Will to Lead

Will to Lead 37 Pita Ji became a teacher by choice. The nancial department for the said post. Then Pandit Ji himself position of the family was terrible. Before his result, he suggested that he would consider him for that went to Dharamshala. I, as he says, met the appointment if he agrees to serve in an honorary Headmaster, who told him that there was no vacancy. capacity for a period of probation. Bawa Ji advised him However, he returned to Lahore and found that the to accept the offer with a pay of Rs. 50 per month as Geography Teacher's post was required in Intermediate nancial help. Then Pt. Mehar Chand wrote to Pita Ji: DAV College at Rawalpindi. There he proceeded and \"The Vice President Mr. Nanak Chand has been was directed to see Lala Mansa Ram B.A., LL.B, who pleased to appoint you as the Professor of Chemistry on was President of the Managing Committee of the six months probation, which expires on 31st March College. He was a man of few words but a shrewd judge 1937. For providing excellent service, your of persons. He went through Pita Ji's application honorarium is increased to Rs.75 per month and hurriedly and asked Pita Ji to see the College Principal, Rs. 110 the day you are conrmed.\" Lala Hari Mal Vohra, in his ofce. That Principal immediately gave him an appointment letter for Thus Sh. Bahl joined DAV College Jalandhar as Head Assistant Lecturer in Chemistry on Rs. 90 per month. of the Department of Chemistry on Rs. 75 per month on He joined the post on 4th December 1935. The Head of 23rd September 1936. Pt. Mehar Chand Mahajan was the Chemistry Department then gave him some lecture pleased over the excellent results shown by Sh. Bahl Ji. work with the senior classes. He was happy that he did this job to his entire satisfaction. During those days, there was no library. Pita Ji took the initiative and started a departmental library-cum- In the meantime, the college was upgraded to the reading room wherein the latest books and journals degree level, and Lala Gian Chand Mahajan, Vice were placed. This was one of the reasons that his Principal of DAV College Jalandhar, was appointed as students excelled in the university examinations. After Principal. he was appointed lecturer in the College, Pt. Mehar Chand offered Sh. Bahl Sahib a house on the college When the post of a Professor of Chemistry was premises. advertised for DAV College Jalandhar, Pita Ji sent his application. He approached Bawa Gurmukh Singh to This was the time when his brother-in-law, Hem Raj help in securing the position. He took Pita Ji to meet Khosla, fell seriously ill and was shifted to Joginder Sh. Mehar Chand Mahajan, the Principal of the College Nagar under medical advice. His three children came to and requested to appoint Pita Ji on that post. But live with Pita Ji, who was himself nancially very hard Pt. Mehar Chand Mahajan declined to offer the up. My mother-in-law took over this responsibility appointment because Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar had already joyfully. She happily took care of them. They stayed recommended a senior person from the Chemistry with Pita Ji for four years. Anyway, they were all settled well in life. His brother-in-law was suffering from a

38 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography disease of the bones, and his health was deteriorating institution of those days, offered him an appointment as day by day. During the summer vacation of 1937, he the Head of Chemistry Department in his College. This accompanied him to Pahalgam to live in the healthy post was held earlier only by an American Missionary. climate of Kashmir valley to see if the healthy Pita Ji again politely declined the offer and said that he environment of Kashmir could do him a favor. was wedded to the DAV Society for his entire life. As a teacher, Sh. Bahl was entirely devoted to his work. During the Second World War, the government He would prepare his lectures by spending long hours recognized his services for a senior post inAmmunition in the library taking notes from the latest books Factory at Pune. He had to use the inuence of Bawa available. He would buy books for his library from his Gurmukh Singh Ji to get him freed from the obligation. savings made out of his meager earnings to keep The higher pay and status were of no effect, and there himself updated about the latest developments. He was no attraction for him to leave the DAV's. often took additional periods for dictating notes since there were no excellent textbooks available that could As Head of the Chemistry Department, he had an ofce meet his students' requirements. The book written by in the old Pandit Lakhpat Rai Science Block. The new Pita Ji was the rst ever written by an Indian author. Chemistry Block was constructed in 1954 under his supervision. It consisted of six laboratories and two Once a batch of four students came to Pita Ji for private lecture theatres. Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, the tuition. He taught them regularly at home for a month. then President of DAV College Managing Committee, When they passed the B.Sc. (Final Examination), they inaugurated the new Block and showered his blessings offered him some money and fruits. He told them that on Pita Ji for his future success. The Block is known as he had helped them as a teacher and as a Principal. He Mehar ChandAggarwal Chemistry Block. would not accept anything from his pupils. Mahatma Hans Raj, the founding father of the DAV Once, Professor Mohan Singh, Deputy Director of movement, passed away on 15th November 1938. As Punjab, came to conduct a university practical they got the news, the staff members hired two buses examination for Pita Ji's students. He was highly and left for Lahore to participate in the funeral impressed with his students' practical work training procession. They went to DAV College, Lahore, where and performance. When he went back to Lahore, he the sacred body of Mahatma Ji was lying on a stage on wrote Pita Ji an ofcial letter if he would accept the post the platform in the hall of the college. A group of of a lecturer in Govt. College on almost double salary. Pandits was chanting the Ved mantras, and people were Pita Ji wrote back to him: \"I had accepted DAV Service going around his body. The staff of DAV College, as a mission and would continue serving the DAV even Jalandhar, also paid homage to that great man who had on a small salary.\" Also, Dr. Camming, Chairman of the laid the foundation of the vast DAV movement. The Gordon College of Rawalpindi, a prestigious newspapers wrote that \"The Sun of Education in

Will to Lead 39 Dr. Zakir Hussain, Vice President of India, being shown the aerial view of the DAV College Jalandhar, when he visited the College.

40 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Punjab has set.\" In 1947, the partition of the country After the death of Pandit Mehar Chand, Lala Gian took place. Punjab was divided into West Punjab and Chand Mahajan took over as Principal of DAV College East Punjab. Jalandhar. He was a life member of the DAV College Managing Committee. He was conducting the policy of DAV College Jalandhar was declared a refugee camp. appeasement, which did not work. The discipline in the Sh. Bahl Ji was appointed as the Camp Commandant college deteriorated, and there were frequent strikes by with the duty to settle the refugees. He did his best to the students. serve the inmates of those camps with perfect devotion. DAV College Lahore was also converted into a Camp Sh. Mehar Chand Mahajan decided to appoint Lala where refugees from different places in West Punjab Suraj Bhan as the Principal of the College. Lala Suraj stayed in transit to East Punjab. Bhan was an administrator par excellence, and he handled the situation tactfully but rmly. The students' Question of local decisional Pandit Mehar Chand, the strike was backed by Prof. Gian Chand himself and Founder Principal of the College, had a frail demanded to bring Lala Gian Chand Mahajan back. constitution. He carried on as the Principal up to 1944. The students gathered near Lajpat Rai Library, raising Because of his deteriorating health, the DAV College slogans against Lala Suraj Bhan Ji and the DAV Managing Committee advised him not to continue College Managing Committee. Sh. Bahl could not beyond 74. Prominent persons like Sh. Manohar Lal, tolerate the rowdy elements, and he walked right into Bakshi Tek Chand, Raj Bahadur, Durga Das, Justice the center of the mob to warn the ring leader. The group Mehar Chand Mahajan, and other distinguished was pacied for a short while, but later on, the students persons had come to join the celebrations. As ill-luck went around the classrooms forcing other students to would have it, Pandit Mehar Chand, the hero of the join them. As the hostile students entered the hour while sitting at Havan that day, suffered a severe Chemistry Lecture Theatre and one of their ring leaders heart attack and was carried to his residence. got on the table and started instigating the students. Sh. B. S. Bahl, on the spur of the movement, took one of his In the absence of Pandit Ji on Silver Jubilee Function, faithful students into condence and asked him to slap his portrait was placed on a chair on the dais with the ring leader and force him to come down the table. garlands. The thread of garland got broken, and it fell. The trick worked. The attention of students was But the dignitaries from Lahore paid a rich tribute to diverted, and the strike zzled out. After that, there was Pandit Ji for his contribution and made DAV College no strike, and the discipline continued to be excellent Jalandhar a prestigious educational? The doctors under the competent stewardship of Lala Suraj Bhan. attending Pandit Ji could not save him, and he passed away on 30th March 1944. He died on the day following his retirement from college.

