75 years of purposeful education at Vidya Mandir

In an age where the pursuit of excellence can sometimes overshadow fundamental values, Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary Model School, Shimla Pahari, Hoshiarpur, stands as a shining and distinct example. This year, the school celebrates 75 years since its founding on May 21, 1951. Its journey is a testament not only to academic achievement but also to a deep commitment to Indian values, harmoniously blended with modern educational methods.

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The institution was founded by a visionary teacher, freedom fighter and poet, the late Principal Jagtawali Sood, who began the endeavour with just three students. As Punjab’s first woman to pass the Shastri examination and later a postgraduate in Sanskrit, Principal Sood’s life epitomised simplicity, service and scholarship. A lifelong Khadi-wearer and Red Cross volunteer, her ideals remain the bedrock on which Vidya Mandir continues to thrive.

She was soon joined by Principal Sharada Sood, a steadfast ally who shared her values and vision. Together, they not only expanded the school’s infrastructure but also instilled it with strong moral foundations and a culture of meaningful learning. Both were recipients of the President’s Red Cross Award and dedicated their lives to education and community service until their passing in 2006 and 2015, respectively.

Principal Jagtawali Sood also made significant literary contributions. Among her many works, the Hindi poetic translation of the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, titled Gita Ki Dharti – Giton Ke Ankur, is regarded as a literary masterpiece. Her legacy includes poetry, novels, travelogues and articles that continue to inspire generations.

Over the decades, Vidya Mandir has become one of Hoshiarpur’s leading institutions, producing distinguished professionals in public service, defence, medicine, law and literature. Notable alumni include Sunil Arora (Former Chief Election Commissioner, Retd IAS), Sanjiv Arora (Ambassador, Retd IFS), Rajiv Arora (Retd IAS), Tikshan Sood (Former Punjab Cabinet Minister, Lawyer), Brigadier Indeever Sood (Retd), and Additional Sessions Judge Jagdip Sood. Others include Dr Avneesh Sood and Dr Rajneesh Sood (Retired Civil Surgeons), Dr Rajiv Verma, Advocate Arvind Sood (Forensic Science Expert), CA Taranjit Singh, among many others.

These names underscore the school’s ability to produce morally upright leaders and responsible citizens. Meanwhile, current students carry forward this legacy with achievements in academics and sports such as volleyball, basketball, netball and martial arts.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations commenced on June 1, attended by alumni and dignitaries, with Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Editor of the Punjab Kesari Group, as chief guest. The celebrations will continue for a year, serving as both a retrospective and a vision for a better future.

Anurag Sood, President of the Vidya Mandir Sansthan (Regd), spoke of the school’s long-term vision to serve others. He proudly highlighted two of the school’s flagship social initiatives. A charitable homoeopathic centre, supported by the Ahmediyya Muslim Jamaat in Qadian, providing free consultations and medication, and a free computer training institute for women, run in partnership with the Sarbat Da Bhala Trust.

In step with contemporary needs, the school has launched The Future Ready Institute, led by renowned author and educator Prof Nazam Riar. The initiative focuses on holistic development—improving communication skills, offering career guidance, enhancing presentations and preparing students for global success.

True to its values, Vidya Mandir fosters communal harmony by observing all religious festivals within the school, nurturing spiritual awareness and tolerance. Inter-Faith Meetings are regularly organised by the All Religions Goodwill Committee, founded by Anurag Sood, to promote dialogue and understanding in an increasingly divided world.