Celebrating Academic Excellence: Shining Star Awards 4.0 in Nurpur

The Shining Star Awards 4.0 celebrated the achievements of nearly 500 outstanding students from Nurpur, recognizing their hard work and dedication in academics. The event, supported by Minerva Study Circle and various partners, highlighted the importance of nurturing curiosity and resilience in education. With the introduction of HIMQUEST 2026, students have the opportunity to win scholarships and prizes while pursuing their academic goals. This initiative aims to inspire and encourage the youth of Himachal Pradesh, continuing its legacy of excellence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 18:08 IST

Honoring Top Students at Shining Star Awards 4.0

Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur

In a remarkable event held at Jyoti Palace, Nurpur, nearly 500 exceptional students from Class X and XII were honored for achieving scores of 85% and above in their board exams. These awardees hailed from various schools in the Nurpur region.

Accompanied by their proud parents and teachers, the students received accolades from Hon’ble MLA Nurpur, Sh. Ranbir Singh Nikka ji, who praised their dedication and academic success.

This initiative was made possible through the support of Minerva Study Circle, Ghumarwain and Dharamshala, along with partners such as HIET Group of Institutions, P3Y, Dronacharya, and Digiperform.

During the ceremony, Ajay Sharma, Head of Minerva Study Circle Dharamshala, addressed the audience, stating, 'At Minerva, we focus on fostering curiosity, confidence, and resilience. Over the years, we have successfully mentored thousands of students, producing over 350 doctors and engineers, while also guiding them to excel in board exams and competitive exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NIT admissions.'

Continuing this mission, Minerva has introduced HIMQUEST 2026, the largest Talent Hunt Exam in Himachal for science students from Classes 8 to 12. Scheduled for September 27, 2026, HIMQUEST offers not just an examination but a pathway to numerous opportunities. Top performers will be awarded 100% tuition fee scholarships, prizes totaling nearly ₹1.5 crore, and a unique chance to visit ISRO, meet scientists, and enjoy a plane ride.

The Shining Star Awards 4.0, conceptualized by a leading digital news platform in Himachal Pradesh, aims to celebrate hard work, perseverance, and academic excellence among the youth of Himachal, while also promoting student well-being beyond academics.

Building on the success of its previous editions in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the awards have already set high standards in Palampur, Dharamshala, Chamba, and now Nurpur. The Shining Star Awards 4.0 will extend its reach to other districts in Himachal Pradesh, continuing its mission of recognition and encouragement.