Will to Lead 41 After the division of Punjab in 1947, the Panjab Joginder Nagar, moved toAmritsar on a bus. They were University teaching departments were rehabilitated at without food and water all along the way. However, Govt. College Hoshiarpur, while its Secretariat was set some village social workers at the Beas Railway up at Solan. S. Bahadur Teja Singh was the rst Vice- Station gave them the rotis and dal, which he accepted Chancellor of the University. Dr. G.L. Dutta and on his hands, and this was a boon for him. On reaching Principal Niranjan Singh got Sh. Bahl nominated on Jalandhar, he straightway went to his house at Adhoc Committee of Chemistry and Sh. Bahl was Vikrampura. inducted into the university work. However, it was a matter of great satisfaction for Sh. In 1949, Sh. Bahl was elected as a fellow of Panjab Bahl that about 75% of the manuscript of his Text Book University. He was re-elected as a fellow from of Organic Chemistry for B.Sc. students was Registered Graduate Constituency in 1953. After that, completed at Joginder Nagar. he continued to be elected fellow and syndic of University for over 25 years, which was a record. He In 1949, this book was published by S. Chand and was also elected convener of the Board of studies in Company, New Delhi. But for the royalty from the Chemistry and various other university bodies in which book, which ought to have been very high, it was capacity he continued till 1970. signicantly less even to make him meet his family's needs. Mysterious are the ways of God! No honest Sh. B.S. Bahl wrote a book in the Summer Vacation of work ever goes unrewarded. Nature has a role to play. 1947 at Joginder Nagar, where Bawa Gurmukh Singh Ji had purchased a house. He had taken with him a box Sh. B.S. Bahl was appointed at Amritsar - The exciting full of books for reference. He worked day and night to Seven years as Principal atAmritsar complete the manuscript of the Text Book of Organic Chemistry for B.Sc. students. There was a erce cobra In March 1955, a delegation of the leading Arya often seen in the boundary hedges of the house. So Pita Samajists of Amritsar comprising of Dr. Tulsi Das, Ji was scared, and he used to remain awake till late at Bawa Gurmukh Singh Bhalla, Shri Des Raj Puri, Shri night, thus devoting his time to write his books. Shanti Swaroop, and Principal Bhagat Ram met Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, the then President of the DAV The Partition of Punjab took place at that time. The College Managing Committee at his residence of conditions got bad at Jalandhar too. There were LalaKhushi Ram Mahajan. They all requested Justice communal riots, and his family at Jalandhar could not Mahajan to open a DAV College at Amritsar, a long- move out due to the curfew imposed in the city. standing need and desire of the city. They assured him Unfortunately, his mother got sick. His wife handled of collecting enough funds from the local business the situation bravely. Pt. Durga Dutt came to inquire community. Dr. Mahajan agreed to the proposal, and about the well being of his mother. He remained in the the DAV College Managing Committee duly house for a few days and procured medicines for his recommended that Sh. B. S. Bahl be appointed ailing mother. Pita Ji, after summer vacation at Principal of the College.

42 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Immediately after the country's partition in 1947, DAV credits based on his long connections with the city College Managing Committee was allotted the people. Mr. Suraj Bhan gave Rs. 50,000 from his DAV abandoned premises of Mao Degree College located College Jalandhar, which later on Principal Bahl could inside Hall Gate (Katra Sher Singh). That building was be asked to refund. But Justice Mahajan declined to do severely damaged and burnt because of communal so. He made it clear in the presence of Bahl Sahib as he riots due to the partition of the country. Dayanand remarked humorously: \"Suraj Bhan, it was a part of the Polytechnic Institute was started in one of the dowry.\" He had a tough time initially, but later on, he buildings. Two Central blocks of the building were could carry on his work without much difculty. His given to them to start the DAV College. Another starting salary was Rs. 550 per month. He asked the separate building across the road abandoned by Mao DAV College Managing Committee to x his salary at High School also was allocated to the college. Later on, Rs. 650 per month, but the committee did not agree, and the Science Department was housed in that building. he continued to draw Rs. 550 per month. He was not The Principal of Dayanand Polytechnic Institute was allowed any house rent even. For about a year, he lived requested to vacate that building, and in one of the in the Annexe of the Kothi of Baba Gurmukh Singh. rooms, he set up his ofce. He borrowed from him a Because of the distance of about 4 miles from the small table and chair, which he gave very reluctantly. college, he shifted to a rented house on Lawrence Road. Then Pita Ji asked him for a lock, which he refused. He remembered his words, which he spoke: \"Principal Pita Ji used to come to the college around 9.00 a.m. and Sahib Thuk Nal Bade Nahi Pakde.\" He said if you want would stay till about 6:00 p.m. While living in to run the college, procure the funds rst. He wrote to Dayanand Nagar on Lawrence Road,he made friends the DAV College Managing Committee to send some with Vaid Vidya Sagar, residing near their house. Vaid money after those words, but the reply thus received Vidya Sagar was the jewel of a man who would even go was quite disappointing. The reply was,\"collect to his house relaxing after dinner. He was given a free donations from the city, purchase a cycle and appoint a hand to appoint lecturers through negotiations. peon.\" On his recent renewed request, they sent him Rs. 10,000. Thus he purchased a cycle and some stationery. He went to DAV College Moga for an inspection of the He used to type all letters himself. He hired a clerk on University examination center. He requested a teacher Rs. 25 per month for maintaining the accounts. of the college to call some lecturers from the Chemistry department. There he met Mr. R.N. Mehta. Later, he The classrooms and the ofce were in bad shape. The called him telegraphically to Amritsar. He asked him: so-called hall was full of heaps of debris and bent \"Young man, what salary would you like to accept if I girders. He removed the debris and organized the appoint you as a lecturer in my college?\" He said: ofce. He placed his table and furniture in the ofce to \"Rs. 200 will be alright.\" So he was offered Rs. 200, make it look presentable. The furniture and laboratory and he was happy. He proved to be an asset to the tables were locally made. This was possible only with college. Once there was a strike in the College, Pita Ji Bawa Gurmukh Singh Ji's help, who got it done on called him to his residence at 10.00 p.m. He

Will to Lead 43 Lala Suraj Bhan and Principal B.S. Bahl at DAV College, Jalandhar.

44 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography immediately came, took the instructions from him, and for their cooperation in starting the new college of the went back to carry out the work. On the following day, Holy town. He appealed to Dr.Tulsi Das, Bawa he had done the job to his entire satisfaction. Later on, Gurmukh Singh, Lala Khusi Ram Mahajan, and others Pita Ji got him appointed as Principal of DAV College, to collect funds for the institution, build up Batala. Then he was appointed as Principal of DAV infrastructure, and impart quality education to College Amritsar. Sh. Bahl Ji appointed several students. persons as Principals at various colleges. He came to know that there was an outstanding teacher Shri R.S. He had to face specic incidents regarding the Sharma in the Department of English at D.C. Jain discipline of the college. He used to impose a heavy College. He appointed Shri R.S. Sharma as Senior ne, say Rs. 100. Rupees one hundred was a hefty sum Lecturer in English. He proved to be an asset to the those days. This worked very well, and the functioning institution. Shri R.S. Sharma proved to be an eloquent of the college became smooth. speaker and conscious worker. He was held in high esteem by both the staff and the students. Prof. M.L. During Hindi agitation in 1957, a mob of students of Sharma was appointed as Head of the Department of Hindu College came to his college. They broke the Biology, who was earlier working as a Lecturer in glass panes of the Science block by throwing brick bars Biology at local Khalsa College. at the building. They were raising the slogans, \"close the college and send out the students.\" Pita Ji called the After the death of Shri Bahl Ji's wife, he requested him ring leaders of the mob in his ofce. He announced on to compile the divine bhajans composed by her. His the mike that the behavior of those ring leaders with the name was Prof. D.C. Kapur, who was Head of the Principal was objectionable. Not a single student came Department of Mathematics. He gladly compiled the out of the classrooms. The news about the college book. Similarly, Prof. D.V. Pasricha was appointed incident reached Chief Minister Sh. Partap Singh Lecturer in English, an excellent English teacher, a ne Kairon. He wrote a handwritten letter to Pita Ji. He organizer, and an excellent speaker. Because of his appreciated the discipline of the college, and as such, talent, he was appointed the Principal of R.R. Bawa he will be happy if he could do anything for the DAV College, Batala, and later at DAV College institution. Pita Ji was transferred to DAV College Amritsar. Pita Ji said: \"In my opinion, the appointment Jalandhar by the President of DAV College Managing of the staff should be made entirely on merit and no Committee, New Delhi, Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan other consideration. However, the Principal should be strong enough to disagree with any political person in Sh. Bahl was a rm believer in the discipline of a high this regard.\" order. No teacher was permitted to come even a minute late in the college. He used to send a note to late- The DAV College Amritsar owes its existence to coming teachers. In case there was a class without a Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, who inaugurated it on teacher, he would go to the Class and address the 1st June 1955 at a function. He thanked the city's elite students on general topics, say planning of their career, taking care of their health, reading habits, and so on.

