Shimla, October 11, 2025:
It was a walk down memory lane for hundreds of proud Edwardians as St. Edward’s School, Shimla — one of the city’s oldest and most revered institutions — kicked off its three-day centenary celebrations with much pomp and nostalgia on Saturday.
The celebrations began with the flagging off of an anti-drug awareness rally “Kill the Urge for Drugs through Yoga” from the historic Ridge Ground, setting a meaningful tone for the milestone event.
For many alumni, the centenary marked not just a celebration of the school’s 100-year journey but also a heartfelt homecoming. “Walking through the same corridors where we once rushed to our classes brought back a flood of memories.
The discipline, the sportsmanship, and the values we learned here still guide us,” said Lt. Col. (Retd.) Rohit Verma, an alumnus from the 1984 batch.
The morning unfolded with a grand March Past by ex-Edwardians and current students, followed by spirited track events and exhibition matches in cricket, basketball, and football.
The unveiling of the Centenary Trophies celebrated a hundred years of sporting spirit and camaraderie.
In the evening, the school grounds came alive with cultural performances that beautifully wove together nostalgia, pride, and gratitude.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp set the tone for an emotional evening that featured a soul-stirring sitar recital by Dr. Gagandeep Hothi, a disciple of Padma Bhushan Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee and an old Edwardian himself.
Adding to the legacy, the event also saw the release of two commemorative books, “The 100-Year Tapestry – Volumes 1 and 2,” unveiled by Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas.
The school also felicitated its CBSE Class XII toppers, underscoring its continued commitment to academic excellence.
“It’s overwhelming to see the school’s spirit still shining bright. What we learned here wasn’t just academics — it was discipline, respect, and service,” shared Dr. Anil Bhatia, a 1976 batch alumnus, now a leading surgeon in Delhi.
The day concluded with a breathtaking art installation depicting the faith, resilience, and legacy that have defined St. Edward’s for a century.
Founded in 1925, St. Edward’s has shaped countless lives — among its distinguished alumni are former Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Karol.
As the centenary flame burns bright, the Edwardian spirit — steeped in brotherhood, humility, and excellence — continues to illuminate generations to come.
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