Think big, never fear failure, DC tells students

Shimla, September 7: “Never fear failure and always think big,” Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap told students during a special interaction at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Khalag, on Monday.

Kashyap urged students to value the sacrifices of their parents and family members, maintain discipline and take responsibility for their own choices. He said parents and teachers could guide them, but the “steering wheel” of their lives must remain in their own hands.

He encouraged students to stay away from drugs, adopt healthy habits, play sports, read good books and remain connected with their language, culture and identity. He said failures should be treated as opportunities to identify shortcomings and improve preparation.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh also interacted with the students and urged them to take a firm pledge against drugs. He said drug abuse and excessive mobile use were among the major challenges facing young people and advised students to immediately inform parents, teachers or authorities about any drug-related or other harmful activity around them.

ADM Protocol Gyan Sagar Negi encouraged students to dream about what they wanted to become and work hard to achieve their goals. Shimla Rural SDM Manjeet Sharma highlighted the improved infrastructure and facilities available in government schools, including CBSE education, and stressed the importance of holistic development.

During the interaction, Kashyap announced that students securing positions in the state merit list in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations in March 2027 would receive Rs 50,000 each from his salary. Students scoring above 90 per cent would receive Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 for first, second and third positions respectively.

He also assured Rs 5 lakh for expansion of the school campus through the Block Development Office and support for purchasing new competitive-examination books for the school library.