Two Schools, One Legacy: A Story of Vision, Separation, and Progress In 1916, Sardar Mota Singh laid the foundation of a school in Nila, District Chakwal (now in Pakistan). His vision was not merely to construct a building but to cultivate minds. Driven by a deep spirit of service, determination, and an unwavering commitment to education, the institution soon earned recognition across the region. The school, later known as S.S. Mota Singh Khalsa Higher Secondary School, became a beacon of learning between 1916 and 1947. Deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds were provided with free books, stationery, and essential academic support. It was not just an educational institution; it was a mission rooted in community upliftment. Following the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the original institution remained in Pakistan. However, the vision of its founder did not fade. To revive and continue this noble mission, the S.S. Mota Singh (Nila) Charitable Trust was established and registered in Delhi in December 1975. Under this Trust, S.S. Mota Singh Senior Secondary School was founded in New Delhi during the mid-1970s as a tribute to the original Nila institution. Without direct government patronage and operating through a charitable trust, the school steadily progressed and developed into a respected educational institution, continuing the founder’s ideals of discipline, service, and academic excellence. Today, the contrast between the two institutions tells a thought-provoking story. The Delhi-based school, guided by a trust and community commitment, has expanded and advanced significantly over the decades. Meanwhile, the historic high school building in Nila, despite its rich legacy and extensive grounds, remains limited to secondary-level education. This comparison is not meant to diminish one institution over the other. Rather, it raises an important question about vision, leadership, and responsibility. When an idea rooted in service can flourish across borders, what prevents it from reaching greater heights at its place of origin? The legacy of Sardar Mota Singh demonstrates that institutions thrive not merely through infrastructure or politics, but through sustained commitment, collective will, and long-term educational vision.

Two Schools, One Legacy: A Story of Vision, Separation, and Progress

In 1916, Sardar Mota Singh laid the foundation of a school in Nila, District Chakwal (now in Pakistan). His vision was not merely to construct a building but to cultivate minds. Driven by a deep spirit of service, determination, and an unwavering commitment to education, the institution soon earned recognition across the region.

The school, later known as S.S. Mota Singh Khalsa Higher Secondary School, became a beacon of learning between 1916 and 1947. Deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds were provided with free books, stationery, and essential academic support. It was not just an educational institution; it was a mission rooted in community upliftment.

Following the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the original institution remained in Pakistan. However, the vision of its founder did not fade. To revive and continue this noble mission, the S.S. Mota Singh (Nila) Charitable Trust was established and registered in Delhi in December 1975.

Under this Trust, S.S. Mota Singh Senior Secondary School was founded in New Delhi during the mid-1970s as a tribute to the original Nila institution. Without direct government patronage and operating through a charitable trust, the school steadily progressed and developed into a respected educational institution, continuing the founder’s ideals of discipline, service, and academic excellence.

Today, the contrast between the two institutions tells a thought-provoking story. The Delhi-based school, guided by a trust and community commitment, has expanded and advanced significantly over the decades. Meanwhile, the historic high school building in Nila, despite its rich legacy and extensive grounds, remains limited to secondary-level education.

This comparison is not meant to diminish one institution over the other. Rather, it raises an important question about vision, leadership, and responsibility. When an idea rooted in service can flourish across borders, what prevents it from reaching greater heights at its place of origin?

The legacy of Sardar Mota Singh demonstrates that institutions thrive not merely through infrastructure or politics, but through sustained commitment, collective will, and long-term educational vision.