Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy becomes the first Indian school to reach the China border
Bahadurjeet Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar, November 15,2025
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy, Ropar, undertook an educational tour of the students to Harshil Valley, Nelong Valley, Gangotri, and Jadung — the last village located near the China border on Indian side.
A group of around 100 students left for a week-long journey to these locations. The entire area of Nelong Valley and Jadung village falls under the control of the Indian Army, Intelligence agencies, and the Forest Department, where ordinary civilians are not allowed to visit. As per government rules, a special permit was obtained for the students and staff of the Academy, enabling the group of 114 students and teachers to experience this border region.
The crystal-clear mountain streams, the fresh snow on the peaks, and the wild animals freely roaming around made one feel as if they had entered another world. Because the area is far from human reach, there was no litter or waste anywhere.
The roads and bridges maintained by the Army looked as if they had just been newly constructed. The Army unit stationed in Jadung village informed the group that no school had ever come on a tour to this place before, and that this was the first school to reach this far. The students wholeheartedly interacted with the Indian soldiers, sharing their own experiences and listening to theirs.
While returning, the Indian Army bid farewell to the students with tea and fritters. The soldiers saw reflections of their own children in these students, and this emotion was clearly visible in their eyes.
For the students, this experience was unique, as there are no markets or hotels in this region. Accommodation is provided only in a limited number of village homes by the local residents. The small market in Harshil Valley offers only local fruits, mountain produce, woolen garments, and hand-woven items made in village homes, with almost no modern goods available.
Observing the simple nature of the local people and the respectful behaviour of the officials towards outsiders, it felt as if this part of India is truly unique — a place where humanity still resides.
