Shri Atmanand Jain High School.

Summary

Shri Atmanand Jain High School, established over 20 years ago in Ambala, Punjab, is the second Jain high school in the region. Initially starting with primary classes, it was elevated to high school status in 1926. Managed by a committee of 15 experienced individuals, the school enrolls 400 students and employs 18 qualified teachers. It offers manual training, moral and religious instruction under Brahmachari Shankar-dasji, and emphasizes social activities to develop well-rounded students. Recognized and aided by the Punjab Education Department up to the middle standard, the school achieved a 100% success rate in its first Matriculation examination batch. However, it faces financial constraints, lacking recognition and aid for the high school section, a maintenance fund of only Rs. 31,000, and no dedicated building. The school urgently requires Rs. 25,000 to initiate construction of proposed buildings (estimated at Rs. 97,000) by October 1928, appealing to the Jain community for donations without publicizing the need to preserve community dignity. Concurrently, Shri Jain Bala Vishram, Arrah, a six-year-old institution, enrolls 5 classes (Primary to Pathika) and teaches subjects including Hindi, Mathematics, Dharma, and Sanskrit. It reported a 78.7% success rate in examinations, hosts debates on socio-economic issues, and operates in a garden setting. Both institutions highlight educational efforts in Punjab, with Shri Atmanand Jain High School emphasizing self-conquest as the path to happiness and social responsibility, while Shri Jain Bala Vishram demonstrates progress in intellectual and moral development