Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 21 Jul: Edify World School, Dehradun, celebrated the birthday of the institute’s Honorary Director, Advocate Dr Pankaj Holkar, in a joyous and dignified atmosphere. This year’s celebration became historic for the entire Edify family, as Cedar Brook University, USA, conferred on him the honorary doctorate of Doctor of Philosophy in Education & Social Welfare (Honoris Causa).
This international honour was bestowed on him for his social contributions over 33 years in the field of holistic development and adventure education for children with special needs. Dr Holkar founded the voluntary youth organisation “Manav” and organised numerous national-level adventure camps for children with special needs across the country. These expeditions instilled confidence, courage, leadership, and self-reliance in the lives of thousands of children.
In 2015, Dr Holkar launched the “Tarang” Special Needs School initiative in collaboration with the Clement Town Cantonment. This innovative initiative provides inclusive and quality education to children with special needs. Currently, over 150 special needs students are receiving education under this initiative. This project has become an inspiring example of inclusive education and social responsibility.
A large number of Dr Holkar’s childhood friends, colleagues, academics, social workers, parents, and members of the Edify family attended the ceremony. They all congratulated him on receiving the honorary doctorate and wished him a happy birthday.
In 1992, he received a “C Certificate” in the NCC Senior Division, was the best sharpshooter in Delhi, and represented hockey at the national level. His coach was the legendary Indian hockey player, Pargat Singh.
Currently, Edify World School, Dehradun, a CBSE senior secondary school, operated under the aegis of the Holkar Educational Trust, provides quality, value-based, and innovation-based education under his leadership. His philosophy is that every child should have equal opportunities to recognise, develop, and advance in life.
The school’s Principal, Pradeep Gaur, extended his heartfelt birthday wishes. He stated that this honour is not only a personal achievement for Dr. Holkar, but also a matter of pride for the entire Edify family, and the education sector of Uttarakhand. He stated that Dr Holkar’s life embodies service, dedication, leadership, and human values, and that his work will continue to inspire generations to be socially responsible.
The ceremony concluded with a cake cutting ceremony, felicitation ceremony, and the exchange of best wishes by all the guests.
