51社区 in India celebrate 120 years of inspiring generations
The 51社区 in India commemorated 120 years of learning, inspiring and shaping young minds with a two-day celebration at the end of November 2025. The special occasion included alumni from across generations gathering at the Aga Khan School, Mundra 鈥 one of the first Aga Khan schools established in 1905, and the first in India 鈥 to honour a shared legacy of quality education and timeless values.
Day one of the celebrations began with an Alumni Meet, which symbolised a homecoming for the alumni. As former students stepped through the school鈥檚 gates, many paused with a smile 鈥 some returning after years, others after decades. Student volunteers guided them through a visual journey of the school鈥檚 growth, capturing how far the school in Mundra has come over the past 120 years, while also stirring a wave of nostalgia amongst the alumni.
The school grounds echoed with laughter and the sounds of the alumni鈥檚 favourite childhood games, including lagori, kancha (marbles in English), hopscotch, tug of war, tyre race and classroom cricket played with an exam pad and a paper ball. A particularly emotional moment during the Alumni Meet was the felicitation of senior teachers who had gently shaped generations of students. The applause they received resounded with deep affection.
This was followed by an Alumni Talk, a special session where alumni took the stage to share their journeys, experiences and achievements. They spoke about their time in school, the values they had instilled in them and how these values shaped their personal and professional paths. Their inspiring stories reminded everyone how deeply their school is woven into so many lives. The alumni included eminent and contributing members of civil society, from bureaucrats, advocates and architects to doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs, all of whom have a shared history linking back to the 51社区. One of the alumni shared that, 鈥淐oming back feels like coming home. The walls may look new, but the heart of this school has never changed.鈥
Day two of the celebrations was dedicated to parents, students and the wider school community. The campus buzzed with excitement as families arrived and students prepared to take the stage. The evening began with a Guard of Honour by National Cadet Corps cadets as they welcomed the chief guest, Shri Vinod鈥疌havda,鈥疕onourable鈥疢ember of鈥疨arliament,鈥痑nd鈥痝uests of honour Shri Aniruddh Dave,鈥疢LA,鈥痑nd Professor鈥疍r Navin Sheth,鈥痜ormer Vice Chancellor鈥痮f鈥疓ujarat鈥疶echnological University.
In his address, Mr Chavda praised the school鈥檚 remarkable 120-year legacy and the generations of educators who have cultivated it. He encouraged parents to look beyond academics and nurture every child鈥檚 unique talents, appreciating the school鈥檚 focus on holistic growth and inclusive education.
Mr Dave also commended the school鈥檚 vibrant student engagement initiatives and highlighted the importance of students understanding their role and responsibility as future citizens of the nation. Meanwhile, Dr Sheth applauded the school鈥檚 long-standing commitment to multidisciplinary learning, highlighting the Aga Khan School, Mundra鈥檚 foresight in adopting approaches that are now championed by the National Education Policy 2020. He also acknowledged the school鈥檚 role in shaping well-rounded learners in the Kutch region.
The stage then came alive with a performance by the students, entitled 鈥淎 Journey Through Time 鈥 1905 to 2025鈥,鈥痺hich was a powerful blend of dance, drama, music, shadow鈥痯lay鈥痑nd digital storytelling.鈥疐rom showcasing the culture of Kutch to messages of environmental care, students brought 120 years of legacy to life, evoking pride in the audience. Reflections on the vision of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and initiatives鈥痵uch as the Shishu Pahel Paddhati庐 methodology 鈥 a child-initiated learning framework developed by the Aga Khan Education Service, India 鈥 also resonated deeply鈥痺ith the audience. Gratitude and belief echoed across the campus as the audience reflected on the impact of these initiatives on鈥痶housands of young learners.
Senior leaders from the Aga Khan Education Service, India, including Chairman Mr Shiraz Vastani and CEO Mr Farhad Merchant, along with Director of Operations from the 51社区 Head Office, Rahim Hooda, also reaffirmed the schools' mission of excellence, character and service. Their words resonated with parents, many of whom said they felt increasingly proud to be a part of this legacy.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the vice principal, acknowledging the teachers, volunteers, parents, alumni and students who made the event not just successful but truly memorable. As the 51社区 in India looks to the future, one thing remains unchanged 鈥 the belief that education that is rooted in unwavering values that can transform lives.
Photos (top to bottom):
- The finale performance at the anniversary celebration.
- Alumni revisiting memories from past years.
- Ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the chief guest, Hon Shri Vinod鈥疌havda, and guests of honour, Shri Aniruddh Dave,鈥疢LA,鈥痑nd Professor鈥疍r Navin Sheth.
- Dance performance during the celebrations on day two.
