TNR News Network
Dharamshala:
Over 400 meritorious students from various schools of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh were felicitated at the TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards held at the Dharamshala Government Degree College auditorium on August 29, 2025.
Students from Classes VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI representing CBSE, ICSE, and HP Board schools were recognised for scoring 85 per cent and above in their annual results for the 2024-25 academic session. Schools such as Sacred Heart School, DAV School-Narwana, Maharishi Vidya Mandir (Khatehar and Kangra) and Happy Hour School Dharamshala were among the key participants in this prestigious felicitation ceremony.
Several dignitaries grace the occasion
The event was graced by Devinder Singh Jaggi, former Mayor of Dharamshala Municipal Corporation, as the chief guest, while IAS officer Zaffar Iqbal, currently serving as Dharamshala MC Commissioner, was present as the special guest.
The guests of honour included Harbajan Bhajji, Block Congress president; Puneet Malli, Director of HP Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd; Savita Karki, councillor, MC Dharamshala; and Munish Luthra, president of Beopar Mandal-Kacheri.
Delivering an inspiring keynote address, Zaffar Iqbal urged students to value patience and perseverance in life. Sharing his own struggles during his UPSC journey, he recounted how he faced repeated failures before securing an All India Rank of 37, emphasising that “setbacks are stepping stones” and dedication is non-negotiable in any path one chooses.
Aspire institute’s message: Embrace AI, avoid distractions
Aspire IIT-Medical Shimla, the event’s official partner, shared an important message with the students to make wise use of AI tools like ChatGPT and avoid the distraction of social media reels. “The future belongs to those who master their craft in an AI-driven world,” said Aspire MD Yoginder Singh Meena, who himself is an IITian.
He encouraged students to choose a field, focus and work consistently, rather than becoming passive consumers of online content.
Platform of pride and empowerment
The event is part of The Newz Radar’s larger initiative to encourage academic excellence among students across Himachal Pradesh. The TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards are an extension of the flagship TNR Shining Star Awards, which began in 2023 and have since honoured top performers of Class X and XII.
Sunil Chadha, Executive Editor at The Newz Radar, said, “These awards are not just about numbers but recognising resilience, motivation and the spirit of learning.”
S Gopal Puri, Political Editor, described the event as a “salute to the silent supporters — the parents and teachers who fuel the dreams of these young achievers.”
Abhinav Sharma, Head of HR, noted, “As exam results bring both joy and pressure, we at TNR stand beside students — not just as journalists but as partners in their growth journey.”
People’s celebration of academic spirit
With this event, the TNR awards have evolved into a people’s movement, bringing together students, families, educators and communities in celebrating the power of education and effort. The enthusiasm and turnout at the event reflected the rising pride in scholastic achievements and the growing momentum for platforms that empower young minds.
For continued updates on the TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards and other top stories, visit thenewzradar.com or follow The Newz Radar on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
