Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
The historic Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Dalhousie, established during the British era in 1901, celebrated its 125th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and pride. The milestone event witnessed the presence of Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur as the Chief Guest.
Alongside the Foundation Day celebrations, the school hosted a grand Alumni Reunion, bringing together nearly 150 to 200 former students from different parts of India as well as from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Dubai, and other international destinations. Several alumni attended the event with their families, while many senior former students also participated, making the occasion especially memorable.
The reunion was organized under the guidance of Sister Lucy Emmanuel, who specially arrived from Delhi, and Principal Sister Molly Cherian. The event was led by distinguished alumna Dr. Kiran Chadha and teacher Smiksha Mehra, with active support from Sister Maria Jose and Sister Lissy.
A resident of Dalhousie, Dr. Kiran Chadha, who studied at the school from 1959 onwards, played a pivotal role in making the celebration a success. Her daughter, Kanika Soni, also an alumna of the institution, participated actively in the event. Alumni from across the country and abroad praised Dr. Chadha for her dedication and contribution to the reunion’s success.
Dr. Chadha, a retired Joint Secretary to the Government of India, is currently an author and poet. She has written several books on Dalhousie and on social issues that inspire positive change.
The day began with a warm welcome for the alumni at 11 a.m., where Dr. Kiran Chadha and Principal Sister Molly Cherian greeted guests with commemorative school badges and nameplates. Students of the school presented traditional Himachali Nati dance performances and folk songs, adding a cultural touch to the celebrations. A special 125 Years Selfie Point was also created, attracting enthusiastic participation from all attendees.
During the reunion, former students toured the campus, revisiting cherished memories of their school days. Many became emotional while interacting with the school’s administration and recalling their experiences. Alumni including Manpreet, who travelled from the United States, and Suman Sood from Kolkata shared nostalgic stories about their time at the institution.
A special souvenir publication featuring articles by alumni and a collection of rare photographs from the school’s history was also released during the event. Every alumnus in attendance received a copy of the commemorative booklet.
In a significant contribution to the institution, Dr. Kiran Chadha announced the establishment of two annual “Awards of Excellence” for the best boy and best girl student of Class XII. The awards will carry a combined annual prize amount of ₹50,000, recognizing academic excellence and encouraging future achievers.
It was also recalled that during a previous alumni gathering, former students had contributed ₹5 lakh for the installation of computer facilities at the school. Several alumni indicated that further contributions and support for the institution may be announced in the near future.
The celebrations highlighted the rich legacy of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School and strengthened the bond between generations of students who continue to take pride in their alma mater.
