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President Droupadi Murmu Visits Air Force Bal Bharati School

President Droupadi Murmu Meets Students During Visit to Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu visited Air Force Bal Bharati School at Lodi Road in New Delhi for a special programme that brought together students, teachers and senior Indian Air Force officials. The visit centred on education, creativity and the role of young people in building India’s future.

The President was received by Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Mrs Sarita Singh, President of the Air Force Families Welfare Association (AFFWA). The programme began with a formal welcome from the school before students presented a cultural performance featuring music and dance.

One of the main parts of the visit was an interaction between the President Droupadi Murmu and students from different classes. During the session, she encouraged them to work hard in their studies, maintain strong moral values and make a positive contribution to the country. School visits by the President are often used to recognise educational institutions while giving students an opportunity to interact directly with the Head of State.

Smt Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India in July 2022 and is the Supreme Commander of the country’s Armed Forces. Since taking office, she has regularly attended school and university events, convocation ceremonies and programmes linked to science, education and skill development. Her public addresses frequently encourage young people to combine academic learning with discipline, integrity and service to society.

President Droupadi Murmu also visited an art exhibition organised by the school. The display featured paintings and creative projects prepared by students from both the Junior and Senior School sections. The exhibition reflected a wide range of themes and artistic styles developed as part of the school’s co-curricular activities. Art exhibitions in schools are widely seen as an important way to encourage imagination, observation and self-expression alongside classroom learning.

Air Force Bal Bharati School has a long history in Delhi’s education sector. The institution was established on 15 July 1955 as a primary school with 116 students and six staff members. It later expanded into a senior secondary school and now educates more than 3,300 students. The school functions under the Indian Air Force Educational and Cultural Society and is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). While it was created to support the education of children of Indian Air Force personnel, it now serves students from different backgrounds.

The school has earned recognition over the years for its academic results as well as activities in sports, music, performing arts and science. Like many leading CBSE schools, it places importance on balancing classroom education with practical learning, leadership opportunities and community participation. Such programmes aim to help students develop communication skills, teamwork and confidence from an early age.

The presence of Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh added importance to the event. As the professional head of the Indian Air Force, he oversees one of the country’s three armed services. The Air Force plays a key role in protecting India’s airspace, supporting humanitarian relief operations, transporting emergency supplies and responding during natural disasters. School visits involving senior defence leaders often help students understand the work of the armed forces beyond military operations.

Mrs Sarita Singh, President of the Air Force Families Welfare Association, also attended the programme. AFFWA works to support the welfare of Indian Air Force families through education, healthcare, vocational training and community initiatives. The organisation has been involved in programmes that promote the well-being of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

During the visit, the President Droupadi Murmu observed the school’s academic facilities and other infrastructure. According to the school, she appreciated its educational environment and the efforts being made to prepare responsible citizens. Modern schools increasingly invest in laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, digital classrooms and creative learning spaces to help students gain practical knowledge alongside textbook education. These developments reflect wider changes in India’s school education system as institutions adopt new teaching methods and technology.

Presidential visits to educational institutions are relatively uncommon, making such occasions memorable for students and staff. For many children, meeting the President offers a close look at India’s constitutional system and the responsibilities carried by the country’s highest constitutional office. Such interactions can encourage students to take a greater interest in public service, education and national institutions.

The event concluded with the President’s visit to the student art exhibition before she departed the campus. For Air Force Bal Bharati School, the occasion marked an important chapter in its more than seven decades of educational work. For the students, it provided an opportunity to present their talents, share their ideas and hear directly from the President of India about the importance of learning, character and service to the nation.