In a significant step toward uplifting the standard of government education, the Chandigarh Union Territory administration has launched a unique mentorship program titled “Adopt a School, Inspire a Generation”. As part of this initiative, 12 IAS officers and 3 IPS officers have been appointed as mentors to 42 government senior secondary schools across the Union Territory.
The program brings together a distinguished group of professionals, including senior bureaucrats, police officials, doctors, professors, and entrepreneurs, who will work closely with schools to offer guidance, motivation, and support to both students and educators.
Mentor Composition and Responsibilities
Prominent civil servants such as UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, and other IAS officers including Nishant Kumar Yadav, Ajay Chagti, Hari Kallikkat, Swapnil M. Naik, Prerna Puri, Moh Mansoor L., Amit Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Chaudhary Abhijit Vijay, and Diprava Lakra have been designated as school mentors.
The IPS officers involved in the initiative are Pushpendra Kumar, Kanwardeep Kaur, and Sumer Pratap Singh.
Each mentor will be paired with one school and is expected to visit at least once a month, engaging in a range of activities such as student counseling, workshops, awareness campaigns, and resource facilitation. Their role is not administrative but motivational and advisory in nature.
Multi-Dimensional Support Teams
The initiative structures interdisciplinary mentorship teams, ensuring that each school has access to a variety of professional perspectives. Along with an IAS or IPS officer, schools will also be mentored by one academician, one medical professional, and one entrepreneur. This format is designed to provide holistic exposure to students and expand their career horizons.
Impact and Coverage
The program is set to impact nearly one lakh students studying in the UT’s government schools. The School Education Department of Chandigarh is coordinating this effort, aiming to boost student confidence, encourage competitive exam participation, and raise overall educational outcomes.
Broader Goals and Future Prospects
Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has endorsed the program as part of a broader strategy to inspire government school students and elevate their academic and professional aspirations.
By connecting young learners with top officials and professionals, the administration hopes to build lasting mentor-student relationships and create a strong motivational ecosystem within the public education framework.
If successful, this model of mentorship may be considered for replication in other states and union territories, contributing to a nationwide shift in how public schools engage with leadership and community support.
