The founders of Arya Samaj, Model Town, started this school in 1956 with the aim of teaching Sanskrit, a beautiful language almost dying out. That is why the school was named Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyalaya. It started as a primary school and followed the Punjab School Education Board’s syllabus. In 1959 it was upgraded to Middle School and was recognised in 1964. In 1965 it was upgraded to High School and got permanent recognition on April 1 1976. Its name then became R.S. Model High School (Rashtriya Sanskrit Model High School). It is a recognised and aided school affiliated to the Punjab School Education Board.

Till October 1979, this school was housed on the premises of the Arya Samaj, Model Town and was working in two shifts — morning shift for high classes and evening shift for primary classes. The school was shifted to the present sprawling building in October, 1979. It is spread over 5 acres. The school has been continuously making tremendous progress in the field of academics, sports , as well as moral and religious fields. The growth of this institution has been possible due to the continuous guidance of the members of the Arya Samaj, the executive committee of the school and the personal involvement of our president Mahatma Satya Nand Ji Munjal.

The dedicated staff has made it possible for the institution to reach its present glories. Not only this our principals - Mr Mangat Ram Mehta (retd.) and Mr Mohan Lal Kalra (serving) have been awarded with the state as well as National Award for teaching, in the years 1997 and 1998, respectively but this is the only school whose principals have consecutively been awarded with state and national awards.

This dream, visualised by Late Sant Ram Ji Sayal (the founder of the school), Mr Bal Mukand Ji Munjal, Mr Sarup Narayan Ji Bajaj, Mr Mohinder Pal Ji Sayal, all past presidents and Mr Keshav Ji Thekedar has now materialised. The school management introduced +2 system for girls under the new education policy in the session 1987-88. Now, from the academic session 2001-2002, the school’s management feels proud to start the Class XI and Class XII for the boys also. Our school is progressing day by day.

The aim of the school is to encourage pupils to develop their latent capabilities to the fullest extent and to cope successfully with the challenges of their future life. We also aim to give due emphasis on establishing the value of moral fibre in the development of an effective personality. The school also knows the importance of sports in the balanced growth of students and also provides periodic counselling to help the students to achieve their fullest potential.

The results for the past 20 years have been 100 per cent . Maximum number of students pass in first division. No student of the school has ever passed in third division ever.

School is running NSS unit, Scouts and Guides units for all round development of student. The school encourages reading habits and has a well-equipped library and computer labs to make students proficient. School reviews its methods of teaching and keeps introducing modern training aids to help better comprehension of the subject matter.

On education

Mr Kalra felt that the examination at Primary and Middle School should be dispensed with as the other boards do not hold examinations at these two levels. The examination puts lots of stress on students. Even the National Education Policy does not mention the examinations. The other problem is that in certain schools, the examinations are conducted in English medium, In schools with mixed medium i.e where teaching is carried out in both English and Hindi, the board does not give papers in English like subjects of Mathematics, Science, etc., and students find difficulty in solving papers. Remedial classes for weak students are held for board students. No tuitions are encouraged in the school.

On discipline

Discipline begins with the principal of an institution. Only if the principal is disciplined , automatically, discipline will filter down to the staff members and from them to students and other workers of the school. The students in our school are taught to be disciplined without outside force, as the discipline that comes from within is better than external discipline. Discipline is chiefly responsible for everything — good academic results, success in sports and cocurricular activities. House Council members and disciplinary committee also helps in maintaining discipline. We rarely get cases of indiscipline, and when they arise, experienced teachers counsel the students. Only in rare cases help of parents is sought. For late comers, we levy a fine of Rs 2.

On religion

Daily havan is performed in school. After the havan , the students are given ‘dharmik shiksha’. Mr Kalra said,” example is better than percept”, so we the teachers have to follow good values like tolerance, kindness, to be just and be helping so that the students imbibe these basic human values automatically. We celebrate all functions with great enthusiasm. Patriotism is put at premium. The students had participated in the Republic Day function held at district level. The Deputy Commissioner had appreciated the students for their singing talent. I love to quote the following lines to my students.

Three things to respect

Old age, Religion and Law

Three things to prevent

Idleness, Falsehood and injustice

Three things to cultivate

Sympathy, cheerfulness and contentment.