Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
Dalhousie Hilltop School hosted a grand felicitation ceremony under the aegis of the All India Principal Association (AIPA), celebrating the “Shiksha Padma Samman” — a national honour recognizing excellence in education and school leadership. The event brought together over 200 principals and directors from across India, including states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, and Tripura.
The chief guest for the occasion was Mr. Anil Kumar, SDM Dalhousie, accompanied by AIPA’s founding president Mr. Navdeep Bhardwaj, school chairman Dr. Sudhir Dhawan, school president Dr. Poonam Rai Dhawan, AIPA Himachal Pradesh president Mr. Anurag Sharma, national member Mr. Nikhil Gandhi, and senior member Mr. Shashikant Mishra. The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
In his address, SDM Mr. Anil Kumar congratulated the awardees and praised Dalhousie Hilltop School for its academic excellence, holistic education model, and scenic campus. He remarked, “This institution stands as a radiant beacon of learning amidst the mountains.”
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Poonam Rai Dhawan emphasized the school’s commitment to value-based modern education. She expressed gratitude to AIPA, noting that such events honour the dedication and efforts of educators nationwide.
AIPA president Mr. Navdeep Bhardwaj highlighted the association’s mission to unite school leaders across India and foster excellence in education through shared experiences. He lauded the school’s warm hospitality, natural beauty, and impeccable organization, calling the event “a unique confluence of leadership, learning, and celebration.”
Guests and participants commended the school’s strong value system and its role in shaping confident, courteous, and disciplined students. “We are truly impressed by the Hilltopians,” many remarked.
Cultural performances by students showcased the school’s holistic approach to education. The junior students’ presentation of “Shambhu” received a standing ovation from the audience, including dignitaries and principals.
All recipients of the Shiksha Padma Samman expressed heartfelt gratitude to AIPA and Dalhousie Hilltop School. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a resonant message of unity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education.
