The Grand Finale of the 30th edition of the IIHM presented ‘The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence’ unfolded on the last Saturday of August at the iconic Science City Auditorium, Kolkata.
These awards are a part of IIHM’s continued policy of reaching out and working with institutions that connect with schools and students. This is a key touchpoint towards celebrating the journeys of young minds who will shape the future of India across genres and disciplines, in a tech-driven age, that continues to keep humanity and sustainability at its forefront.
This year’s ceremony was inaugurated by Barry O’Brien, founder-convener of the awards, and Rysa O’Brien. O’Brien highlighted the 20% increase in school participation, a reflection of the growing enthusiasm and relevance of the platform. Mr Amitabha Datta, Chairman of The Telegraph Education Foundation, reiterated the mission of the awards—not only to support children facing hurdles in continuing education but also to showcase the invaluable contribution of schools across urban and remote India.
The coveted Telegraph School of the Year title went to Lakshmipat Singhania Academy (LSA).
Dr Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM, presented the IIHM Award for Academics. “Coming to these awards is an annual pilgrimage. It’s not easy to do this for thirty years and we should be grateful to Amitabha da (Amitabha Datta) and The Telegraph Education Foundation for this. This is real education. And to all the young students present here, this is more important than what we learn in textbooks and the class. This is not just education. It’s the education of life.”
Recipients of the IIHM Award for Academics were ICSE/ISC schools: DPS Newtown, La Martiniere for Girls, and Calcutta Girls’ School; CBSE schools: Lakshmipat Singhania Academy; and Madhyamik & Higher Secondary schools: Vidyanjali High School and Ramkrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls’ School.
In a poignant moment, Prof. Uma Dasgupta and Dr Partho Ghosh inducted Sukumar Poira into the TT Educational Hall of Fame. Poira, a teacher who gave up the comforts of city life to dedicate himself to the children of the Sundarbans, represents the heart of this initiative — reform, service, and true education.
Equally noteworthy were awards for sustainability and environmental initiatives. DPS Megacity and Future Hope School received the Ambuja Neotia Award for Excellence in Eco-Friendly Practices.
Don Bosco Park Circus, Birla High School, La Martiniere for Boys, and The Heritage School also received accolades.
The finale was graced by Mrs Sanjukta Bose, Co-Founder IIHM and Director IIHM Kolkata, and staff and students from IIHM.
With IIHM’s unwavering support and Dr Suborno Bose’s vision, The Telegraph School Awards continue to inspire future generations.
Watch the Finale LIVE here:
