Shimla, June 20
Auckland House School concluded its week-long inter-school festival Zephyr 2026, held as part of the institution’s 160 Years of Excellence celebrations, with a series of academic, cultural and creative events that brought together students from leading schools across Shimla.
The festival served as a platform for students to showcase research, critical thinking, public speaking, theatre and artistic expression while engaging with contemporary issues and innovative ideas.
One of the key attractions was the Symposium of Ideas, organised in memory of former principal Mrs Sunita John. Students from St Edward’s School, St Thomas’ School, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Chelsea School, Auckland House School for Boys, Auckland House School and RKMV presented research papers and participated in academic discussions. The symposium was moderated by Dr Pankaj K Singh, former professor and chairperson of the Department of English at Himachal Pradesh University, while Director General of Police Satwant Atwal Trivedi attended as the special guest.
Another highlight was Proof of the Matter, where students proposed evidence-based solutions to challenges related to sustainable development, urban issues, digital life and human behaviour. Auckland House School for Boys won the Best Actionable Plan Award, while Auckland House School received the Honourable Mention Award.
The inter-school drama competition, From Script to Stage, encouraged participants to transform original scripts into theatrical productions. Pritha Doegar of Auckland House School won both the Best Actor and Best Script awards.
Students also showcased their speaking and persuasive skills in Shipwrecked, a competition that required participants to defend why they deserved the final life jacket aboard a sinking ship while portraying assigned personalities. Aaidhan Gowher of Auckland House School for Boys emerged as the winner in Category I (Classes IX-X), while Pritha Doegar secured the top honour in Category II (Classes XI-XII).
The concluding day featured an Inter-House Nukkad Natak Competition, with students from Lefroy, French, Durrant and Matthew Houses presenting street plays on contemporary social issues. The performances were judged by theatre personalities Rupesh Bhimta and Kedar Thakur.
A French Fashion Show added a cultural dimension to the event. Group 6 secured first position, while Groups 1 and 2 jointly finished second.
School authorities said Zephyr 2026 provided students with opportunities to research, question, create and perform while developing confidence and leadership skills. They added that the participation of educators, artists and professionals enriched the learning experience and reflected the school’s commitment to holistic education.
As Auckland House School marks 160 years of educational excellence, Zephyr 2026 highlighted the institution’s continued focus on nurturing informed, creative and socially responsible young individuals.
