SoE Orientation Ignites Young Minds: Experts, Alumni, Role Models Chart Path to Success for Class IX Students

In a new chapter of Punjab’s educational transformation, the School Education Department successfully conducted a three-day Orientation Program for newly admitted Class IX students across all Schools of Eminence (SoEs), lighting the path from curiosity to confidence, and dreams to determination.
 
Held from May 26 to 28, this initiative was more than just an academic welcome — it was a launchpad for the limitless aspirations of thousands of young learners stepping into a realm where excellence meets empowerment. “The sky is not the limit — it’s just the beginning,” said Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, underlining Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Government’s unwavering commitment to nurture young minds to dream big and achieve even bigger.
 
This orientation, crafted as a holistic roadmap to success, opened with warm welcomes and inspiring voices echoing across campuses — replacing the rustle of new notebooks with the resonance of purpose. Expert talks, real-life stories of grit and glory, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences turned classrooms into hubs of exploration and motivation.
 
At SoE Mallanwala Khas in Ferozepur, students met Dr Sandeep Singh Sandhu, a former Amazon and Oracle tech professional and PhD scholar from the University of California. His journey from Punjab’s rural roots to global platforms connected aspiration with action, showing students that geography does not limit genius.
 
Similarly, at SoE Khamano Kalan (Fatehgarh Sahib), Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari urged students to develop reading habits and cultivate a lifelong love for learning — tools that unlock imagination, spark innovation, and shape future leaders.
 
The spirit of determination was vividly portrayed at SoE Pheel Khana (Patiala), where alumna DSP Karamjeet Kaur returned to her alma mater. Her story of breaking barriers in law enforcement as a woman was not just inspiring — it was electrifying.
 
In Amritsar’s Jandiala Guru SoE for Girls, Senior Medical Officer Dr Manjit Singh Rataul demystified the medical field while emphasizing health and discipline. Meanwhile, Prof Amandeep Kaur Dhaliwal’s motivational talk at SoE Ajnala revealed how resilience carried her from Delhi University to a faculty position at the University of California.
 
Indian Army Colonel Paramjit Singh’s session at SoE Chheharta bridged the gap between classrooms and cantonments, motivating students to dream of NDA and IAS, and serve the nation with discipline and integrity.
 
Adding a youthful spark, Tamanna, a Chemical Engineering student at IIT Varanasi, shared her journey from a government school to IIT with the SoE Kharar students, turning question marks into exclamation points during her Q\&A session.
 
With 267 expert interactions and 146 alumni role model talks, coupled with debates, vision boards, English newspaper sessions and motivational screenings, the orientation redefined learning. The program culminated in a “Make Your Summer Count” session, encouraging students to turn their vacations into stepping stones toward their goals.
 
“The government is not just opening schools — it’s opening doors,” said Bains, reiterating Punjab’s mission to empower its students with the guidance, mentorship and opportunities they deserve.