JAMMU: Heritage School celebrated two decades of excellence in education and leadership with an imposing Investiture Ceremony held on Thursday.

The landmark event honoured the democratic selection and formal installation of the Senior and Junior Prefectorial Boards for the academic year 2025-26.

The ceremony commenced on an auspicious note with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by soulful rendition of ‘Saraswati Vandana' and welcome address by a student representative, which set the tone for the solemn proceedings.

A vibrant musical performance further added colour to the event. The presence of the parents of the newly invested Prefectorial Board added warmth and encouragement to the celebration.

The Student Council was elected through the school's long-established electronic voting system, which engages faculty and students from Grades IX to XII. This consistent practice ensures transparency and fosters participatory governance.

The newly elected student leaders exuded confidence and a deep sense of responsibility as they stood on stage, proudly cheered on by their parents and mentors.

The junior members (Primary Wing) of the School Student Council were chosen and selected by the Primary Wing teachers, on the basis of set parameters which sets the tone of merit being paramount to the process,

Principal Akash Pradhan administered the Oath of Office to the School Prefects and House Prefects. Aryaveer Singh (XII) and Akula Punj (XII) were formally invested as Head Boy and Head Girl, while Divyansh (XI) and Sonakshi Padwal (XI) were adorned as Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl, respectively.

The pipping ceremony was carried out with grace by the school's leadership team composed of the Vice Principal Rashmi Thakur, Headmistress Hemneet Kaur, Housemistresses, Co-ordinators and the Activity Co-ordinator.

The ceremony also celebrated young leaders from the Primary Wing. Japsimar Singh and Banat Kour were invested as Head Boy and Head Girl of the Junior School, with badges presented by the Headmistress.

Rujula Mahajan and Akshmala were invested with the designation of Cultural Captain and Sports Captain respectively. Other House Council Members included:

Culture House: Suhani Rajput (Senior Prefect), Akshara Gupta (Senior Vice Prefect), Riaan Gupta & Aaditri Gupta(Junior Prefects).

Tradition House: Arivan Gupta (Senior Prefect), Athrav Bhushan (Senior Vice Prefect), Harshveer Singh Bali & Anaisha Gupta (Junior Prefects).

Legacy House: Abir Beri (Senior Prefect), Shreyas Magotra (Senior Vice Prefect), Karanvir Singh & Sarvya Arora(Junior Prefects).

Dignity House: Mushahid Mir (Senior Prefect), Darim Tak (Senior Vice Prefect), Rajveer Singh Jaswal & Ira Dadwal (Junior Prefects)

A heartfelt felicitation of the Prefectorial Board of the preceding session was also held, acknowledging their dedication and exemplary service.

The occasion was further elevated by the presence of Mrigu Sambyal, an illustrious alumna of Heritage School (Batch 2018-19), who was invited as the Special Guest.

Mrigu recently secured the All India Rank (AIR) 2 (Women) in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2024, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - a remarkable feat that brought immense pride not just to the school, but to the entire Jammu & Kashmir region.

In her stirring address she fondly recalled her formative years at Heritage School, attributing her success in the CDS Examination to the values instilled during her schooling. She shared personal anecdotes that shaped her personality and built the foundation for her discipline and determination.

Drawing inspiration from the school song, she highlighted her guiding mantra: "Honesty here rules, hard work is the tool." She encouraged the newly elected leaders to lead with integrity, courage, and national pride.

Advising them to strike a balance between academics and responsibilities, she emphasised the importance of avoiding procrastination. Ms. Sambyal concluded by urging students to cherish and enjoy every moment of their school journey.

Principal in his Vote of Thanks, expressed gratitude to the esteemed guest, proud parents, staff members and students. He congratulated the newly inducted Council and urged them to uphold the school's ethos of integrity, discipline and service.

Emphasising the importance of leadership qualities like empathy, wisdom, and sound decision-making, he quoted John C. Maxwell: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." He also extended appreciation to the organising team for conducting the ceremony with utmost precision and care.

The event concluded on a melodious and emotional note with the rendition of the Heritage School Song, echoing the spirit of unity and pride that has defined the school's remarkable 20-year journey.

As Heritage School steps into its third decade, the Investiture Ceremony reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders, guided by values, vision and a deep sense of purpose.