The ‘legacy’ Shyama Prasad Vidyalaya (esb 1948), Delhi, this year turned 75 years. The Vidyalaya celebrated the occasion on its Foundation Day in a befitting way with a grand 5-day carnival and ceremony culminating on Aug 18. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman graced the event as the chief guest. The exuberant five-day jubilation witnessed a convergence of alumni, parents, grandparents, and children, all coming together to honor the institution’s illustrious history, rich culture, and remarkable achievements.
The story of Shyama Prasad Vidyalaya begins in 1911 when India’s capital from Calcutta was shifted to Delhi by the British Government. Driven by the need for educational provisions for families moving from Calcutta to Delhi post World War II, leading to the creation of the Lodhi Estate and Lodhi Colony.
In their quest for quality education, residents rallied to establish a school, seeking support from the New Delhi Municipal Committee. Inaugurated in August 1948, the institution was christened “Shyama Prasad Vidyalaya” as a tribute to the honorable Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who had graced the inauguration with his presence.
During the celebrations this year, attendees immersed themselves in many activities and attractions. The school premises came alive with bustling shopping stalls, captivating cultural presentations, and engaging creative workshops showcasing the students’ exceptional talents and accomplishments. The innovative science exhibition curated by the students was particularly noteworthy, earning accolades from all quarters.
Adding to the festive fervor, Tarun Jain, a distinguished Numismatist & Philatelist, presented his meticulously curated collection of rare stamps, coins, polymer banknotes (both Indian and foreign), memorabilia, and Maxim cards commemorating a century of Indian cinema, among other treasures. This collaborative creation, involving the contributions of nine other enthusiasts – Rakesh Kumar, Pulak Gupta, Vijay Seth, Kuldeep Manash, Sachin Jain, V.K Paul, Chinmay Basu, and Ravi Raj – transformed the school library into an enchanting haven of antiques, further enriching the celebratory ambiance.
Mrs. Suman Doval, Principal, reflected, “Amidst the grandeur of Shyama Prasad Vidyalaya’s 75th-anniversary celebration, we unfurled a tapestry of excellence, woven with our community’s collective spirit and enduring passion. Preserving our cherished legacy for generations to come, over 1200 students, both boys and girls, have thrived under our tutelage. In the company of esteemed dignitaries such as V. Lalithalaksmi (IAS), Director, PMO, Government of India, Ujjaini Dutta (IAS), Resident Commissioner in Delhi, and Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, among other luminaries, we rejoiced in the essence of our remarkable 75-year journey.”
