AHS Commemorates 150 Years of its Existence — CM Flags off School March from Holly Lodge

Ritanjali Hastir, Keekli Reporter, 29th May, 2015, Shimla  

To mark the celebration of 150 years of Auckland House Girls School, students and staff of the school visited Holly Lodge, the residence of the Chief Minister, where Virbhadra Singh and former Member of Parliament Pratibha Singh joined the children in their celebration as they sliced a cake on the occasion. The Auckland School was once housed in the Holly Lodge premises in 1866 with Mrs Mackinnon as the headmistress wherein 32 girls studied. To commemorate its memory and the early roots of the school, the school management — Director-Principal Sunita John, Principal Boys School Micheal John, Chief Celebrant Rev P.K. Samantaroy, Moderator, Church of North India; entire staff, alumni of the school and students were present in full force to greet the minister. Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Singh warmly greeted the management and all present and congratulated them on the 150 years of the schools existence. Director-Principal John said, “That a seed was sown in these premises and over the years the school has evolved through time but essence of its traditions and values stands strong even today”. The School Choir sung hymns and the School Band led the March Past to the Christ Church on Ridge, as they were flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister.

Speaking on the occasion in the holy Christ Church at Ridge, wherein the entire school had gathered to celebrate, the Minister said, “I wish the school may get more strengthened and prosperous in times to come and achieve infinite heights. Auckland is one of the best educational institutions amongst the few best in Shimla. It is only due to the co-operation, faith and love of the people that the school has been able to grow and impart best education besides instilling discipline and benevolence in the children. 150 years for any educational institution is no less a period from the very beginning and above all to sustain till day, retaining its old charm and glory and maintaining high standards of education”. He further added that it was a matter of great pride that the school, along with the passage of time has adopted latest trends and techniques.

While addressing the gathering Director-Principal Sunita John said, “It was a proud moment for me to be part of this historic event. In my youth I had heard about a man who built his house on a rock and I feel that Auckland School has served us as that same rock, and helped young girls to confidently step into the society and take their roles as responsible citizens over the years. 150 years ago, the founders had a great vision, when they started the school at Holly Lodge with 32 students, which was later shifted to the current premises. At present the school is shaping the future of more than 1200 young girls”.

During the function processional hymn O Worship The King, Take My Life and The Thousand Reasons; songs – Thank You Lord; Great is Thy Faithfulness were sung. Other than that readings from Psalm 103 Vs 1-5 by Dr. Meenakshi F. Paul, alumni; Psalm 136 Vs 1-9 by Michael A. John, and Lamentation 3:22 -25 &41 by Lily Samantaroy, Administration, Diocese of Amritsar was part of the celebrations.
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