Will to Lead 45 Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan, on his visit to DAV College Jalandhar.

46 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography The Principal of Khalsa College was a good friend of visualized that the DAV's must have a foothold in Mr. Bahl. One day he rang up Pita Ji, and the Ofce Ludhiana, the most prominent business center of Superintendent told him that the Principal was on the Punjab. The idea was welcome by the then President of round. He again called him after some time and DAV College Managing Committee. He wrote letters jealously remarked: \"Your College is just a tiny shop to all the Principals and prominent DAV's to attend the (Hatti), where do you take the rounds? He used to make inaugural function of this new DAV Public School in announcements on the mike, and loudspeakers were Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, as proposed by him. tted around the college building, the science block, His letter's response was so overwhelming that the and the hostels. It was a sight to see 2000 students inaugural function took the shape of a big DAV Fair. All standing in pin-drop silence to listen to what he would the principals of DAV institutions came to attend it announce. Professor V.P. Bahl, Head of the English along with their cultural teams. In the beginning, the Department, was appointed as Dean ECA. Several school was started in a rented Kothi, and the present clubs like Music Club, Declamation Club, building came much later. Originally a 6 Acres piece of Photographic Club, and subject societies were started. land was purchased on Jagraon Moga Road for Rs. 5 After V.P. Bahl left the College, Prof. R.S. Sharma Ji Lacs as an advance to the Improvement Trust succeeded him as Head of the English Department. He Ludhiana. Later on, Sh. Suraj Bhan insisted that it was appointed him as the Dean ECA. He did commendable not a good site for the Public School, and advance work and was appreciated for his noble work. money be immediately paid to the Improvement Trust. Later on, it was taken back with the help of Punjab The First Convocation of the College was a historical Minister Sh. Yash Ji. Then they secured two acres of event. Dr. A.C. Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of the Panjab land a little away from the main road. The construction University, addressed the graduates. He lauded the work started. The land was not connected with the main discipline of the college and said, \"I have been road but later on, Sh. Avinash Khosla managed to have impressed especially by the fact that when there was a link road to the main Jagraon Road. The First considerable turmoil in the city of Amritsar, the Principal of the School appointed was Sh. S.C. Kaura. teachers and students of this college carried on their Later, Prof. Veda Vyasa Ji appointed Sh. B.S. Bahl as work calmly and remained undisturbed.\" Chairman-cum-Manager of the School on whose request Sh. R.S. Patial was appointed as its Principal. Founded Many New Schools. Principal B.S. Bahl He did commendable work, and the school functioned retired from DAV College Jalandhar in 1977 and with distinction from 1984 onwards. Now the school shifted to our residence 590, Sector 18-B, Chandigarh. has a vast campus on four acres of land in Bhai Randhir Here he set up a small ofce for the compilation of Singh Nagar with more than 5000 students. The school DAV Alumni Directory and the other works connected is well known in Ludhiana for excellence in studies, with the DAV institutions on his initiative. He then cultural activities and games.

Will to Lead 47 A group of 18 Principals of India and Nepal went to USA and attended a Seminar at Harvey Mudd College. At a dinner hosted by the President, Harvey Mudd College.

48 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Farewell Address Presented By The Staff of DAV the comforts of life in order to achieve the College, Amritsar To Principal B.S. Bahl, On The consummation you had set before you. Your passion for Eve of His Transfer To DAV College, Jalandhar work was infectious. Your missionary zeal, selfless devotion to duty and dogged adherence to truth, It is with a regular riot of emotions in our hearts that we, without caring for frowns or favours from others, the members of the Staff of D.A.V. College, Amritsar, disarmed your critics. You were, in the true sense, our have assembled this evening to bid farewell to you, the philosopher, friend and guide and spared no pains to distinguished founder Principal of the college, on the inculcate the right attitudes in students as well as eve of your transfer to D.A.V. College, Jalandhar. You teachers with a view to creating in the college a and the D.A.V College, Amritsar are so completely suitable climate for the spiritual, intellectual and identied with each other in our minds that it is hardly physical growth of all those who had come within its possible for us to visualize a set-up in which one is fold. The phenomenal progress made by the college in separated from the other. Everything in this college all spheres of activity under your stewardship makes bears the impress of your robust personality. It is not an criticism tongue- tied and renders praise unnecessary. exaggeration to say that you have nurtured this institution with your life-blood. Every brick here will Your enlightened thinking and mature wisdom have be a constant reminder to us of the master-builder who, won for you an enviable reputation in the higher circles starting from scratch raised in the brief space of seven of the Panjab University. You have done really valuable years, a magnicent temple of learning where young work as Convener, Chemistry Board and as a member men equip themselves for a fuller and richer life by of the Senate and Syndicate of the Panjab University. cultivating their faculties. The services rendered by you to the community in these capacities entitles you to a place among the leading By virtue of your many and varied qualities as a man, educationists of the State. The people of Amritsar also teacher and administrator, you have permanently owe a debt of gratitude to you because of the planted yourself in the affections of those who have had meritorious work done by you in your capacity as the pleasure of working under you. You are a teacher Manager of the Local D.A.V. Higher Secondary School and scholar of established repute. In the field of and Saraswati Training College. As a man we have Chemistry yours is a name to conjure with. found you supreme. Indeed you never compromised with evil and courageously suppressed undesirable Your qualities as an administrator and organiser are tendencies in all spheres of college life. But we did not simply matchless. The present D.A.V. College, take long to discover that the rigid disciplinarian had a Amritsar, with well-equipped laboratories and lecture heart of gold, a heart extremely sensitive to the theatres, a magnificent hall, neat and airy class-rooms, sufferings and needs of all around. You never failed us a well-stocked library and a newly-built hostel, in the trying moments of our lives and worked silently providing all the amenities of modern life and an but zealously to further the interests of all who worked enviable record of achievement in all fields, is an under you. eloquent tribute and a standing monument to your capacity as a builder and an administrator of You are, Sir, indeed, a shining star in the firmament of educational institutions. During the last seven years the Arya Samaj and we assure you of a secure place in you worked virtually like a soul possessed. Every our thoughts though physically our lots may, minute of your life was dedicated to the promotion of henceforth, be cast in different spheres of life. the interests of the college. You denied to yourself all

