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A Journey of Service & Education

From a tent in Dhanger village in 1983 to a flourishing school: the story of Nirmala High School.

Sisters, clergy and staff of Nirmala High School

Our Story

A Humble Beginning

The story of Nirmala High School, Dhanger Kaleeth, is a story of humble beginnings, dedicated service, and a deep commitment to the education and development of the people of this region.

Its roots go back to 1983, when the Holy Cross Sisters, responding to the request of Bishop Hippolytus Kunnunkal, Bishop of Jammu–Srinagar, arrived at Dhanger village to begin their mission in this part of North India.

Sr. Hertha, the first Superior, and Sr. Christa, known for her ability to reach out to people, together with Sr. Leoni, an all-round helper in the community, pitched their tent in Dhanger village and began their mission among the local people. Sr. Francisca, one of the councillors, stayed for about a month to help the new community settle down and organise its work. Sr. Ida, the Provincial Superior of the Mother Province in Kottayam, took a special interest in the new mission and was always ready to support it with funds and suitable personnel.

Service to the Villages

The Sisters began their mission through healthcare and outreach. They attended to patients in the dispensary in the mornings. In the afternoons, with the support of Fr. Sebastian Mottumkal, OFM Cap, then the Parish Priest, they took health services to around 10–15 surrounding villages.

These curative and preventive health programmes brought the Sisters into close contact with families in remote areas and gradually won the villagers' confidence and affection. As they came to understand the people's needs and hopes, one concern stood out: quality education for their children.

From Healthcare to Education

Impressed by the Sisters' dedicated service, the villagers began asking them to start a school on the Church premises. The Sisters recognised that education was essential for the lasting development of the village and for better opportunities for future generations. And so began the journey of Nirmala High School..

Students at morning assembly on the school ground

13 August 1987

The Beginning of Nirmala High School

Nirmala High School opened its doors to the children of the surrounding villages on 13 August 1987, with just seven students. What began with seven children, limited facilities and very humble resources was sustained by faith, dedication, perseverance and the support of the local community.

Sr. Alicia served as the first Principal, laying the foundation for the school's educational mission and future growth. In the early years there were few rooms and facilities, and the rainy season made conditions especially difficult. None of this discouraged the Sisters.

Regular visits to students' families built close relationships with parents. The Sisters helped families understand the importance of education and encouraged them to send their children to school, which reduced dropouts and promoted literacy in the area.

Education for All

From the very beginning, the school has served the community without discrimination, becoming a place where children of different castes, religions, communities and ethnic backgrounds learn and grow together. Over the years the small seed planted in 1987 grew steadily as the school expanded its infrastructure and strengthened its academic programmes.

Today the school stands as a testimony to the vision of its pioneers, the dedication of the Holy Cross Sisters, the cooperation of parents and well-wishers, and the trust of generations of students. It moves forward in the spirit in which it was founded: to provide meaningful education, nurture values, promote literacy and offer every child the chance to build a brighter future.

“From humble beginnings, a mission of service grew into a mission of education, enlightening minds, shaping lives and serving generations.”

Timeline

The School Life Story

  1. 1983

    The mission begins at Dhanger

    The Holy Cross Sisters arrive at the request of Bishop Hippolytus Kunnunkal and begin healthcare and outreach in the villages.

  2. The following years

    A call for education

    Villagers ask the Sisters to start a school for their children on the Church premises.

  3. 13 August 1987

    Nirmala High School opens

    Established by the Catholic Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar, the school opens with seven students, with Sr. Alicia as its first Principal.

  4. Growth

    Expanding and strengthening

    Infrastructure expands and academic programmes grow, offering Nursery to Class X under JKBOSE.

  5. Today

    Lighted for Life

    A flourishing school continuing its mission of education, values and service.

Vision, Mission & Motto

A Light That Guides Every Child

Our Motto

Lighted for Life

Students are initiated to help, educate and serve others, so that they become persons of character and a light to others.

Our Vision

To be a beacon of value-based education, enlightening young minds with knowledge, wisdom and enduring values, so that every child is “Lighted for Life” and empowered to build a just, compassionate and responsible society..

Our Mission

To provide holistic and quality education that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, moral, emotional, social and physical development of every child. Rooted in faith and guided by the values of love, truth, discipline, compassion and service, we strive to create a joyful and inclusive learning environment that encourages academic excellence, creativity, respect for creation and responsible citizenship, preparing our students to become persons of character and to be a light to others.

  • Love
  • Truth
  • Discipline
  • Compassion
  • Service

Nirmala High School is owned and established by the Catholic Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar as a Christian minority educational institution, open to all without distinction of caste or creed. Its educational policy is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

  • 01To foster critical and independent thinking
  • 02To be agents of social change
  • 03To promote human values, with a special concern for the materially poor

Management

Ownership & Educational Policy

Management

Nirmala High School, Dhanger, Kaleeth is owned and established by the Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar (Catholic Church of Jammu and Kashmir). It is administered by the Diocese's education wing, the Diocese of Jammu and Srinagar Education Society (Reg. No. 168-CSA of 2022, dated 28/02/2022), under Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution.

It was established on 13 August 1987 as a Christian minority educational institution, open to all without any distinction of caste or creed.

Our educational policy

The policy of education in schools run by the Diocesan Education Society is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It develops a growing awareness of the dignity and rights of every person, enabling people to live in fellowship and mutual help.

This concern extends to all God's people in the local community, especially those of Christian faith and the materially poor. Education also develops the knowledge and skills that make a person a loyal, peaceful and just citizen.

Be part of our story

Registration for the new session begins in January. We would be glad to welcome your child.

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