PANAJI
People’s High School, Panaji, will launch year-long celebrations to mark its 90th anniversary from 9 December 2025 to 9 December 2026, honouring nine decades of transformative education in Goa.
The school was founded on 9 December 1936 by Manguesh Fondu Surlacar, a patriot and educationist, with a vision to provide inclusive and value-based learning. The date also marks the birth of his son, Jagdish Surlacar, who continued his father’s mission with dedication and vision. In 1962, Manguesh Surlacar further expanded his efforts by establishing People’s Primary School. Later, Jagdish Surlacar founded the School for Appropriate Learning (SFAL) in 1986 and People’s Higher Secondary School in 1988, creating a holistic educational ecosystem that has served generations of Goans.
As the first initiative of the commemorative year, a Digital Alumni Registry will be launched on Founder’s Day, 15 July 2025. Alumni are encouraged to log in, fill in their details, and share the link (https://bit.ly/Peoples90) with batchmates via WhatsApp and other platforms to ensure wide participation.
The official launch of the celebrations is scheduled for 19 December 2025, coinciding with Goa Liberation Day. The day will feature a symbolic flag hoisting ceremony where alumni will don the roles of students once again, followed by the formation of a human chain along Rua de Ourem road. In the evening, a keynote address will be delivered by a distinguished national figure, and current students will present a cultural programme.
Throughout the year, the school will organise a series of events, including a monthly podcast series featuring inspiring stories from alumni across the globe, highlighting their journeys and the role People’s played in shaping their lives. The celebrations will conclude in December 2026 with an Alumni Sports Day featuring classic inter-house competitions and a “Back to School” experience.
In a special gesture of gratitude, all former teachers will be invited and felicitated by their former students, rekindling bonds and honouring the guiding lights who have shaped People’s legacy.
The celebrations are being guided by an Advisory Committee comprising Anil Counto (1961), Arvind Wagh (1963), and Dinar Bhatkar (1969). The Core Committee is led by Manoj Caculo (1985), while the Organising Committee is headed by Rajesh Khaunte (1988). The Infrastructure Committee is chaired by Dr Rajesh Dhume (1981), and the Communication Committee is led by Vernon Fernandes (1994).
As part of giving back to the institution, alumni have pledged to support permanent infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of a passenger lift, 20 smartboards, a UPS system for uninterrupted power supply, and enhanced classroom acoustics, ensuring an enriched learning environment for future generations.
The celebration committees have called upon all alumni to be part of this historic milestone by registering to volunteer, contributing ideas, and actively participating in the various events planned throughout the year.
As People’s High School looks back with pride and ahead with purpose, it reaffirms the motto that has guided it for nine decades:
“The School and We are One — What We Are, the Race Shall Be.”