Will to Lead 49 Jalandhar Bids Farewell to Principal B.S. Bahl your personality on all facets of the institutions placed under your charge. Your life is a saga of achievements. A grand farewell function was organized in honour of You had a brilliant academic career. You received your the retirement of Principal B.S. Bahl on 31st of early education at DAV College, Hoshiarpur and DAV October, 1977 by the DAV institutions and elite of College, Jalandhar. You passed your B.Sc. (Honours) Jalandhar in the premises of Hans Raj Mahila College in Chemistry in 1934 from DAV College, Lahore under the leadership of Principal Ms. V.Anand. Kumari standing first in the University and M.Sc. (Honours) Lajawati, Chair Person of the Governing Body of from Government College, Lahore in 1935, again Kanya Maha Vidyalaya presided over the function. securing a First position in the University. Shri Ramesh Chander, Chief Editor, Hind Samachar, read the Farewell Address on behalf of the Educational You joined DAV College, Jalandhar in 1936 as Head of institutions social societies of the city. In this address the Department of Chemistry. Soon you built up a rare which is given below, the glowing tributes were paid to reputation both as a teacher and an organizer. You laid him for his great contribution to the cause of education sound foundations of your department and the in general and college education in particular. Chemistry Laboratories of the college owe their excellent equipment mainly to you. Farewell address presented to Shri B.S. Bahl, Principal, DAV College, Jalandhar on In 1955, the DAV College Managing Committee sent the eve of his retirement after a meritorious you to Amritsar to found a DAV College there. It was service of 41 years by the members of the recognition of your scholarship, administrative talent DAV College Managing Committee, Alumni and devotion to DAV ideals. The DAV College, and Prominent Citizens of Jalandhar. Amritsar, fostered and nurtured by you, is now the second biggest college of the State. We have assembled here today to bid you a hearty farewell on your retirement after an exceptionally When in 1962, Shri Suraj Bhan Ji was exalted to Vice meritorious and devoted service of 41 years, and to Chancellorship of Kurukshetra University, you were felicitate you on the great honour and glory you called back to Jalandhar to manage your alma mater, achieved in raising the institutions under your charge to the DAV College, Jalandhar. the pinnacle of glory. Under your stewardship, DAV College, Jalandhar has A leading educationist of the State, endowed with a rare made tremendous progress and is virtually a educational vision, you have served the cause of higher University. It has about 6000 students on its roll and education for over four decades. A matchless above 175 members on its Faculty. Post-Graduate administrator, a profound scholar, an eminent teacher instruction in nine subjects is being imparted in this and a superb organizer, you have left a deep imprint of temple of learning and it has excelled others in all fields

50 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography of educational activities. You can look back with a Punjab for a number of years and have made strenuous feeling of satisfaction that you have not only efforts to secure higher grants for the private colleges maintained but also improved upon the glorious and better grades for the college teachers. You had also traditions set by your illustrious predecessors. to look after many DAV Colleges around Jalandhar and schools run by the DAV College Managing During the period of your Principalship there has been Committee at Jalandhar. As a benefactor of society you a speedy expansion of college building. The college were connected with institutions of social welfare and Library has been extended beyond recognition. Open- sports. You were President of the Managing Committee Shelf system has been introduced. A spacious Staff of Orphanage, Ferozepur, Vice-President, Harballabh Room attached with cabins for teachers for their private Sangeet Committee of Jalandhar; member, Citizens study was built soon after you took over the headship of Welfare Association, Jalandhar; member, District this institution. A magnificent block which houses the Committee for the welfare of Personnel of Armed post-graduate classes; the Girls Hostel, an edifice of Forces and Ex-Servicemen; Chairman, Blood rare beauty, fitted and furnished with modern Donation Committee, Jalandhar District; member, amenities, the newly built Vocational Guidance Centre Policy holders Council of the Life Insurance and the College Auditorium, an imposing commodious Corporation of India, Jalandhar Division; member, building, are the other additions to the college during Punjab Hockey Association and Vice-President, your tenure as Principal. Jalandhar Cricket Association; member, Executive Committee of the District Red Cross, Jalandhar and In 1969, the State Department (USA) called you to read member, Local Advisory Committee, Gulab Devi a paper on College Education in an international Hospital Trust, Jalandhar. Seminar.Again in 1971, you represented the Country in an Educational Conference in Yugoslavia. You possess an unbounded capacity for work. You have often marked with a sense of genuine pride that you You have been a Syndic of Punjab University and Guru cannot rest contended till your table is cleared. Your Nanak Dev University for two decades.As a member of regularity and efficiency are a source of inspiration for a large number of University bodies, UGC bodies and your colleagues and students. You possess all the Government bodies, you have made a significant qualities of a good administrator - imagination, tact, contribution to the cause of higher education in the organizing ability, dash and drive. Dynamic in country. You are the author of 16 standard books on approach you keep yourself in touch with the latest Chemistry, being prescribed by various Universities in methods of instruction and introduce them in your India and abroad. institution. You are a synthesis of the old and the new. The imposing buildings and the delectable lawns of the A doyen among Principals, you have been President of college testify to your passion for beauty. Your the Principal's Association of Non-Govt. Colleges of

Will to Lead 51 standards are very high, almost unattainable. You are alumni of the college will ever remember you as their satisfied with nothing short of first position in any friend, philosopher and guide. Your real work will be examination or activity. felt only with the passage of time. You are one of the builders of the institution and you have left an indelible The citizens of Jalandhar will particularly miss you imprint of your noble personality on it. We are because you have been actively participating in every confident that you will utilize your time and energy in programme aimed at improving the social and cultural some fruitful educational activity and give the society life of this city. The Management will really feel your the benefit of your profound learning and mature absence as you have been looking after so efficiently experience. We wish you perfect bliss in the midst of not only the affairs of your own institution but also the your family - your noble wife, worthy sons and affairs of other DAV institutions at Jalandhar. The daughters, and sweet grand children.

52 Founder Principal KB DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Chandigarh Thanks are due to Sh. Darbari Lal Ji, the then Organizing Secretary of DAV College Managing Committee. He encouraged Pita Ji that I have served as a successful teacher. Now the time had come, I should be appointed as the Founder Principal of a School in Sector 7, Chandigarh. This idea clicked very well, and Pita Ji started preparing me for the interview. I went to Delhi and appeared for the interview at DAV College Managing Committee. There was a full panel of the ofce bearers, including Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji, Sh. R.S. Sharma Ji and many other dignitaries of the ofce. Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji asked several questions. They all were very much impressed by my answers. Mr. Chopra asked me if I would like to work in a new School in Chandigarh. I was given an appointment after reciting Shanti Path, Niyams of Arya Samaj, and the Gayatri Jap. I left Delhi in a dilemma as I knew that I had to work under the strict Sh. B.S. Bahl Ji. Many people scared me that it was not easy to work under Bahl Sahib. Before I joined, I paid a visit to see the school. The school was in a miserable condition. The classrooms were unclean, having broken glass panes. Toilets were like pigeon holes. Mrs. Sita Gupta was the Headmistress at that time who did not extend any cooperation. After seeing the condition of C.L. Aggarwal School premises, I got demoralized, totally broken. Once again, my thoughts ruled my mind, and I felt like going back to DAV Senior Secondary School (Lahore), Sector 8, Chandigarh, where I had spent enjoyable and benecial years.

Will to Lead 53 But in my heart to hearts, I decided to follow in our Sector 7-B, Chandigarh. The proposal was agreed upon family's footsteps. Keeping in view, the struggle Pita Ji by both the sons as well as by Chopra Ji. Arun agreed to faced in his whole career. How he had emerged as a donate the royalty of his book: Essentials of Physical strong educationist who made Amritsar DAV College Chemistry. This book was one of his best-sellers. without any nances and any assets. I thought in my mind that it would be a shameful to leave and go back to This made Pita Ji a bit comfortable and at peace with my previous school. I decided that I would emerge as a himself. Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji visited us at Chandigarh, blend of pragmatism and vision and prove myself as a and he agreed to the proposal. rm administrator, show wisdom and sound judgment in providing quality education, turn winners out of The next day after collecting Mata Ji's Phool Ashes, average students, stay connected with the community, myself, my brother-in-law Sunil Bahl, Bala Bahl, our and prove myself an exemplary educationist. cousin Mr. Shashi Trehan and I departed for Haridwar to immerse her ashes into the sacred waters of the Renaming the School Ganga. After doing this emotional ritual, we came in contact with a pujari who assured us to apprise us about As we all reached home, the next day in the early our family ancestors. morning, I heard Pita Ji crying with loud shrieks remembering Mata Ji. I felt as if he was calling my All of us sat in his small room where he brought a very name. As I ran to him, he hugged me and took me out of long and fat book. He had full information about the the house for walk in the street. Pita Ji asked me if I will family members who had passed away and which of do what he wants so that he lives in peace. He asked me our family members had visited Haridwar for the to send my husband Arun downstairs to live with him. immersion of ashes in the Ganga. He explained his love for his son Arun. I was apprehensive that Pita Ji would ask all of us to come downstairs to live with him. But Pita Ji wanted something else. He wanted only Arun Ji to start living with him. I readily agreed and assured him to do anything for him, whatever he would ask for, but we could not bring Mata Ji back. The next day all the family members were together at the dining table and had a discussion. It was about how to keep Pita Ji busy and live longer. It was also decided that Mr. Sunil Bahl shall donate Rs. 35 Lacs to the DAV College Managing Committee and request the President, Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji to change the name of the School to Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary Public School,

