Principal Subhash Sharma of the government school in Khuda Khala, Ambala, has set a remarkable benchmark through his dedication, proving that sincerity and a sense of ownership can completely transform a public institution to rival any private school. Within just eight months of taking charge, he reshaped the dilapidated campus into a thriving learning space where students no longer feel disadvantaged compared to private school peers. Recognizing his relentless hard work and significant contributions to the education sector, he will be honored with the State Teacher Award on Teachers' Day. The prestigious accolade will be presented to him directly by the Governor. He is reportedly the first principal from the Ambala district to receive this esteemed state-level honor. Following the announcement, a wave of profound joy has swept through the school, bringing immense pride to the staff and students who witnessed the transformation firsthand.
Overcoming Initial Decline Through Community Support
Sharing his journey, Principal Subhash Sharma told local media that when he took over the administration of the Khuda Khala government school about eight months ago, the infrastructure was in shambles. From the girls' restrooms and the midday meal arrangements to the science laboratory, various facilities were broken down, and multiple sections of the building required urgent structural repairs. Confronted with this dismal reality, he questioned why the children deserved anything less than a conducive learning environment. Instead of waiting indefinitely for bureaucratic or government assistance, he reached out to local social organizations and philanthropists. Gradually, community support poured in, and repair work commenced across the campus. Today, the school presents a clean and orderly appearance. Restrooms were upgraded, midday meal protocols were refined, and the science lab was equipped for practical student experiments. To ensure safety, closed-circuit television cameras were installed to monitor any suspicious activity. The principal also shared comparative photographs showcasing the striking contrast between the past and present states of the institution.
Financial Aid and Academic Support for Students
Subhash Sharma's initiatives extended far beyond infrastructural upgrades, focusing equally on academic excellence and financial relief for disadvantaged students. When a student achieved an impressive score of 98.2 percent, he coordinated with officials to secure a cash reward of 1.11,000 rupees for the child. Furthermore, to help five financially vulnerable female students continue their education without interruption, he consulted with local banks and recommended monthly scholarships of 5,000 rupees each. The students noted that this financial backing has greatly eased the burden of managing their educational expenses.
Twenty-Seven Years of Dedication and Inspiration
Reflecting on his career, Subhash Sharma noted that his tenure in education spans approximately 27 years. At the beginning of his career, when he was posted to a rural school, the conditions were severely neglected, with locals even tying livestock inside the premises. With the help of the local panchayat, he initiated the construction of boundary walls and gradually altered the environment. This foundational experience became a lifelong inspiration. Subsequently, wherever he was posted, he endeavoured to elevate the standards of the institution. On numerous occasions, he conducted free evening classes after school hours to help struggling learners catch up with their peers.
According to the principal, these improvements directly impacted student enrollment, bringing in an additional 50 to 60 children and pushing the total student population past the 300 mark. His next objective is to integrate students into the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Emphasizing that the current era is driven by artificial intelligence, he believes government school students must not lag behind in modern skills. Consequently, he has submitted a formal request to authorities to introduce robotics and advanced technology education starting next academic session. Visibly emotional upon receiving news of the state award, Subhash shared that he applied for the recognition in 2024 by documenting his comprehensive development plans and completed projects, following which an evaluation committee assessed the school's progress. Students like Kalpana and Ekta noted that the campus environment and basic amenities have improved drastically since his arrival, creating an inspiring atmosphere where staff and students even plant saplings together to beautify the grounds.
