A Heritage of Persistence: DPS Srinagar Marks its 23rd Founders’ Day with Grandeur and Vision
Delhi Public School Srinagar celebrated a landmark milestone as it hosted its 23rd Founders’ Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the DPS Indoor Stadium. This prestigious gathering paid tribute to the life and enduring spirit of the visionary founder, Shri Durga Prasad Dhar, while honoring the school’s journey as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region. The day was defined by a profound sense of reverence and a zealous display of student talent that bridged the school’s historical heritage with its future aspirations.
The ceremony opened with a traditional Izband welcome and a soulful morning prayer, followed by an address that reflected on the “grandeur aura” of the late Mr. D.P. Dhar. These reflections described the institution as a “heritage of excellence and persistence” meticulously dressed in grace for decades, while extending deep gratitude to Mr. Vijay Dhar and Mrs. Kiran Dhar for their audacity to build a platform that empowers Kashmiri youth. This dream of excellence has created a world-class sanctuary in the Valley where students are encouraged to find their own voices and pursue diverse paths.
Artistic expression took center stage as students from Classes 9 to 12 captivated the audience with an energetic Music Mashup Performance. This was followed by a joyful Hula Hoop dance by students from the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), which underscores the institution’s pride as the only school in the region providing specialized education for the specially-abled. Cultural storytelling continued with a performance of “Habba Khatoon” by Grade 4 students and a spirited cultural dance by Grade 8, which beautifully showcased the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
The celebration served as a significant stage for recognition, beginning with the felicitation of 20 staff members who have served as the heartbeat of the school for twenty glorious years. The spotlight then shifted to student achievers, including Syed Mehraan of Class 7 and Tarahum Sadiya of Class 11, who were honored for qualifying for the Kiran Dhar Sports Scholarship this year. In a significant moment for inclusive education, Zainab Bilal and Farees Rafiq of Class 11 were awarded Certificates of Excellence as specially-abled students who qualified CBSE Class 10 board examinations with scores exceeding 90 percent. Furthermore, 19 students were felicitated for scoring above 95 percent in their main five subjects in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations. All parents were invited to the occasion, making it a moment of immense pride for the families to witness their children being honored on such a grand platform.
Chairman Mr. Vijay Dhar highlighted that while previous generations lacked modern resources, the current students are equipped with the tools to lead with absolute confidence. He stated, “Our goal has always been to build more than a school and instead create a platform where the Kashmiri youth can realize their truest potential. As we celebrate twenty-three years of excellence, we remain committed to providing the world-class sanctuary our children deserve so they may be the ones to turn the world upside down for the better”.
Principal Ms. Shafaq Afshan concluded the proceedings by noting, “Founders’ Day serves as a powerful manifestation of our belief that education must transcend the boundaries of textbooks to foster a spirit of inquiry and resilience. Our mission is to provide a space where every child feels empowered to articulate their dreams while remaining rooted in empathy and service”. Following a sincere vote of thanks, the event transitioned into a post-program walkthrough and tea gathering that allowed guests to engage deeply with the school’s evolving legacy.