54 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography My brother-in-law asked him about Pita Ji's mother. He I got up from there as a different person and felt I was showed us the writing of our Pita Ji's elder brother, who shouldering various responsibilities, the most had come to Haridwar to immerse the ashes. He had signicant being about my father-in-law and the written a paragraph about our grandmother and had School, which was just one year old. However, I was mentioned the Hoshiarpur house where our confused about how to complete the work, but I was grandmother had lived, and he had also written about condent that consistent effort and the blessings of Pita the Bahl family. After reading those written statements, Ji would help. I was in utter confusion as to how to we were all plunged into a deep emotional state. achieve all that tremendous work, but I was condent that I would do all that by making consistent efforts Now came our turn to write about our mother. My with the grace of God. brother-in-law asked me to write rst. After my mother-in-law's death, the whole world had changed We came back to Chandigarh, though, reached late at for us, and I started realizing my responsibilities night. The next day was the \"Uthala Ceremony.\" Pita Ji towards Pita Ji, the School, and my own family. I got had become very weak, but I could read that the School courage from God, and I wrote: \"We have come here to would give him a reason to live and nurture a new hope perform the last rites of my mother-in-law at Haridwar. for the future when named after his wife'. After Uthala Here today, this commitment is made by Madhu Bahl. I Ceremony within 2-3 days, I sent Arun Ji downstairs to will take every care of Pita Ji, and he will be our rst live with Pita Ji, which proved a considerable solace for priority. I will work very hard to bring the School to the Pita Ji, Vani, Vishal and I lived upstairs in the upper top and bring laurels and establish the name. Today portion of the house, but Arun Ji used to come upstairs here at Haridwar, I wrote in this book. I promise that I to have dinner with us and then get back to Pita Ji to will make him live for more than 100 years.\"And by the give him company. It became a daily practice, and we grace of God, we were able to make it happen, and he were running two kitchens in the house. Pita Ji would passed away at the age of 103 years. The School go to the lake daily for a long walk in the evening. became one of the top schools in every aspect in letter During his day time, he was writing the directory of and spirit, and Pita Ji lived up to 103 years. Alumni for DAV CMC. After reading my commitment, my brother-in-law had I was a new principal. Pita Ji used to come to our School tears in his eyes, and he cried a lot. I handed over that daily at 11 a.m. and would supervise everything and as book to him and asked him to write. He wrote: \"Today, I Chairman used to be very strict with everyone. He did write and promise to donate Rs.35Lacs for building this not even spare me. Pita Ji was a mentor and a role school and name it as \"Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary model for us. He was eager to change the School's name Public School.\" He also assured that the money he to\"Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary Public School.\" would hand over to Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji. He also wanted his children to read this when they came to He consulted Sh. Darbari Lal Ji, who happily, gave a Haridwar.\"His wife Bala Bahl also wrote something green signal and told him to go ahead with the process. similar to what her husband wrote. Thus the process to rename the School started. We started preparing for the rst inaugural function, and certain people came from Jalandhar to help us for the function. Mata Ji used to write prayers and short

Will to Lead 55 poems. Those poems were later compiled into a book Managing Committee. That resolution became the by Prof. D.C. Sharma of DAV College, Kangra. Pita Ji bible of school status, and I, along with my team, daily used to offer owers on that prayer book, and he started working selessly. First of all, the School used to read one prayer everyday. Pita Ji used to pray was started up to Class First i.e.,for small children. daily and even offered fresh owers on Mata Ji's pillow The hurdles about many things like the purchase and daily. He used to miss her very badly; very often, there delivery of furniture and stoppage of buses were were tears in his eyes. He never allowed us to touch any there. Suddenly the breaking of the mid walls of the item which belonged to Mata Ji. These things were School by the Estate Ofce was a big setback. precious sweet memories of the past. It was tough to control his emotions and feelings. For him, School was Arun Bahl, my husband, visited every house and everything. met the parents of the newly admitted students and informed them about the delay in starting School As the day came closer, some people I would not like to due to unavoidable circumstances. He drove in his name, started creating hurdles and stopped us from car to 94 houses of the students. xing the School's nameplate on the gate side. They made every attempt against the School with the ill With the tireless efforts of Pita Ji, the School could intention not to let it open. get furniture. Justice Sehgal, the then Vice President, and Justice A.L. Bahri were of great help I got a call from Sh. Darbari Lal Ji and Sh. G.P. Chopra as and when required. Mr. Ravinder Talwar was also Ji. Both of them expressed their concern in these words very helpful. The School could start at the end of to me: \"You are the daughter-in-law of Sh. B.S. Bahl, February with 94 students in Nursery, LKG, UKG, who is an icon, and Bhisma Pitamah of DAV CMC, go and rst standard. My four teachers and I worked head to get the nameplate xed and get it very hard, and thus we were able to make the parents inaugurated.\"It gave me condence, courage and I got of the students feel happy and comfortable. the plate in the name of Mata Ji xed. In the evening was the inauguration of the new School with the new During the next session, we started getting more name. Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji had arrived to do the honors admissions. The School was upgraded up to the himself. We showcased a small function, and Sh. G.P. third standard, with a total of 300 students. While Chopra Ji inaugurated the School. He told the audience running the School, there were many hindrances that Madhu has a lot of potentials. She has got the from the opposing people, and they tried their level blessings and the mature guidance of Bahl Sahib. This best to close down the School. School will grow and achieve great heights, and soon you will realize that your hard work will pay. We started the construction of a new block. The original building was in a dilapidated condition. The Sh. D.R. Gupta, Director of Colleges, and Pita Ji were ground was full of deep mud, a lot of water, and full very close to each other, and he also used to encourage of forest cover. With the support and inuence of me in the same manner. The new resolution was passed Pita Ji, Mr. Jairath and the then Chief Engineer sent with MOU by the President, DAV CMC,DAV College us a lot of trucks of earth and sand for lling of the ground.

56 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Meanwhile, the effort to give the School the look of a The School reached up to the Senior Secondary level good public school was a continuous process. New having a strength of over 2500 students. Many blocks with new rooms were added with full speed, and appreciation letters were reaching my ofce from the builder, Mr. Sanjeev Bhai worked very hard and President, DAV CMC, and the Chandigarh tirelessly. Administration. With hard work, sincere and seless efforts, we brought up our School as one of the top It gave us an immense sense of relief to see the name of schools establishing an excellent study level, a Kailash Bahl printed on the School Bags, on School desirable spirit of discipline, and superbly excellent Notebooks, at the School Gate, on Children's Dresses, cultural functions. on School Buses, and what not! This instilled a fresh vigor and zest in Pita Ji to live longer and see the School We felt how Mata Ji would be gladly watching our growing rmly, speedily, and honorably. He used to School from the high heavens and relishing that it bears issue memos daily to me to provide me tips for further her name and nobility. Vani, our daughter, during the improvement. The School very quickly rose to the 7th initial days, used to sit in reception for registration. standard, and the student strength went up to more than Arun Ji was also of great help. When the roof used to be one thousand. laid during construction time, our whole family used to stay in the School for the entire night. My husband Arun Ji, used to go to The Tribune ofce at 4 a.m. to insert pamphlets in Newspapers with his own Here I would like to mention the worst experience we hands. We even used to go to Sector 7, 8, 19, 20, and had. It was that we had built one room as the ofce of other nearby shops to distribute brochures for publicity. the Principal. The registration had to start from the very I had thus faced many hardships, and sometimes I used next day. But when we reached the school in the early to give my mind to Pita Ji, who would often motivate morning hours, we were taken aback to see the whole me. His mature suggestions as advice virtually ofce oor broken totally, and there could not be any encouraged me to face many teething problems in such hope to start the registration the next day. But with the situations and that the hard work always wins, the blessings of God, we were able to clear the debris from hurdles may be there. the room. Our entire family worked tirelessly to reorganize the room, and we did it. But things did not Slowly and gradually, we started working for an end there. One day, while I was sitting in my ofce in afliation of the School with the CBSE, which also put the late afternoon, I heard a thundering sound of us into a sea of troubles. There too, so many hurdles something breaking. As we went out, we saw the mid were unnecessarily created for us. We got afliation walls of the School broken with a bulldozer, and the after a lot of struggle. Sh. Ashok Sharma Ji, Director wall at the gate was also broken. This was the biggest NCERT, was very close to our family. He helped us the ever setback given to us, and their ill-intentioned maximum, and thus the School got afliation from mission was to stop the School to begin. CBSE. We heaved a sigh of relief when we ultimately achieved our objective. The admissions increased as But as no time was left, my son Vishal gave us a the School results were outstanding every year. We brilliant idea to get Shamiana to give it a good look with used to get the \"Pride of DAVAward\" from DAV CMC, a long curtain xed on both walls and to place a lot of and many times we produced the Tricity Toppers too!

