Srinagar, May 9 (JKNS): Delhi Public School, Srinagar, celebrated a landmark milestone as it hosted its 23rd Founders’ Day on Saturday, May 9 2026, within the Indoor Stadium.
This prestigious gathering paid tribute to the life and enduring spirit of the visionary founder, Shri Durga Prasad Dhar, while honouring the school’s journey as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region.
The day was defined by a profound sense of reverence and a zealous display of student talent that bridged the school’s historical heritage with its future aspirations.
The ceremony opened with a traditional Entry Izband welcome and a soulful morning prayer, followed by an address that reflected on the “grandeur aura” of the late Mr. D.P. Dhar. The reflections further described the institution as a “heritage of excellence and persistence” meticulously dressed in grace for decades while extending deep gratitude to Mr. Vijay Dhar and Mrs. Kiran Dhar for their audacity to build a platform that empowers Kashmiri youth to find their truest voices.
Artistic expression took centre stage as students from Classes 11 and 12 captivated the audience with an energetic Music Mashup Performance led by Aisha and her group. This was followed by a joyful Hula Hoop dance by students from the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), which underscores the institution’s pride as the only school in the region providing specialised education for the specially-abled. These performances highlighted the school’s role as a visionary pioneer that consistently paves the way for inclusive excellence.
Cultural storytelling continued with a performance of “Habba Khatoon” by Grade 4 students and a spirited cultural dance by Grade 8, which beautifully showcased the rich heritage and traditions of Kashmir. The celebration also served as a stage for recognising extraordinary achievements in both sports and academics. Students Tarahum Sadiya and Mehran Zargar were felicitated for recently receiving the Kiran Dhar Sports Scholarship. The school also held a special ceremony to acknowledge academic excellence, where students who secured above 95% in the CBSE Grade X Examinations 2025–2026 were formally honoured for their dedication and outstanding achievement. Two visually impaired students of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Zainab Bilal and Rafees Rafiq, were also felicitated for passing the CBSE Grade X Examination 2025–2026 with flying colours. Furthermore, the institution honoured staff members who have been the heartbeat of the school for twenty glorious years through their unwavering commitment and service.
Chairman Mr. Vijay Dhar reminded the gathering that while previous generations lacked modern resources, the current students are equipped with tools to “turn the world upside down” and lead with confidence. He stated, “Our goal has always been to build more than a school and instead create a platform where the Kashmiri youth can realise their truest potential. As we celebrate twenty-three years of excellence we reaffirm our promise to provide the world-class sanctuary our children deserve so they may lead the way in turning the world upside down for the better”.
Adding to this visionary outlook Principal, Ms. Shafaq Afshan remarked “Founders’ Day serves as a powerful manifestation of our belief that education must transcend the boundaries of textbooks to foster a spirit of inquiry and resilience. Our commitment remains to provide a space where every child feels empowered to articulate their dreams and pursue them with unwavering confidence while remaining rooted in empathy and service. “Conclusively, following a sincere vote of thanks, the event transitioned into a post-program walkthrough and tea gathering that allowed visitors to engage deeply with the school’s evolving legacy and fostered a sense of togetherness among the staff and guests. (JKNS)
