I was a student at the old Udgam School in Navrangpura, beginning my journey in 1970. It fills me with immense pride and emotion to recall the unforgettable atmosphere and the dedicated educators who shaped our formative years. I fondly remember Late Saroj Ben, our then Principal, whose leadership laid the foundation for discipline and excellence. The guidance of Late Pratima Ben, whose stern yet caring demeanor inspired respect; Late Michael Sir, our beloved music teacher; Salochana Ben, who instilled in us a love for Hindi; and Naseem Teacher, whose passion for science left a lasting impression—along with many others—was instrumental in our holistic development.
Back then, learning was purely driven by books, references, and current affairs. Even without modern tools like Google, the knowledge and values imparted were profound and lifelong. At 56 today, I still carry with me the strong moral compass and discipline that the school embedded in us.
What stood out the most was the environment of respect and growth. Despite being strict, our teachers never resorted to physical punishment—something truly commendable in an era when it was widely accepted. The discipline they instilled came from a place of care and commitment to our improvement, making the experience both nurturing and empowering.
Udgam today stands tall because of the strong foundation laid by its pioneers. The legacy of those early years continues to shape countless lives. I sincerely believe the values, dedication, and excellence of those times are the pillars upon which Udgam has grown into the esteemed institution it is today.
God bless all the wonderful teachers and the entire Udgam family. Let us continue to build this network of shared memories, values, and growth.
Warm regards,
[Gopal Verliani]
