Learning must be skill-based and job-oriented, says Education Minister
Pallavi Sharma
SHIMLA:
A government school in Chopal in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, opened during British rule, has completed 100 years of its existence.
The centenary celebrations of PM Shri Government Excellence Senior Secondary School, Chopal, were marked by cultural performances, an alumni meet, exhibitions and a commemorative release.
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur attended the grand event as the chief guest and congratulated the school community and the local public on this historic milestone.
Lauding the school as a foundational pillar of education in the Chopal region, the minister highlighted its legacy of producing students who have made their mark at both the state and national levels. “This institution has been shaping the future of generations and its contribution to society is immense,” he said.
Himachal’s literacy growth from 7% to 99.3%
In a striking revelation during his speech, Minister Rohit Thakur shared that Himachal Pradesh had a literacy rate of just 7% in 1947. Today, the figure has soared to an impressive 99.30%, placing the state among the most literate in India. “This achievement reflects the commitment of our educators, students and successive governments towards quality education,” he said.
The minister stated that around 15,000 schools and 133 colleges are currently functioning in Himachal Pradesh, catering to thousands of students. He reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve teaching quality, assuring full support to the Chopal school for future needs.
Rs 3 crore sanctioned for Chopal education sector
Minister Rohit Thakur also announced that Rs 3 crore was recently sanctioned for the holistic development of the education sector in the Chopal Assembly segment. He assured that all school-related demands will be taken up in a special meeting soon, with budgetary provisions for high-cost requirements considered on priority in the next financial year.
The centenary event also saw the release of the school’s souvenir publication. Alumni members were honoured for their contributions and continued association with the institution. The evening concluded with a cultural programme featuring Himachali folk artists that captivated the audience.
Dignitaries join in celebration
The event witnessed the presence of many dignitaries, including Congress leader Rajneesh Kimta, Food Commission Chairperson Dr SP Katyal, senior advocate IN Mehta, former Mandal president Jagdish Jinta, Land Mortgage Bank Director Devendra Negi, Chopal nagar panchayat vice-president Chandra Mohan Thakur and many others from the administration and local community.
School Principal Hari Ram Sharma extended a warm welcome to all guests and placed various developmental requests before the minister, aiming to further enhance the school’s facilities.
The 100-year milestone of Chopal’s historic school was not just a celebration of the past, but also a renewed commitment to a future driven by quality, skill-oriented education.
