March 28, 2026: A remarkable achievement has emerged from the government primary schools of Kotbhakhtu and Giana villages in Talwandi Sabo and Sangat blocks, demonstrating that children from rural backgrounds can excel when provided with the right environment, guidance, and resources. Out of 80 seats in the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) this year, 22 students from these two schools—representing 28% of the total—secured admission, setting a notable record.

This success has been significantly supported by HMEL’s Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, which has provided essential facilities such as smart panels, stationery, and other learning resources to help students prepare for the competitive entrance examination. The schools also focused on strengthening reasoning skills, a key component for excelling in the Navodaya test. Teachers played a vital role, conducting extra classes and using modern teaching methods to enhance students’ performance.

Kotbhakhtu Primary School doubled its success this year, with 11 students qualifying for Navodaya Vidyalaya, compared to six last year and seven in 2024. 

Meanwhile, Giana Primary School maintained its eight-year winning streak, producing 11 successful candidates this year and contributing to over 50 selections since 2018. The consistent performance highlights the schools’ sustained focus on academic excellence and the impact of structured support from HMEL.

Other HMEL-supported schools in the district also contributed to the overall success, with students from Singo, Malkana, Natheha, Pakka Kalan, Sekhu, Tarkhanwala, and Chak Ruldu Singh earning admission this year. Last year, Talwandi Sabo block led the district with 28 selections, followed by Rampura, Sangat, Maur, Goniana, Bathinda, and Bhagta Bhaika blocks, reinforcing the block’s reputation as a hub of academic achievement.

Head Teachers Gurdarshan Singh of Giana and Navtej Singh of Kotbhakhtu highlighted the importance of reasoning skills, smart panels, and dedicated extra classes in preparing students. Singh noted that structured practice, modern learning aids, and motivated teachers enabled students to approach competitive exams with confidence and achieve remarkable results.

This accomplishment underscores the transformative impact of well-supported government schools, proving that rural students can compete at the highest academic levels when provided with resources, guidance, and encouragement.

Source: The Savera Times