Will to Lead 57 chairs over there for the parents to sit. We engaged a person whose name was Vishnu. He xed the tent on the mid-wall and completely covered the wall that was broken. Every step we had to take was quite tiring, and we were exhausted and broken. Vishal's idea worked exceptionally well. Tough Problems Ahead My whole career is full of my struggles, the difculties I had to face, and the problems faced by my family, especially my children and my husband, who was my pillar of strength. My whole life had changed. There was not a single day that could be considered normal, but I had decided that I would not let down my mentor my father-in-law’s prestige. Pita Ji was my Guru. He told me, \"You have to build up your name and fame, and you should be called not Principal Bahl's daughter-in-law, but I as Madhu Bahl's Chairman, Sh. B.S. Bahl.\" So from today, I shall call you not as Arti but as 'Madam.' I assured him that I would work very hard to bring the school to his standard. I joined as principal on 1st February 1994. C.L. Aggarwal school was functioning with very little strength, and the building was in a dilapidated state. It was a very poorly managed school. Pita Ji was very considerate, and he decided to shift that school to the other side of the lawn. He decided to construct a separate new building and very generously decided to construct the school building with the donations collected from his students. Pita Ji decided to construct their school building and shift them to a new building and then construct our school building later. Principal Talwar and Pita Ji used to supervise the construction. The staff of that school used to misbehave a lot whenever I visited that school.

58 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography They even maltreated me and my team, who used to We had ordered the furniture at Ambala with accompany me. The worst behavior they used to show Mr. Chopra, and the date of the school's opening was towards me was abusing my children like street announced to parents. But the furniture did not arrive at women. school. It was due to the ill intention of the opposition. It was not possible to open the school without furniture. I joined as principal on 1st February 1994 in DAV Arun Ji visited ninety-four houses himself alone and Centenary Public School, Sector 7-B, Chandigarh. The informed the parents about the late opening of the next day, Bahl Sahib xed Havan in the school, but school. All the parents cooperated with us. Bahl Sahib unfortunately, we had to face a lot of opposition. Some asked Mr. Chopra to send the furniture and deputed people left the Havan and disturbed our Havan some Ambala principals to send the furniture. It ceremony. We had been given only four shabby reached, and we could nd sufcient time to set up four classrooms, and two big classrooms were kept locked classrooms and my ofce, but those people gave us by Mrs. Sita Gupta. These rooms were also very messy, another jolt. The bus we had hired for the children was full of dirt with broken furniture. withdrawn without any notice. We had to hire another private transporter to bring children to school. Every We decided to open the school initially up to Class 1st obstacle we had to face, we took it as a challenge and only. It was tough to admit children as the faced it boldly. neighborhood school staff used to create many hindrances in admitting the children. They used to send We started the preparations to organize the laying of the back the parents one way or the other. We got Foundation stone. However, they did not allow us to x pamphlets printed and also developed a brochure. In the stone with the name of the school. the early morning hours, my husband and I used to go to the Tribune ofce to insert the pamphlets into the Bahl Sahib reported the matter to Sh. Darbari Lal Ji at newspapers with our own hands. Besides this, we used the DAV College Managing Committee. Pita Ji to go to every shop to handover the yers and give the expressed his displeasure to him. Sh. Darbari Lal called introduction that a new school is going to open in me on my phone and very clearly ordered me to x the Sector 7, Chandigarh. Some people demoralized us, stone, and I can never forget his encouraging words to but I decided not to listen to those people and do our me \"Madhu, you are daughter-in-law of Sh. B.S. Bahl. publicity work. It does not look good on your part to lose condence. It is good that you are facing all these difculties at the A shocking incident happened one day before the beginning only. Be brave. Note on a page of your best Registration was to open. The Estate Ofce people notebook that your school will be the best in Tricity. He came and, in the afternoon hours, broke the middle also told me that I have his blessings. So with his words walls of the school. This shocked us to a great extent. of encouragement, I moved on and got the foundation Nobody came to our rescue, but we did our stone of the school xed . Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji had come Registration by putting the Shamiana in between the from Delhi to attend the rst inaugural function. The walls and placed the chairs over there so that no one function was held in the evening hours in the school. could see the broken walls. We could not come up to Sh. G.P. Chopra Ji laid the foundation stone with his their level, but God is great. He empowered us with hands. My brother-in-law Mr. Sunil Bahl was also willpower, and we kept on putting in our best efforts. present at the function.

Will to Lead 59 There was a lot of work to be attended. We started In our school's LMC, Vice Chairman was Sh. D.V. working nonstop. I appointed four teachers and one Sehgal, a highly inuential and highly respected judge clerk in the school. I also used to take the classes of the high court. Later, he became Vice President of myself. I used to conduct regular workshops for our the DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi. teachers. One never forgets the hardships. I used to Whenever I was in any tough situation, I used to go to clean my ofce myself, grow plants, and do up the his residence to share the same and seek his advice. notice boards myself. Justice Sehgal was an asset to our school. I remember his golden advice. One day after the completion of Being a big event manager myself, I thought of LMC meeting, he asked me to meet him. Justice Sehgal conducting typical House shows for the school's said to me: \"Madhu, you are proving as an outstanding parents. I divided the school into four Houses and administrator with an excellent vision of the school. assigned a topic to every House. The topic was the There is discipline in the school, and your academic heritage and culture of different states. Teachers standard is very high. But one thing you need to worked very hard to make the show successful. We improve is to develop Public relations. You need to invited Mr. Satpal Jain Ji, Member of Parliament, as develop contacts with inuential people\" I took the Chief Guest and gave him a camel ride when he advice as a valuable lesson. reached the Rajasthan House. Every house had showcased the specic culture of their assigned states Sir Sh. B.S. Bahl Ji was very strict with me also. He along with the food of those states. The house depicting used to give me daily counseling sessions and used to Arya Samaj values and ethics attracted a huge crowd. follow the protocol very seriously. He got me a second- Organizing such a spectacular show was highly hand car from Mr. Patial and advised me that there is no appreciated by parents, and in the next session, the money in school, so you bear with the second-hand car student number rose from 94 to 350. only. Pita Ji used to give me tips of administration. He used to say that everything in life comes from hard The school's grounds were in an enormous mess. work, sharp vision, clean and proper administration, Mr. Jairath, who was Chief Engineer, arranged to and strict discipline. donate a lot of earth lling, and due to his help, the grounds were converted into level lawns. We were Episodes of 1994 were very bitter. But I did not lose obliged to Mr. Jairath for extending such generous hope; we used to come home very late at night. My support. Mr. Jairath was a student of Sh. B.S. Bahl at mother-in-law always tell Pita Ji that why you have put DAV College, Jalandhar. her in a difcult situation. She wanted to be a teacher only, but Pita Ji used to tell everyone that she will Pita Ji initially arranged for some funds for us to become an excellent Principal one day. manage the school to go on. After a short period, Pita Ji planned to appoint a manager for the school. He appointed Principal K.S. Arya Ji. Arya Sir got the rest of the two rooms opened. He was of great help to the school. We started adding one class every year. Mr. Patial, the principal of DAV Public School, Ludhiana, also helped us nancially.

60 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography KB DAV-7 Today New spaces, configured exactly to our needs and enhanced with the best in technology, enables us to realize the learning community of the future. In the competitive environment of Public School education, we have earned our place by providing high-quality facilities that our outstanding students and teachers expect. New facilities will help us maintain our high standing and create an optimal environment.

