Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School Marks 125 Years with Alumni Reunion
Celebrating a Historic Milestone
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
The iconic Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School in Dalhousie, founded in 1901 during the British colonial period, proudly celebrated its 125th Foundation Day. The event was graced by the presence of Rohit Thakur, the Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh, who served as the Chief Guest.
A Grand Alumni Reunion
In conjunction with the Foundation Day festivities, the school organized a remarkable Alumni Reunion, attracting approximately 150 to 200 former students from various regions of India and abroad, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. Many alumni attended with their families, and the presence of senior alumni added to the event's significance.
Organizers and Key Contributors
The reunion was orchestrated under the leadership of Sister Lucy Emmanuel, who traveled from Delhi, alongside Principal Sister Molly Cherian. The event was spearheaded by notable alumna Dr. Kiran Chadha and educator Smiksha Mehra, with valuable assistance from Sister Maria Jose and Sister Lissy.
Dr. Kiran Chadha's Impact
Dr. Kiran Chadha, a resident of Dalhousie and a student of the school since 1959, played a crucial role in the event's success. Her daughter, Kanika Soni, also an alumna, actively participated. Alumni from various locations praised Dr. Chadha for her commitment and efforts in organizing the reunion.
Cultural Celebrations
Dr. Chadha, who has served as a retired Joint Secretary to the Government of India, is now an accomplished author and poet, having penned several books focused on Dalhousie and social issues that promote positive change.
The day commenced with a warm reception for the alumni at 11 a.m., where Dr. Kiran Chadha and Principal Sister Molly Cherian welcomed guests with commemorative badges and nameplates. Students showcased traditional Himachali Nati dance performances and folk songs, enriching the cultural atmosphere. A special 125 Years Selfie Point was also set up, encouraging enthusiastic participation.
Nostalgic Moments
During the reunion, former students revisited the campus, reminiscing about their school days. Many alumni, including Manpreet from the United States and Suman Sood from Kolkata, shared heartfelt stories about their experiences at the school.
Commemorative Souvenirs
A special souvenir publication featuring articles from alumni and a collection of rare historical photographs was unveiled during the event. Each alumnus present received a copy of this commemorative booklet.
Awards for Future Excellence
In a significant gesture, Dr. Kiran Chadha announced the creation of two annual “Awards of Excellence” for the top boy and girl student of Class XII, with a total annual prize of ₹50,000 to honor academic achievements and inspire future scholars.
It was also noted that during a previous alumni gathering, former students had generously contributed ₹5 lakh for the installation of computer facilities at the school. Several alumni expressed intentions to provide further support to the institution in the future.
A Legacy of Pride
The celebrations underscored the rich heritage of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School and reinforced the connection among generations of students who continue to take pride in their alma mater.