A Warm Welcome at Satluj Public School

These lovely young ladies greeted us with a smile and some flowers when we arrived today for a long-anticipated visit to Satluj Public School.

We had been invited by one of our senior students, Reekrit Serai, to visit this family business.  It is a Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 School situated on a 12 acre campus in Panchkula.

Panchkula is one of two cities adjoining Chandigarh.  To the southwest is Mohali which is in the Punjab and to the southeast sits Panchkula which is in the state of Haryana.  Together they are known as the tri-cities.

The school was started in 1976 by Reekrit's grandfather, Mr. Pritam Singh Serai.  He is a learned gentleman who has taught in the US, the UK and other parts of India.

Reekrit's father, Mr. Krit Serai, is the Principal of the school.  He, too, has had experience in the US, the UK and India.

Currently there are 2000 students attending this very modern, clean and unique school.  In addition to high academic achievement, the school focuses on educating the whole student. There are programs in music, art, sports and health.  Healthy eating is encouraged.  The campus has a grove of fruit trees and an organic garden.  Yesterday, there was a salad contest, and often they award prizes for healthy lunches.

The Satluj Anthem was composed by Reekrit and we heard the choir sing this at a ceremony we attended after our tour.

"You Shall Live with Effort" is the motto.

George is pictured with Reekrit.  I have introduced him previously as he is the young man who now has published two books.  He says he has inherited his writing talent from his grandfather.

Mom is Rima Serai.  She led our tour around the school, here in the Art Room, and it was obvious in her interactions with the students that there is mutual respect.

Rima is a teacher and is in charge of an afterschool program helping students with their homework.

We stopped for a quick visit in a Grade 5 classroom.  The students look so smart in their green uniforms.

The school name, Satluj, is the name of one of the five rivers in the Punjab.

These students were waiting patiently for us because today was the launch day of their Read to Lead Club.  We were the guests who were invited to light the candles, cut the ribbon and speak to the students.

Unfortunately, I did not get the name of the staff member who hosted this event.

She and Reekrit talked about the purpose of the Read to Lead Club.  Students are encouraged to read generally, and specifically to read many of the writings of great leaders.  They will meet with Reekrit on a regular basis.

Father and Principal, Krit Serai, spoke to the students as well.  He was a busy man today conducting interviews for a teacher of Economics.  The newspaper ad had attracted 100 applicants!

Three of the students gave very eloquent speeches.  The topics included fiction versus non-fiction, and how reading had made them leaders.

A small group came forward to pledge their commitment to reading.


And then it was our turn........

Yes, he did it again!

To the amazement of these very respectful and dignified students, this funny old professor from UFV Chandigarh hoisted a startled young man on his shoulders to remind the students that they could see farther because they stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them.

A very appropriate message on this occasion as he quoted Sir Isaac Newton.

Founder, Mr. Pritam Singh Serai, also had words of wisdom for the students.  They listened closely to his every word.


After a lovely lunch in the family home on campus, we met some other family members.  Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to see Reekrit's younger brother, Krimit.

Pictured here:

Rima (Mom), Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Serai (Aunt visiting from the US), George, Sylvia, Mrs. Jagdish Kaur Serai (Grandma), Mr. Pritam Singh Serai (Grandpa), Mr. Darshan Singh Serai (Uncle from the US).


Thank you to the Serai Family for a very good day!