61 Infrastructure KB DAV-7 in 1994 Development provision of 400 Lux Level metal halide lamps. It has a Iam the Founder Principal of the KBDAV-7 School sitting arrangement for 2000 children. Within the Speed and had started a school with 90 students housed in a Skating Track, a provision has been made for Basketball building comprising four rooms. I motivated NRI, Mr. Court. The school also has a separate Skating Rink of Sunil Bahl, who donated Rs. 25.00 Lakhs for the International Dimensions and Standards and has 400 construction of the main block. A new ultramodern Lux Level metal halide lamps. building, named B.S. Bahl Science Block comprises modern classrooms, separate Physics, Chemistry & The school has a Yagyashala for performing Hawans to Biology Labs, and the indoor stadium was constructed. teach the values and traditions of Arya Samaj among the The school has been getting Rupees One Lac as a children. The school has a computerized library having donation from the school's Chairman on an annual more than 20,000 books. A newly constructed basis. Funds were being utilized to enrich the library, Amusement Park is an added attraction for the tiny tots upgrade the computer lab, modernize A.V. Room, and of the school. The students enjoy the slides, water add the latest equipment to the Composite Science Lab. games, fountains, and the trafc lights in the Amusement Park. Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister of State Finance, donated Rs. 2.00 Lacs for construction of International Speed Skating Track. It has a oor of Kota stone with a KB DAV-7 Today

62 Memos and letters by Sh. B.S. Bahl Pita Ji used to come to school daily around 11.30 a.m. and sit in his ofce, looked after the ofce work, and took rounds of the school. After nishing his rounds and observing school functioning, he used to write a letter to me in the evening. His Stenographer, Mr. Bali, used to come to deliver the letter. This practice of writing letters was a regular feature. In these letters, he used to give suggestions for the school's improvement. He never liked my coming back from school early. He used to ask me to go to school even on Sundays. Pita Ji was a strong disciplinarian and demanding taskmaster. A teacher coming late to the school, even by ve minutes, was issued a show-cause notice by him. This made him conversant with the daily activities of the school. He always used to address me as 'Madam Madhu Bahl'. Our Marriage Anniversary falls on 9th October. I received a letter from him through his Steno. Along with the letter, there was a Cheque for Rs. 6000. He wrote :\"Dear Principal Madhu Bahl. Today is your marriage anniversary. I am enclosing a Cheque for Rs. 6000 as a token of Shagun. You may buy a Saree of your choice.\" It made me laugh so much. Now and then, he used to tell people, 'My Madam, our Madam.' He never used to call me by my name. He had associated me directly with the school only.

Will to Lead 63 He used to meet Arun at 6 p.m. everyday, and my time My rst batch of students was to appear in the Tenth was 7 p.m. He daily used to ask me about what I did on class. I worked on every child personally. I used to keep that day. He was very conservative in giving me even a my table and chair outside the 10th classes and monitor day off from school. them. I taught the weak students. I used to fetch the students from the examination center and bring them to School strength kept on increasing every year, and it school. I used to make them study in the late hours of had gained much publicity. Then the time of getting the evening. afliation to CBSE came. We all worked day and night but could not succeed in getting CBSE Afliation. I used to take a lot of pain and worked on every child. Several hurdles were there. In the end, Dr. Ashok The rst result was extraordinary. I got the \"Pride of Sharma, Director NCERT with whom we had family DAV Award” for showing the excellent result. This relations, came forward to help. It was due to his help process continued till my last year of tenure. All our that we succeeded in getting the CBSE afliation. It students are placed in excellent companies. And many was a blessing for our school. Dr. Ashok Sharma had of them have left for higher education in other countries great respect for Pita Ji. He did not like Pita Ji climbing and are well settled. stairs of the CBSE ofce at an advanced age. So he took the project into his own hands and got it materialized. I have spent 26 years as principal in the school and brought laurels every year. I worked very hard to With CBSE afliation, the school strength kept on improve myself as an administrator and as an educator. increasing. Troubles kept on coming our way, but we Time spent in the school was focused on the Pursuit of were determined and faced them very bravely. Excellence. At the realistic level, the sheer love of creating a holistic learner, setting goals and priorities When quite a few months had passed, one day I got the that lead to success, became central. KB DAV Senior courage to ask him about my salary, which I had not Secondary Public School was the beginning of an received for the last eight months. He got annoyed and extraordinary journey for me that gave me a better hit his stick on my table and said, “In DAV's, nobody understanding of India's educational system. There demands salary. It comes on its own. That means you was a surge in the number of students studying in the are working for the salary. He quickly went home, and school. It now has more than 66 Rooms, including in no time, I received a letter through him in which he beautiful labs and conference halls, and school strength mentioned that I had broken his faith by asking for a is about 3000. salary. Mahatma Hans Raj Ji worked as Headmaster without any salary. This letter made me very upset, and KB DAV has been very fortunate to receive extra- I thought of going to Justice Sehgal Sir. I went to him ordinary support from a large number of well-wishers. and told him details of the day's happening. Justice This support has laid an outstanding foundation for the Sehgal and Pita Ji met at the lake. He made Pita Ji sit on school. This enabled the school to launch numerous the steps of the lake and told him, \"Bahl Sahib, you initiatives. should at least spare your daughter-in-law. She should be treated with love and affection. You are so lucky to I cannot forget one incident. My daughter Vani had have a Principal like Madhu. She is an asset to your reached the marriageable age. I was anxious and was school,\" After this, he released my salary. marking circles in the matrimonial columns for Vani. I did not see Pita Ji standing at my side and noticing me

64 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography doing that. I was shocked to receive a letter through his daughter's marriage is a priority. You know that I reach stenographer in which he wrote the following : school at 8 a.m. and come back at 8 p.m. Where is the time to look at these things? If school is my “Dear Principal Madhu Bahl responsibility, then the marriage of my daughter is also Today I came to your ofce in the afternoon. I noticed my responsibility. I apologize for showing my feelings. that you were marking matrimonial columns for your I would also like to mention that I am receiving show- daughter Vani. I may remind you that such activities are cause notices and warning letters in the same house to be attended at home and not during school hours. where we are living together. Please issue me such This is your personal matter. Please make sure that you letters in the school, and not at home.” Pita Ji was do not involve yourself in such work at School. pleased to receive this letter of mine. Yours sincerely B. S. Bahl Every letter he wrote to me was part of a learning Chairman\" process for me. He taught me discipline and the importance of time. He was like a living God for me. It After reading the letter, I cried a lot, and I gathered was the daily routine of Pita Ji to call me in his ofce courage and wrote back: and inquire about school's functioning, the number of children admitted and teacher problems, etc. He daily “Respected Chairman Sir, used to call the admission in charge and take feedback. Yes, that is true that I was marking matrimonial He was a man of very few words, but those few words would explain everything.” columns for my daughter. For any mother, her

Will to Lead 65 Critical Strike by the appointed an Advocate Mr. D.P. Sharma. The school management decided to take strict action against them. Class IV Employees We gave an advertisement in the Newspaper and asked them to resume their duties in school, but they did not In the beginning, we had one driver, Lekh Raj, and return. After following the legal procedures, we one maid Kiran was proving as an asset to the school. terminated their services. That was a very bold step. We By 2003 the number of class IV employees increased to started with the appointment of new staff and banned more than thirty. These employees came into contact their entry into school. Pita Ji and Justice Sehgal were with a labor leader whose profession was to dislodge instrumental in helping me in times of crisis. This schools' workers and misguide them and put a series of action of ours set a standard of discipline in the school. demands before school. He was not the school's employee. He incited them to work against the school I learned a lot from Pita Ji. He used to teach me the management. All of them started attending these value of discipline in schools. He used to emphasize meetings, and soon I could see a change in their that Teacher and Principal can never be friends. You behavior. must maintain a respectable distance to get the proper work from them for school children. After this incident, The school was going to have a half-yearly examination. there was no such strike, union, or indiscipline. Through my sources, I came to know that all of them have decided to stay away from the school the next day, with the aim, to disturb the examination of the students. I acted very fast and arranged bus drivers, sweepers, and other workforce by requesting Mr. Puran Singh, then Chief Commissioner of Municipal Corporation. I went to meet him in his ofce and put forward the request. He readily agreed. The next day in the morning, my ofce staff and I went in buses to bring the students to school from their pickup points. Children appeared in the exam, and school functioned normally. After that day, we had to send a circular to all school parents and closed the school for two days to rearrange the school functioning by appointing Class IV employees. After two days, we opened the school to conduct the examination, and the school functioned normally. Meanwhile, Justice D.V. Sehgal Sir had a meeting with the class IV employees, and they were in no mood to return to the school unless their conditions were accepted. On the advice of Justice Sehgal, we

