Brushstrokes of glory: Sidhbari girls shine nationally in art

In a moment of pride and celebration, Sidhbari Government High School hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honour two of its most talented students, Simran and Shabnam, for their exceptional achievements on the national stage in the field of art.

Simran, a Class X student, brought immense honour to Himachal Pradesh by winning a prestigious national award in the National Painting Competition conducted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi. Her artwork, inspired by the theme ‘Bharat Ka Utsav’, was chosen from among 9,000 entries submitted from over 100 cities across the country. She stood out as the only recipient from Himachal Pradesh among the 15 national awardees — a truly rare feat.

Shabnam’s achievement was equally noteworthy. She was selected for a coveted five-year National Scholarship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India — a rare recognition granted to young prodigies. Under this scholarship, she will receive advanced professional training under the mentorship of renowned artist Rumi Saini, giving her talent the nurturing platform it deserves.

The felicitation ceremony was graced by Kangra ADM Shilpi Beakta as the chief guest and was attended by a galaxy of distinguished personalities. Among them were LN Aggarwal (INTACH Kangra Head), celebrated author Chandrarekha Dadhwal, veteran educationist Harilal Sharma, former principal Manohar Lal Mehta, and acclaimed Kangra miniature artist Dhani Ram.

Expressing his pride and joy, Dr Janmejay, Headmaster of the school, highlighted the institution’s 125-year-old legacy of nurturing artistic and academic talent. He praised the dedication and creativity of the awardees, calling it a historic moment that would inspire generations of students to follow their passion.

The ceremony was not just a celebration of two students — it became a testament to the school’s enduring spirit, and a powerful reminder of how talent, when nurtured with the right guidance, can illuminate even the quietest corners of the country.