Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
In a milestone achievement for the education sector of Chamba, St. Stephen Senior Secondary School has officially received recognition from the ICSE Board, opening doors to world-class learning opportunities for local students.
School Chairman Vishal Stravla, addressing the press, shared the institution’s journey: founded in 1976 in Mandi, the school expanded to Chamba in 2004, initially operating from a rented building with Classes 11 and 12. With the unwavering support of staff and parents, the school steadily grew, establishing its own grand campus in Baniyag village in 2016 and shifting there in 2017.
Vishal revealed that his long-standing dream was to bring ICSE education to Chamba’s children. Over the past year, the school worked tirelessly to meet the Council’s rigorous standards. Major upgrades included a modern examination hall, fully equipped science and computer labs, a high-tech library, and enhanced academic facilities. After two rounds of intensive inspection, the Council granted recognition.
Highlighting the ICSE Board’s strengths, Vishal noted its alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and its emphasis on quality learning. English language and literature are taught as separate subjects, strengthening communication and grammar skills. From Class 6, science is divided into physics, chemistry, and biology, laying a strong foundation for competitive exams. By Class 9, students can choose subjects based on their interests, such as economics or advanced sciences.
Expressing joy, Vishal said, “This recognition is not just a certificate—it is a commitment to prepare Chamba’s children for future challenges. With modern resources and a global curriculum, our students can now dream bigger and aim higher.”
