The Book

45 years and counting…HRMSAA recreated in Print

A Memoir of A Lifetime

As an extension to the innumerable endeavours carried out by the school alumni association, founder members Dinesh Chopra and Deepak Dharmarha tirelessly worked on a book. It was released during the 2023 reunion. The publication chronologically remises the yesteryears of the association. It beautifully maps the several events and activities that took place over the years to give form to Hansraj Model School Alumni Association (HRMSAA).

The page-turner showcases old letters, newspaper cuttings, pictures etc along with first-hand encounters. The book received heartfelt accolades and can well be called every Hansarians’s dream collectable. The book was titled Journey of Alumni Association of Hans Raj Model School, 1977 till…. The first edition was not meant to be sold, and was a sought-after gift to win! There is already a huge demand for a re-run. For those waiting to get their hands on it, watch out this space for the announcement of its second edition.

In the meanwhile, you would find snapshots of the book across the website and also encouraging letters from principals who have lauded this attempt. Scroll down for some exhilarating glimpses.

About the Authors

Dinesh Chopra

After graduating from Hansraj Model School in 1977, Dinesh Chopra co-founded its Alumni Association—the first, largest, and longest-running alumni network in the DAV ecosystem.

Dinesh serves as a Board of Governor member for the UDCT Alumni Association (now Institute of Chemical Technology) as Chairman of the Chapter Committee and sits on the Executive Committee of the Hans Raj College Alumni Association, University of Delhi. With over 39 years of professional experience, Dinesh has held leadership roles across renowned companies like Honeywell, BASF, ICI, Engelhard, Hoechst, and Jubilant. He has served on boards and global leadership teams, shaping strategies and driving innovation. Currently, he is the Managing Partner at D R Enterprises and Chairman of Neochem, where he focuses on pioneering business strategies and introducing advanced technologies in the chemicals sector. Dinesh also actively manages complex government and international business relationships and leads diverse initiatives. He chairs the ICC-Industry Academia Committee under the Indian Chemical Council (representing a $187 billion chemical industry) and contributes to the ICC-Technical Expert Committee. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IOD) and a former President of the Rotary Club - Delhi West End.

Deepak Dharmarha

A 1977 graduate of the Hans Raj Model School Science batch, Deepak Dharmarha is a co-founder of its Alumni Association. He pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi University.

Deepak’s professional journey began at Engineers India Limited (EIL), Asia's premier consultancy organization, where he joined as a Management Trainee. Over 26 years at EIL, he gained expertise across diverse domains and managed engineering coordination and field operations, including postings in Abu Dhabi. During this time, he also completed a Master’s in Computer Science and earned a Certificate in German from Delhi University. In 2008, Deepak joined L&T-Gulf Private Limited (a Larsen & Toubro group company) as Head of Project Management. Over 12 years, he significantly contributed to team development and organizational growth during his postings in Delhi and Baroda. He later worked as an Advisor – Gas with Tractebel Engineering before transitioning to freelance consultancy in Project Management. An adventurous spirit, Deepak has led and participated in trekking expeditions to Sach Pass, Minkiani Pass, Pindari Glacier, Kedarnath-Vasu Ki Taal, and more. He is also an LRQA-certified Lead Auditor and a Chartered Engineer.

PRELUDE

Hansraj Model School began its journey humbly in a small house in Punjabi Bagh. From conducting classes in tents on the current premises to becoming a multi-story institution with over 7,000 students, it has grown remarkably to stand as one of West Delhi's premier schools.

We were students here many moons ago and had the privilege of witnessing its transformation over the years. When we graduated in 1977, we were full of dreams and excitement for the future. Over time, we accomplished much in our personal and professional lives, but there was always a part of us that longed for our school—where it all began.

We fondly remember the days of studying in tents, dreaming about the future, and wondering where life would take us. Back then, skipping homework felt like the gravest of concerns. Life after school, with its joys and challenges, thrust us into the so-called rat race. Yet, the memories of those carefree days and the bond with our alma mater remained deeply etched in our hearts.

Such was our affection for Hansraj Model School that many of us chose to send our children there, ensuring they, too, became part of this legacy.

We know today's Class 12 students are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of their lives, just as we once did. What we didn’t realize then was how much we would miss the nurturing care and protective cocoon of the school.

This compilation is a witness to our enduring connection with Hansraj Model School. It chronicles the journey of the Hansraj Model School Alumni Association—our collective effort to stay connected with each other and our alma mater through life’s ups and downs.

DINESH CHOPRA

DEEPAK DHARMARHA

Few inspiring words from our revered principals on the book

Principal, Hansraj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi

I convey my best wishes to our ex-students Dinesh Chopra and Deepak Dharmarha for their venture to publish the memories of their journey from creating the Hansraj Model School Alumni Association way back in 1977 and successfully running it till date.

During their journey, they kept on getting whole-hearted and unconditional support from other ex-students like Manmohan Krishan, Jagdish Ahuja, Pankaj Malhotra, Kunal Khanna, Rishi Khurana, Arush Malhotra and Jagrit Mahajan among many others.

The Association has been working hand in hand with the school for various projects like providing awards to outstanding students, arranging Kavi sammelans and star nights, and development of tennis court etc.

I wish the Alumni Association all the best, ever.

Heemal H Bhat, Principal

December 21, 2023

Ex Principal, Hansraj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi

It gives me immense pleasure and unparalleled delight to write the foreword to this little gem of a book, a one-of-its kind. It houses a collection of nostalgia, reminiscences and photographs encompassing the history of the Alumni Association of Hansraj Model School.

I joined HRMS as a PGT English in 1978 and the association was born in 1977 under the mentorship of Shri TR Gupta and at the behest of four founding members, Dinesh Chopra, Deepak Dharmarha, Sanjeev Chopra and Rajiv Khurana. Also, Dr. Vinod Khurana, Jagdish Ahuja, Pankaj Malhotra, Ajay Mahajan, Manmohan Krishan, Pankaj Malik and Nalini Talwar were active members in the Executive Committee during my tenure.

I retired as the principal of this glorious institution in March 2015. Here I blossomed, matured and carried out my destiny as an educationist, a teacher who has, I hope left an indelible mark on the value systems of thousands of children now scattered all over the globe and making a difference to countless lives.

This book is the brainchild of the founding members of the Alumni and should be read by all students as it houses anecdotes and photographs of school life and reunions. All of us share an unforgettable and sweet bond with our school which have shaped our character and lives. My best wishes and blessings to the Alumni.

Rita Rajen Kumar, Former Principal

December 15, 2023

Ex Principal, Hansraj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi

Alumni Association of Hansraj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi founded in 1977 is headed by an elected committee of school alumni. Many of the alumni are occupying high positions in all fields of social and political life and have been contributing for the wellbeing of the institution, students of past, present and future. They have also been offering support to students in work placements and launch career opportunities as well as placing many deserving students in their own organisations, offices and factories. Additionally, they have been offering scholarships to deserving meritorious students of the school and have helped creating infrastructure in the school like lawn tennis courts, RO system, vanasthali etc. It is nice to know that are penning down the journey of the Hansraj Model School Alumni Association.

They are loyal supporters, best ambassadors of school, its environment and work ethics. I wish them success and fame to all the Alumni of the School.

Mrs. Kusum Ahluwalia, Ex Principal

December 15, 2023

15, Transport Centre, 1st Floor, Punjabi Bagh Chowk, Rohtak Road, Delhi 110035

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