Coaching initiative pays off
A proud moment for Palampur unfolded on Wednesday as the Municipal Corporation of Palampur, in collaboration with Him Vidyarthi Foundation, Rajpur, organised the ‘Gaurav Samman 2025’ ceremony to felicitate students who achieved remarkable success in the Sainik School Entrance Examination. The event took place in the presence of Palampur MLA Ashish Butail, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The coaching initiative, which began with a mock test in December 2024 involving around 60 students, was formally launched in the first week of January 2025. Out of the 22 students who were selected for coaching, 20 appeared for the entrance examination held in April and 16 made it to the merit list, marking an extraordinary success rate.
The man behind this initiative was Vikas Sharma (HPAS), Additional Commissioner, whose guidance and meticulous planning played a pivotal role in both the conceptualisation and execution of the programme. Speaking on the occasion, officials lauded his commitment to youth empowerment and educational development.
The event also highlighted the consistent support and encouragement of Ashish Sharma Commissioner of Palampur MC, who provided administrative and strategic guidance throughout the initiative. Gopal Nag Mayor delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the civic body’s commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting youth-centric educational programmes.
MLA Ashish Butail, in his address, commended the entire team and assured that the programme would be scaled up in the coming years, including early batch planning for future Sainik School aspirants.
Gift hampers were distributed to the meritorious students in recognition of their achievement, while teachers who mentored the students were honoured with special mementoes. The tireless contribution of teachers was acknowledged as one of the most critical elements of the success story. “Behind every successful student stands a dedicated teacher,” the Mayor stated in his speech.
The Him Vidyarthi Foundation was also felicitated for providing the training infrastructure and academic environment that made this success possible. Their continued partnership with the civic body has opened new avenues for structured academic support in the town.
The ceremony reflected a larger vision — to invest in the human resource development of Palampur. “Programmes like this are not just about results,” said a senior official, “they are about building a generation that is confident, disciplined and ready to serve the nation.”
Himachal Tribune