Classes Begin in Newly Constructed Government Senior Secondary School Building at Deori in Mandi.
Shimla:
Classes have commenced in the newly constructed building of Government Senior Secondary School, Deori, in Mandi district, marking a significant milestone in the reconstruction of educational infrastructure damaged during the heavy rains of August 2023.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually joined the function organised to mark the commencement of classes in the new school building. The event also highlighted the state government’s efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and provide students with modern facilities.
The Government Primary School, Deori was constructed at a cost of around ₹70 lakh, while the new building of the Government Senior Secondary School was completed at an estimated cost of ₹3.62 crore. The previous school building had been completely washed away in the heavy rains on August 14, 2023.
Sukhu congratulates students, praises community contribution
Addressing the function, Chief Minister Sukhu said Congress General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi had wanted to personally visit Deori for the inauguration but could not attend due to bad weather.
He said Priyanka Gandhi was keen to meet and interact with the students and would visit the school in September.
Congratulating the students on the commencement of classes in the new building, Sukhu appreciated the contribution made by the local community towards reconstruction efforts.
He expressed gratitude to local residents Chinta Devi, Dasi Devi and Punni Devi for donating more than one bigha of land to the Education Department for construction of the school.
Government focusing on modern education infrastructure
The Chief Minister said the state government was reconstructing school buildings damaged in natural disasters while ensuring that the rebuilt institutions were equipped with modern facilities.
He said important changes were being introduced in the education policy as part of the government’s efforts to transform the education system and improve the quality of learning opportunities available to students.
Sukhu said the government was taking significant steps to provide quality education and strengthen educational infrastructure across the state.
He also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s improvement in education-sector rankings, stating that the state, which ranked 21st in 2021, has now moved up to 5th position.
Priyanka Gandhi congratulates students
Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma Bittu read out a message from Priyanka Gandhi for the students of the school.
Recalling the devastation caused by the 2023 disaster in Deori, Priyanka Gandhi said people had faced the calamity with courage and determination. She said she had personally witnessed the tragedy during her visit to the area on September 12, 2023.
She acknowledged the efforts made over the past three years to rebuild the damaged school building and expressed happiness that classes had finally begun in the new facility.
Priyanka Gandhi extended her best wishes to the students for a bright future and said she would visit the school and interact with them.
She said the people of Himachal Pradesh had bravely faced the natural disaster of 2023 and demonstrated courage and determination comparable to the strength of the Himalayas.
Focus on values, skills and future of students
In her message, Priyanka Gandhi said schools play an important role not only in providing academic education but also in helping students understand the values of the Constitution, equality, mutual respect, unity and brotherhood.
She said the process of developing and strengthening students’ skills begins at school and emphasised that young students represent the future of the country.
During the programme, students presented a cultural programme. The Chief Minister announced ₹1 lakh for the school.
Officials attend programme in Shimla and Mandi
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and other dignitaries were present at the programme in Shimla.
In Mandi, HPMC Board member Joginder Guleria, Block Congress Committee President Devender Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, senior officers and other dignitaries attended the event.
The reopening of the school in its newly constructed building marks an important step in restoring educational facilities affected by the 2023 disaster and reflects the state government’s continued emphasis on strengthening school infrastructure and providing students with better learning environments.
