Delhi Public School, Budgam Celebrates Its 18th Founder’s Day

Eighteen Years of Illuminating Minds, Inspiring Futures – A Vision That Became a Legacy

Delhi Public School, Budgam celebrated its 18th Founder’s Day on 7th September, 2026 with great fervour, enthusiasm and grandeur. The theme for this year’s celebration was “rom Vision to Legacy,”marking eighteen glorious years of the institution’s journey from a single vision to a lasting legacy of educational excellence in the valley.

The celebration was graced by eminent dignitary and Guest of Honour, renowned statesman and academician Professor Saif-ud-Din Soz. The occasion was also graced by the school management including Founder Chairperson Mrs. Mumtaz-un-Nisa Soz, Director Mr. Salman Anees Soz, Principal Mrs. Glory George, General Manager Mr. Mudasir Ahmad Mir, Senior Advisor Dr. Yaseen Ahmad Shah, Dean Mr. Mehfooz Aslam, Ms. Anam, along with respected PTA members, proud parents, staff members and enthusiastic students.

The programme commenced with a warm and graceful Welcome Address by  Principal Mrs. Glory George. She extended a heartfelt welcome to the Guest of Honour and all dignitaries, thanked the Founder Chairperson Mrs. Mumtaz-un-Nisa Soz for her visionary leadership, and reiterated the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible and compassionate citizens.

This was followed by an auspicious Diya Lighting Ceremony, symbolizing the light of knowledge that was lit 18 years ago and continues to guide generations. A formal Honouring Ceremony was then held, where the distinguished guest, Director of the school, PTA President were  felicitated as a token of gratitude and respect, with the Pro Vice Chairperson being honoured as per Kashmiri tradition by draping a shawl.

A short documentary chronicling the 18-year journey of DPS Budgam – from its humble beginning to its present stature – was screened, which left the audience emotional and proud.

The cultural programme was a vibrant amalgamation of tradition and innovation. The students presented a graceful Kashmiri Rouf, a soulful Qawali by Class 9th, energetic dance performances by Class 2nd and Class 5th, a thought-provoking speech on the theme ‘Vision’.  The highlight of the day was a unique theatrical performance titled “The Halogen Family,” conceptualized and prepared under the guidance of Dean, Mr. Mehfooz Aslam. In a creative first, elements of the periodic table came alive on stage, showcasing their characteristics through drama and humour. The play concluded with a powerful takeaway message on environmental conservation – that every element in nature has a delicate balance and humanity must not disturb nature for its greed, but must respect and protect it. The performance was highly appreciated by one and all.

In a moving gesture to honour loyalty and dedication, the school felicitated its teaching and non-teaching staff who have completed 15 and 10 years of glorious service with the institution. The school also felicitated its meritorious students who have brought laurels in Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations, different competitive exams and sports. Director Mr. Salman Anees Soz and Principal Mrs. Glory George presented mementoes to the staff members and students and lauded their commitment in building the legacy of DPS Budgam.

Professor Saif-ud-Din Soz in his address fondly reminisced about the remarkable journey of DPS Budgam, sharing cherished memories that traced the school’s growth from its inception to its present glory. Pro Vice Chairperson-Mrs. Mumtaz -u- Nisa Soz then took the audience through her own inspiring journey — how a cherished dream turned into a living reality. She spoke from the heart about the challenges, the faith and the collective spirit that built the institution, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and cooperative parents who stood by the school at every step.

Director Mr. Salman Anees Soz, in his address, applauded the relentless efforts of the entire DPS Budgam family — teachers, drivers, helpers, assistants and non-teaching staff — whose silent contribution forms the backbone of the institution. He reaffirmed the promise to make DPS Budgam one of the leading institutions of the state. PTA President Dr. Sheikh Ishaq also addressed the gathering and appreciated the school’s unwavering commitment to quality education and holistic development of children.

The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, leaving behind cherished memories of a day that truly celebrated a vision turned into a living legacy.