KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, April 16: In a significant step towards encouraging academic excellence and extending financial support to deserving students, the “B.K. Uppal Merit Award” was formally inaugurated at Government Sri Ranbir Model Higher Secondary School on Thursday. The initiative marks a meaningful contribution aimed at uplifting meritorious students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
The award has been instituted by Capt. Bal Krishan Uppal, an alumnus of the institution who completed his matriculation from the school in 1946. His presence at the event added emotional significance to the occasion, reflecting his enduring bond with the institution and his commitment to giving back to society through education.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of Yudhvir Sethi as the chief guest, alongside several distinguished attendees. Among those present were members of the Uppal family, including Dulari Uppal and Gouri Uppal, as well as Ex-Army officer Shamsher Singh, Vibha Sawhney, Hari Krishan Kohli, Sudesh Puri, Rashmi, Mamta, and other invitees. The gathering also included faculty members and students, making it a well-attended and vibrant event.
The guests were accorded a warm welcome and were felicitated with traditional shawls and bouquets by the school Principal, Dr. Kishor Sharma, as a gesture of respect and appreciation for their presence and contributions.
The “B.K. Uppal Merit Award” has been designed as a merit-based scholarship scheme with a focus on rewarding academic excellence while addressing financial constraints faced by students. Under the scheme, a selected student will receive a scholarship amount of SGD 1000 in the first year. This amount will be enhanced to SGD 2000 from the second year onwards, subject to the student maintaining the prescribed level of academic performance as per the criteria laid down by the institution.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sharma emphasized the transformative impact such initiatives can have on students’ academic journeys. He highlighted that financial support coupled with recognition serves as a powerful motivator for students to strive for excellence. He expressed deep gratitude to Capt. Uppal for his generous gesture and for setting an example of alumni engagement in educational development.
On the occasion, Dulari Uppal shared her thoughts, expressing appreciation for the school’s role in shaping generations of students, while Gouri Uppal reiterated the family’s commitment to supporting deserving and hardworking students. Both underlined the importance of giving back to society through meaningful educational initiatives.
Speaking at the event, MLA Yudhvir Sethi lauded the initiative, terming it a “noble and timely effort” to nurture talent. He stressed that such scholarships play a crucial role in ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder the educational aspirations of bright students. He also called upon other well-placed individuals and alumni to come forward and contribute towards strengthening the education sector.
In his address, Capt. Bal Krishan Uppal expressed a deep sense of nostalgia and pride in being associated with the institution. He recalled his formative years at the school and reiterated his commitment to promoting education and supporting deserving students through sustained efforts.
To ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, the school administration announced the formation of a dedicated committee comprising the Principal and senior faculty members. The committee will oversee the selection of beneficiaries based on merit and need. Additionally, a separate bank account has been established to ensure smooth and accountable management of the scholarship funds.
The programme concluded with the presentation of mementoes to the esteemed guests as a token of appreciation. A lunch was organized for all attendees, including faculty and guests, fostering a sense of community and celebration. The event proceedings were conducted by Senior Lecturer Assia Iftikhar, who anchored the programme with clarity and professionalism.
The launch of the “B.K. Uppal Merit Award” is expected to inspire students to pursue academic excellence while reinforcing the institution’s legacy of nurturing talent. The initiative stands as a testament to the enduring impact of alumni contributions in shaping the future of education.
