This school has never been merely a place of education for me — it has been a second home, a foundation of values, and a place where dreams slowly found direction and courage found its voice.

When I stand on the top floor of the school today and look down at the ground bustling with students, I cannot help but see my younger self running through those same corridors, sitting in those tiny classrooms, preparing anxiously for exams, waiting backstage before stepping onto the stage, learning from failures, and growing a little more every single day. In those moments, I silently thank every teacher, mentor, friend, and member of this institution who guided me, motivated me, corrected me when I was wrong, and shaped me into the person I am today.

There is something deeply comforting about watching new creative minds now walk the same path we once did — carrying ambitions in their eyes and endless possibilities in their hearts. Seeing them struggle, learn, rise again, and eventually shine reminds me that leadership is not about standing ahead of everyone else. A true leader is someone who feels proud seeing others grow. Someone who celebrates the victories of young minds with genuine happiness. Someone who inspires others so deeply that they begin believing in themselves too.

Our school has taught us that it is not always necessary to win every time. Failures do not define us; the courage to rise after them does. True leadership lies in uplifting others while continuing to carry zeal, humility, and gratitude within ourselves.

Columbus has not only given me education — it has given life to our minds and wings to our souls. It has taught me how to think, how to analyse, how to question, how to lead, and most importantly, how to serve society with wisdom and compassion. When students pass out from an institution like this, they do not leave merely with marksheets and achievements; they leave as individuals capable of thinking independently, standing for what is right, leading with integrity, and making meaningful contributions to the world around them.

To my fellow Columbians, I urge you to dream fearlessly, work sincerely, and never lose the spark within you. Keep learning, keep questioning, keep helping others rise, and never let success take away your kindness or humility. Because education is not simply about building a career — it is about building a life that inspires others.

As I move ahead carrying the lessons and values this institution has gifted me, I will forever remain grateful to this school for nurturing not just students, but individuals with minds that think, hearts that care, and souls that dare to lead.

Thank you
Gloria in Excelsis

Anushka Garkoti
(HEAD GIRL)
2025-2026
2024-2025
2023-2024
2022-2023
2021-2022
2018-2019
2017-2018
2014-2015