my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 28 Dec: Dehradun Hills Academy (DDHA), one of India’s leading boutique residential schools, successfully hosted an enriching International Student Exchange Programme from 20 to 26 December, welcoming eight students from Shoagh Institute, Tehran, Iran, accompanied by Ghazaleh, Yoga Instructor, and Negar, Student Travel Guide.
The week-long exchange stood as a celebration of cultural unity, shared learning, and global friendship, reinforcing the belief that while cultures may differ, children across the world are bound by the same curiosity, warmth, and openness. The programme reflected DDHA’s commitment to experiential education, global exposure, and nurturing students into empathetic, globally aware individuals.
The exchange commenced on 21 December with the celebration of Yalda Night, a traditional Iranian festival marking the longest night of the year. The evening evolved into a vibrant cultural confluence, when students of Dehradun Hills Academy showcased India’s ancient heritage through thoughtful presentations on the meaning of Namaste, Tilak traditions, Mandala art, and Indian customs deeply rooted in spirituality, gratitude, and respect.
In turn, the Iranian delegation beautifully presented their cultural heritage through handcrafted bead dolls, authentic Iranian delicacies prepared by the students themselves, and a captivating performance of traditional Persian dance and drum music. The celebration was attended by guests from Dehradun as well as visitors from Iran and Syria, making it a truly international gathering of cultures and ideas.
As part of the experiential learning journey, students visited Haridwar and Rishikesh, witnessing the iconic Ganga Aarti, spending time at a yoga centre, and immersing themselves in India’s spiritual traditions. The programme also included visits to Greenich Green Farm and local herb farms, allowing students to understand organic and sustainable farming practices. A visit to Gujjar ka Dera offered insights into ancient nomadic lifestyles and sustainable living, further deepening students’ appreciation of India’s rural wisdom and harmony with nature.
Academic and skill-based workshops formed an integral part of the exchange. The Chairperson, Sandeep Singh, conducted an insightful session on the Indian Knowledge System, highlighting India’s timeless wisdom and its relevance in the modern world. The Managing Director led a Gratitude Writing session, encouraging reflection, mindfulness, and emotional well-being among students. A workshop on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) was conducted by renowned resource person Dolly B Philips from Dubai, focusing on communication, mindset, and self-awareness.
Sharing his thoughts on the programme, Yudhishter Puran Singh the Managing Director of Dehradun Hills Academy remarked, “At DDHA, we strongly believe that education is about collaboration, not competition. Our aim is to give students a global perspective—one that helps them appreciate diversity, build empathy, and learn from each other’s cultures. International exchanges like these broaden horizons and prepare our children to thrive in a connected world.”
The exchange concluded on 25 December with a warm Christmas celebration, symbolising joy, inclusivity, and global harmony.
In continuation of its global initiatives, DDHA is set to host an upcoming SCI International Work-Camp in January 2026, which will welcome nearly 12 volunteers from across Europe for a two-week immersive engagement. The volunteers will work closely with students, sharing insights on volunteering, life skills, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.
The International Student Exchange Programme was ably led by Programme Coordinator Salonica, with seamless support from Preity (Food & Mess In-charge), Vijayanand (Logistics In-charge), along with Shuaib, Vidushi, Simmi, and Pooja, whose dedication ensured the programme’s smooth execution and success.
Through such initiatives, Dehradun Hills Academy continues to shape globally aware, compassionate, and confident young individuals—ready to engage meaningfully with the world.
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