Proud alumni fuel centenary march of Dharamsala college

As Government College, Dharamsala, nears its 100th anniversary in 2026, a wave of nostalgia and renewed energy is sweeping through its alumni. The Old Students’ Association (OSA), once dormant, has sprung to life with remarkable enthusiasm to celebrate the institution’s glorious legacy and chart a vision for the future.

Established as a degree college in 1926, the institution has stood tall in the heart of Himachal Pradesh for generations. With a mission to honour its past and empower the present, OSA recently organised its first-ever independent awards function, a grand success that has set the tone for centenary celebrations ahead.

OSA president Sanjeev Gandhi shared exciting plans for a year-long celebration packed with meaningful initiatives. “Our focus is on more than just festivities. We’ll have career counselling sessions, campus interviews, placement drives and the prestigious OSA Legacy Awards to recognise outstanding students,” he said. Under OSA’s leadership, several transformative projects have already taken shape at the college, including a modern library and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

General secretary Sandeep Mehta, meanwhile, is working to connect alumni worldwide. “We’re weaving a global network and planning several warm-up events leading to the centenary’s grand finale,” he told The Tribune. The mood among former students is electric, with many eager to return to their alma mater and contribute to its growth.

A glimpse into a glorious legacy

Nestled in the scenic hills of Kangra, the college’s story began in 1912 when Sir Louis Dane, then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, established it as an intermediate college. In 1926, it was elevated to a full-fledged degree college offering courses in Arts, Science, and Commerce. Over the decades, it became a lifeline for students from remote regions such as Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Hamirpur.

The alumni list reads like a roll call of excellence—bravehearts like Sher Jang Thapa (MVC), the defender of Skardu and Chander Narayan Singh (MVC); public leaders, including MP Rajeev Bhardwaj and Late Krishan Kapoor; and cultural icons like actor Devanand and singer Mohit Chauhan.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Government College Dharamsala isn’t just looking back—it’s marching forward with pride, purpose and unity, led by its spirited alumni.