66 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Social Projects The First Social Project, Cycle Club of Chandigarh, was launched to promote the use of cycles in the city. Sh. Sunder Lal Bahuguna, an Internationally acclaimed environmentalist, flagged off the Cycle Rally with the message of \"Ride cycles to have a better life.\" l Launched Red Ribbon Club to facilitate awareness among young - Being AEP Master Trainer CBSE New Delhi, I provided counseling to the students on adolescent education like HIV/AIDS Awareness and behavioral problems. I raised awareness among students about crucial health issues through Intra School Competitions, Workshops, and seminars. l Launched Peace Club to promote Peace and Harmony – Interaction with peace activists, playing host to International Peace Festivals, Celebration of National Days, and Cross- Cultural Exchange Programmes. l Teacher Ambassadors from Pakistan, Singapore, and UK – Teacher Educators from Pakistan, Singapore, and UK visited school to share moments with students and have the working of Indian classrooms. l Ambassadors were apprised about Arya Samaj Values like Havan Yagya and reciting shlokas to further understand diverse education systems. l Indo-Pak Peace mission, visit Burail jail, took efforts to new heights. The club provided a forum to explore, discuss, debate, and celebrate issues of National and International importance. l Peace Training Programme for Tri-city Teachers – The peace builders received training at the Peace Trainers Workshops' understanding of world peace and relationship based on dialogue, peace initiatives were stressed. School exchange programs encouraged interactions among the learners.

Will to Lead 67 l Kailash Bahl Trust Peace Award – A Peace Award l Several National and International Workshops were constituted by the Kailash Bahl Trust to recognize organized for teacher educators to enlighten their the contribution of educators who have been minds -over 200 teachers from all over India instrumental in organizing Peace Club activities in deliberated over the modifying curriculum and various institutions.\"It is very well said that If the needs of learners. picture of society's future is grossly inaccurate, its education system will betray its youth.” l Upgrading school employees' services -Aworkshop on personal grooming – to enhance individual skills l Random Acts of Kindness – I motivated my and work ethics was conducted for Class IV teachers, students, and school staff to voluntarily employees of tri-city zone employees. donate cash or kind towards rehabilitating the homeless and displaced victims of Uttrakhand l National Integration - Various Inter-house activities tragedy. were conducted to develop patriotism in children like Slogan writing competition, Essay Writing l Aid to Kashmir – We took the initiative with other competition, Patriotic song competition, Poetry city schools to send Woolens to flood-hit Kashmir recitation, National Flag Making, Dance regions. Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor, competition based on patriotism, and National Haryana, flagged off an Army truck from the school Anthem singing competition. I was honored with premises. This practice is followed every year. the \"Rashtriya Gaurav Award' by Mr. G.V.G. Krishna Murthy, Former Election Commissioner l Launching of Cycle Club to promote Environmental for Economic Growth and National Integration, to Consciousness – Cycle Rallies, Tree Plantation contribute to the field of Science, Technology, drive by students, Poster and Slogan Writing Education Industry, FineArts, and Social Works. Competitions, Skits, Dramas were conducted to establish harmony between man and nature. l I visited the Central Jail of Patiala to award certificates for Essay Competitions to jail inmates l The \"Go Green\" initiative encouraged alternatives on Gandhi Jayanti's occasion. I donated Rs.11,000 to car users to reduce fuel consumption and to promote education in prison and promised to pollution. provide free books to the inmates. l Power to the Girl Child - As Principal of the highly l I also took the initiative to strengthen bonds of peace reputed school, I saw some significant initiatives to and harmony between India and Pakistan. A Peace empower the girl child. 15 Tri-city Girls were Club was founded in the school to promote the honored for their exemplary contributions and culture of Peace and Non-Violence. unmatched skills in social work, sports, art, music, dance, and academics to further individual l I am firmly against tuitions. I had conveyed my initiatives. opinion to the educational community through leading Newspapers. I am highly dedicated and l Every year, there was celebration of \"Maa Samman devoted to my profession. I always plan my work Samaroh\" to honor those tri-city mothers who have well in advance and implement it with punctuality. sacrificed the best part of their life while showering their priceless love for their children. Maa Samman l Every year a new theme were planned. Every Samaroh highlights the faith and unconditional love measure was taken to achieve the objective of the that mother has for her children. Every such mother theme successfully. Themes of the last three who belongs to a poor background and has given academic sessions are worth mentioning here, their blood and soul to their children, to make them which are as follows: Equal opportunity public grow and stand on their own feet, were honored school, No child left behind,A-Z school. every year.

68 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography The First Social Project, Cycle Club of Chandigarh, was launched to promote the use of cycles in the city. Sh. Sunder Lal Bahuguna, an Internationally acclaimed environmentalist, flagged off the Cycle Rally with the message of \"Ride cycles to have a better life.

Will to Lead 69 Launched Red Ribbon Club to facilitate awareness among young - Being AEP Master Trainer CBSE New Delhi, provided counseling to the students on adolescent education like HIV/AIDS Awareness and behavioral problems.

70 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Launched Peace Club to promote Peace and Harmony – Interaction with peace activities, playing host to International Peace Festivals, Celebration of National Days, and Cross-Cultural Exchange Programmes.

Will to Lead 71 Teacher Ambassadors from Pakistan, Singapore and U.K. visit school to share moments with students and see the working of Indian Classrooms.

72 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography My Nation is my pride - National Days are celebrated with fervor as part of school curriculum. The school takes a lead in participating in cultural events on Independence Day, Republic Day Ceolebrations and Children’s Day Celebrations.

73 Co-Curricular Activities I believe not only in academics but also in the overall development of the children. I give equal importance to cultural, creative, and co-curricular activities. Extra-curricular activities are a regular feature of the school and at the same time, the perfect balance between academics and co- curricular activities is ensured. The school has been divided into four Houses for curricular activities - Jasmine, Lotus, Rose, and Tulip. Cultural performances of school children are the highlight of the school, where around 800 students of all age groups perform. Teacher Day Celebration is also an annual feature of the school, and the five best teachers are honored with mementos.

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Will to Lead 77 This is one of our best and fastest growing Senior Secondary Public Schools. Credit for its success goes to its very hard working and dedicated Principal Mrs. Madhu Bahl. The school offers excellent study-plan. Environment is very impressive. The superb performance of the students on stage is a proof of fine training received by them. Padam Shree Shri Punam Suri Ji President, DAV CMC, New Delhi.

78 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Teachers’ & Annual Day Celebrations Teacher’s day on 5th September was celebrated in Tagore theatre every year. All teaching staff and non-teaching staff members used to perform on a particular theme. They had a lot of competitive spirit in performance. The jury used to be invited from outside. The winning House used to get First Prize, and every House used to be awarded by the Chief Guest. The celebration of Teachers day was appreciated by one and all. 5 Best Teachers of the session were awarded a shawl, memento, and a cash prize. The tradition of teacher's day celebration is a unique feature of School and its 'Trade Mark'. I choreograph teachers' programs and dances to be showcased, and teachers select the value-orientated theme. They prepare with full enthusiasm and tough competition to each other. The members of the jury judge analyze the competition, and this program is named \"Guru Shishya Parampara Diwas\" to promote value-based education amongst the school children. The multi-cultural show becomes a forum to reflect on crucial social issues like female foeticide, girl child, patriotism, values of Arya Samaj, breaking up of joint families, corruption, and celebrating the nation's cultural diversity. Every year the School used to celebrate the Annual day of School with maximum participation of school children. The annual day used to be performed with great pomp and show where children used to show their extraordinary performances. Every item used to have a value- oriented message for the society.

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80 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Teachers’ Day Celebrations

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82 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Annual Day Celebrations

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84 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Annual Day Celebrations

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86 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography The function meant to release your autobiography was a great success. It was one of the best functions that I have ever attended. Full credit goes to Principal Madhu Bahl who seems to have spent months together for the preparation of this function and the Prize Distribution Function. She has emerged as one of our best Principal. Padam Shree Shri G.P. Chopra Ji President, DAV CMC, New Delhi.