Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to improve the quality of education in tribal areas and connect students with the country’s reputed institutions have received national recognition. President Droupadi Murmu honoured the state at a special event held on Thursday at the Cultural Centre of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma and Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Sonakshi Tomar received the honour from the President. The achievement is particularly significant because the Eklavya Model Residential School at Nichar in Kinnaur has been placed among the five best schools in the country.
Event held under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada 2026
At the event, organised as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada 2026, the President interacted with meritorious students and alumni of Eklavya Model Residential Schools from across the country. Besides Himachal Pradesh, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of the tribal welfare departments of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha were also honoured. The efforts being made in these states for the education and academic development of tribal students were appreciated.
146 students take part
A total of 146 talented students and alumni of Eklavya schools from across the country attended the programme. They included toppers in the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations, as well as students who have gained admission to reputed institutions of higher education. These included students admitted to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), National Law Universities, the National Institute of Fashion Technology and government medical colleges.
Significance for tribal areas
Geographical conditions and limited educational resources have long been a challenge in Himachal’s tribal areas. Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which provide better education, residential facilities and a competitive environment, are proving important in this regard. The Nichar school’s place among the top five Eklavya schools in the country reflects the state’s progress in this direction.
The recognition at Rashtrapati Bhavan is also expected to inspire tribal students in Himachal and strengthen efforts to connect talent from these areas with higher education and better opportunities.
