In continuation of the commitment made by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, during the Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony held last month at Punjab Lok Bhavan, the School Education Department, Chandigarh Administration, today organised a Career Counselling and Interaction Session for meritorious students of Government Schools who excelled in the CBSE Class XII Examination.
The initiative was undertaken as a follow-up to the Administrator’s announcement regarding structured career guidance and support mechanisms for deserving students and reflects the Chandigarh Administration’s continued efforts to nurture talent, promote educational excellence and expand opportunities for meritorious students from Government Schools.
Around 50 meritorious students along with their parents participated in the interactive session. The session was attended by Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, UT Chandigarh, Shri Nitish Singla, Director School Education, Chandigarh Administration and other officers of the Education Department.
Addressing the students, Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav shared his personal journey and experiences, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, discipline and continuous learning in achieving professional success. He encouraged students to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination and to make informed career choices based on their interests, aptitude and long-term goals.
Interacting with students and parents, the Deputy Commissioner responded to queries on higher education, competitive examinations, public service careers, emerging sectors and scholarship opportunities. He encouraged students to strive for excellence while remaining committed to personal development and social responsibility.
Responding to a query from a student aspiring to join the Civil Services, Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav shared insights into the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges associated with a career in the UPSC and other public services. Drawing from his own experience, he explained various aspects of the profession and encouraged students to make informed career choices after carefully evaluating their interests, aptitude and long-term aspirations.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nitish Singla, Director School Education, said that the initiative marks the beginning of a structured effort by the Education Department to provide sustained career guidance and mentorship to meritorious students. He stated that the Department would continue to facilitate such interactions and support mechanisms to help students make informed academic and career choices and access opportunities aligned with their aspirations and potential.
The session focused on three key areas - career guidance and mentorship, resolution of academic and career-related queries and identification of deserving students requiring financial support for higher education. Possibilities for mobilising assistance through NGOs, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, philanthropic organisations and other stakeholders were also explored to ensure that financial limitations do not impede the aspirations of talented students.
Students actively participated in the interaction, sharing their aspirations and seeking guidance on diverse career pathways. The session enabled them to gain valuable insights and clarity regarding future educational and professional opportunities.
The programme marks an important step towards implementing the Administrator’s vision of providing holistic support to meritorious students through mentorship, career guidance and enhanced access to educational opportunities, thereby enabling them to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building.