Keekli Reporter, 6th September, 2014, Shimla
Hon’ble Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the Academic Block-cum-Auditorium of Auckland House Boys School here today, along with other renowned guests and dignitaries. Chairman Rt. Rev. P. K. Samantaroy, Members of the Board of Governors, Director-Principal Auckland House Girls School, Sunita John, Principal Boys School, Michael A. John, staff and students of Auckland House School Boys warmly welcomed and greeted all the guests present. After unveiling of the Plaque by the Hon’ble Chief Minister all the guests were escorted towards the Academic Block and then to the Auditorium.
To mark the celebrations a short entertainment programme was planned for the guests. The event began with the Principals’ speech as he welcomed all the dignitaries and gave a brief history of the school. He said, “The school was first started in Holly Lodge in the year 1866 and then the present property was bought in 1868 and the school was then named Auckland House after it first owners Lord Auckland. Since then the school grew in strength and it was finally in 2008 that a separate wing for boys came into existence. The school then began its journey with 158 students and now has a strength of 650 boys and 26 faculty members”.
The boys presented a short cultural programme in the form of hymns, band performance and a lively and energetic Bhangra dance. Principal Michael John then invited the Hon’ble Minister to say a few words. Speaking on the occasion the minster said, “It is an honour to be a part of the inaugural function and I wish the School all the best in future endeavours. I hoped that the School will continue to be a temple of learning for generations to come. I am quite impressed with the modern teaching learning technology adopted by the School”.
The Chairman Rt. Rev. P. K. Samantaroy then presented a silver salver to the Minister as a token of their gratitude. In his vote of thanks, Rev Samantaroy said, “It is a great privilege to stand here amidst all the dignitaries and the involvement of the Hon’ble Minister in the field of education has greatly affected the growth of education institutions in the state. Next year the sesquicentennial year would be celebrated in Auckland House Girls School and a march would be flagged off from Holly Lodge up to Ridge, as the Hon’ble minister had gracefully consented to be a part of the same”. A token of appreciation — a shawl each — was presented to the Chief Minister and the Chairman by the Boys School Principal.
The function ended with a National Anthem, followed by refreshments all present !!!
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