Dr Abdul Majid pointing to his picture at the Victoria Institution's
Galeri Patriotic which charts the nation's progress since independence.

INSTILLING in the younger generation the spirit of patriotism is important and it was for this reason the Victoria Institution s Museum Board eagerly awaited the unveiling of its Galeri Patriotik, a meaningful contribution to celebrate National Day.

The permanent display along the school s main corridor is an insight and reminder of how much the nation has progressed since 1957 and is said to be the first gallery of its kind within a school.

To mark its official launch, Old Boy Tan Sri Dr Abdul Majid Ismail, who is also Inti College s chairman, unveiled the gallery on Thursday.

The seven-panel display was the concerted effort of students, old boys and teachers who realised the importance of a dedicated corner to mark the country s accomplishments.

The gallery invites students to ponder on the principles of the Rukun Negara and has dedicated space for photographs of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid and the prime ministers of the country.

It also provides brief documentation of the country s achievement in the oil and gas industry, car manufacturing and highlights important landmarks in the city.

Landmarks of pride include Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Istana Negara, and historical buildings like Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Tugu Negara and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

History and Language teacher Datin Maimun Hussin, who envisioned the idea for the gallery, said the project was realised through sponsorship from old boys, namely Dr Abdul Majid, Datuk Tan Chin Nam and Datuk Ali Abdul Kadir.

She said materials for the gallery were sourced from former students who went out of their way to help.

The gallery is a branch of our museum and also commemorates VI s 110th anniversary this year. It is dedicated to our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his contributions to the nation, Maimun said, adding that the museum opened 10 years ago for the school s 100th year celebration.

Members of the Parent-Teacher Association, teachers and students gathered at the VI hall as Dr Abdul Majid took students down memory lane on what it was like during his schooling days.

Principal Taslim Sarbani later presented the guest-of-honour with a souvenir.