Initiative Aims to Transform 42 Government Schools with Guidance from Top Bureaucrats, Academicians, and Industry Experts
In a groundbreaking move to elevate the quality of education and leadership in government schools, the Chandigarh Union Territory administration has launched a unique mentorship programme titled ‘Adopt a School, Inspire a Generation’. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to connect 42 government schools with distinguished professionals from various fields, providing students with real-life role models.
Four Mentors for Every School: IAS, IPS, Doctor, and Entrepreneur/Professor
Each participating school will benefit from the mentorship of four professionals—an IAS officer, an IPS officer, a medical expert, and an academician or entrepreneur. These mentors will collaborate with students, teachers, and school administrators to enhance academic performance, foster innovation, improve infrastructure, and boost overall student morale.
Leading by Example: Top IAS and IPS Officers Step In
Among the mentors, 12 IAS and 3 IPS officers have committed to guiding individual schools. Prominent names include:
IAS Officers: Rajeev Verma (UT Chief Secretary), Mandip Singh Brar (UT Home Secretary), Nishant Kumar Yadav, Ajay Chagti, Hari Kallikkat, Swapnil M Naik, Prerna Puri, Moh Mansoor L, Amit Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Chaudhary Abhijit Vijay, and Diprava Lakra.
IPS Officers: Pushpendra Kumar, Kanwardeep Kaur, and Sumer Pratap Singh.
Each officer has been assigned a specific school. For example, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma will mentor PM SHRI Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-18, while Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar will guide Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-16.
Academic and Industry Experts Join the Mission
The initiative also includes thought leaders from academia and industry. Notably:
Yajvender Pal Verma, Registrar of Panjab University, will mentor Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-8.
Rupesh Singh, Regional Convener of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will support Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-21A.
Structured Long-Term Engagement
According to UT School Education Director H.S. Brar, the initiative is designed as a sustained, long-term engagement. Mentors are expected to visit their assigned schools at least once a month and participate in a variety of activities such as counselling, workshops, academic interventions, infrastructure enhancement, and career guidance.
“While the programme follows a structured framework, it also offers mentors the flexibility to shape a shared vision for a vibrant and progressive education system in the ‘City Beautiful’,” Brar added.
Empowering Students with Real-World Role Models
By bringing together senior government officials, doctors, educators, and entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to motivate students through direct interaction with accomplished individuals who embody excellence, discipline, and commitment. It is expected to foster confidence, broaden aspirations, and provide real-world guidance to the next generation of leaders.
This community-driven, leadership-led initiative aligns with the broader goals of national education reform and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of youth empowerment through education.
