Two Delhi schools, whose alumni became global leaders, turn 60

Gurpreet Singh Anand, an avid traveller and historian, proudly recalls that his roll number was third in Class 1 at Guru Harkrishan Public School (GHPS) when it opened in 1965. The first student admitted, Manjit Singh GK, later became a prominent figure in Delhi’s Sikh politics. His father, Jathedar Santokh Singh, was among the founders of GHPS.

This year, as GHPS and Navy Children School (formerly Naval Public School), Chanakyapuri, celebrate their 60th anniversary, their legacies as pillars of educational excellence in New Delhi shine brightly.

Founded in 1965 amid India’s post-independence drive for nation-building through education, these two esteemed institutions have shaped generations. “These schools emphasise disciplined, value-driven learning—one rooted in naval traditions of service and resilience, the other inspired by Sikh principles of humility and community welfare. As they mark six decades, their journeys highlight academic rigour and the profound impact of alumni who have excelled globally,” says Rama Kant Tiwari, former principal of DAV School, Daryaganj.

The pillars of Navy School

Navy Children School traces its origins to August 2, 1965, when it was established by the Navy Education Society to serve children of naval personnel. Initially housed in a single hall in Chanakyapuri, it began as a modest primary school with around 600 students from LKG to Class III.

Admiral SM Nanda, the sixth Chief of the Indian Navy and a key figure in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, played a pivotal role in its founding. Mrs AK Chatterjee, wife of then-Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral BN Kavina, served as its first principal, supported by teachers from the Naval Officers’ Wives Association and local communities.

The curriculum, modelled on the Senior Cambridge/Indian Schools Certificate, emphasised core subjects like English, Hindi, Mathematics, Geography, History, and Science, with later additions like civics and algebra. By 1985, it became Naval Public School and later rebranded as Navy Children School to reflect its broader mission.

Now a CBSE-affiliated, co-educational senior secondary school, it spans a 10-acre campus at Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, offering science, commerce, and humanities streams. Facilities include modern labs, a library with over 20,000 books, sports complexes, and IT infrastructure. NCC, Scouts, and cultural programmes support holistic development. The motto, “Knowledge is Power,” reflects its commitment to discipline, patriotism, and leadership.

Sidharth Malhotra to Neha Dhupia

Notable alumni include Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra, son of a Merchant Navy officer, who credits the school’s structured environment for his discipline and confidence.

Neha Dhupia, former Miss India 2002 and actor who has worked in several like Julie and the OTT series Special Ops, also studied here. Music director Raghav Sachar, known for his work in Aankhen and I Am Kalam, is another alumnus. Sachar’s one-handed piano prowess, developed after a childhood accident, exemplifies the resilience instilled by the school.

A beacon of Sikh-inspired education

Founded on July 19, 1965, by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), GHPS emerged from a vision to blend English-medium education with Sikh traditions.

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“In the early 1960s, leaders like Jathedar Santokh Singh, Bhai Mohan Singh, Gulab Singh Sethi, and Sardar Ujjwal Singh decided to establish schools that would provide quality education while honouring Sikh values. This led to the creation of GHPS near India Gate,” says Jitender Singh Sahni, an alumnus and social worker. Jathedar Santokh Singh also co-founded Mata Sundari College.

Anand notes that in the 1970s, GHPS was among Delhi’s top schools, though its reputation has since waned. He recalls how “thanks to the efforts of our principal Gurdial Singh Dhillon, GHPS became a known school of the capital.”

Tera Rang Balle Balle

GHPS has produced luminaries like singer Jaswinder Narula, known for hits such as Tera Rang Balle Balle and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha. Musician Rabbi Shergill, whose 2005 song Bulla Ki Jana became a national sensation, is another celebrated alumnus. His album Rabbi (2004) rose to fame through word of mouth and music videos, with Bulla Ki Jana becoming the most-played non-film song in 2005. His sister, Gagan Gill, is a renowned literary figure.

Located in Lutyens’ Delhi, GHPS features well-equipped labs, a vast library, an auditorium, and sports fields. Extracurriculars such as debates, music, and karate promote all-round development, while modern initiatives emphasise environmental awareness, digital literacy, and community service. A low student–teacher ratio ensures personalised attention.

Legacies that shaped the capital

As they celebrate 60 years, Navy Children School and Guru Harkrishan Public School reflect Delhi’s educational evolution—from humble beginnings to modern institutions. The former’s focus on discipline has produced entertainers and leaders, while the latter’s spiritual foundation has fostered community servants.

Together, they have educated tens of thousands, embodying inclusivity in a diverse capital.