Saraswati Vidya Mandir

Saraswati Vidya Mandir is located on the Kotkhai Road in Himri, which is part of the Shimla district. This is apple country, and most of the people who live around here are involved in the orchards in one way or another. Our school is built on a bit of a slope, as is typical for this part of Shimla. It’s a plain building, painted in a way that doesn't stand out too much from the landscape. We have the usual collection of classrooms, an office, and a small space for the kids to gather in the mornings. The winters are the hardest part of the year for us. When the snow falls on Kotkhai Road, it can be quite a struggle for everyone to get to the school on time. We often have to clear the path ourselves. Inside, the rooms are simple. We don't have central heating or anything like that, just thick walls and whatever sweaters the children bring from home. The teachers are sensible people who focus on the curriculum and making sure the students are prepared for their tests. We don't have any promotional flyers or a big sign at the entrance. People know we are here because their neighbors’ kids come here. It’s a very grounded school that fits right into the daily life of Himri Kotkhai. The bell is just a piece of metal we hit with a hammer.