SHIMLA
PM SHRI Government Boys School, Nalagarh Wins ToFEI Award; Samagra Shiksha’s Efforts Bear Fruit
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has earned national recognition in the fight against tobacco use, with PM SHRI Government Boys Senior Secondary School Nalagarh receiving an award under the prestigious Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) School Challenge 2025 organised by the Ministry of Education.
The school from Solan district secured an Encouragement Award at a national-level ceremony held in New Delhi, marking a significant achievement for the state’s education sector. The recognition comes as a result of sustained efforts by Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh to create safe, healthy and positive learning environments in government schools.
Congratulating the school community, Samagra Shiksha Director Rajesh Sharma said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness among students about the harmful effects of tobacco and substance abuse.
The national award ceremony was inaugurated by Sanjay Kumar, who also launched the “Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya” Action Plan and Portal. He emphasized the importance of awareness, institutional responsibility and collective efforts in protecting students from tobacco and drug abuse.
The award was received on behalf of the school by State Nodal Officer Varsha Sood, District Nodal Officer Suman Bala and teacher Mrinal.
School Turned Anti-Tobacco Drive into a Mass Movement
Under a special initiative of Samagra Shiksha during 2025-26, the Nalagarh school transformed its anti-tobacco campaign into a community movement. The campus installed 100 percent ToFEI signage and Tobacco-Free Zone boards, while more than 500 students and teachers took a pledge against tobacco consumption.
Students actively participated in rallies, poster-making competitions, marathons and street plays to spread awareness across the Nalagarh region about the dangers of tobacco use. The school’s comprehensive efforts helped it stand out amid stiff competition from schools across India and Union Territories.
Principal Manoj Kumar credited the achievement to the leadership of Rajesh Sharma and the collective efforts of teachers, students and staff members.
