I joined Akal Academy way back in 1998 and after reaping the benefits of opportunities I was offered at the campus, I would name the school as one of the greatest inventions of 20th century in our Sikh world.

The school had lion's share in shaping my life. To begin with, let's take academics. I would say, the school offers the best affordable scientific education. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure to nurture the creativity of young minds. You name a book of your school level, and it is there in the library. Plush and well-equipped labs have gone a long way in engendering my scientific aptitude and enabling me to pursue Sciences for higher studies. Today, when I talk to relatives or friends here, I find myself way ahead of them in most aspects of knowledge, except of course, movies and time-killing TV sops. The school has very dedicated faculty. I know some senior teachers staying back with students as late as midnight to help them perform to their potential. I attribute the entire credit of my successful run through the tenth and twelfth board exams and many other national level exams to God's blessings and hard work of my teachers. Without their encouragement and burning an equal midnight oil, the school couldn't have boasted of some of the best stats in academics in such a short span of its existence.

Everything is so practical, that studies suddenly appear thrilling and exciting. They rope in many eminent professionals from time to time to give a first hand experience of the world outside. I have been really fortunate to attend on campus academic workshops by many great professors. To name a few, Prof. Dhir, M.Tech IIT Mumbai, Surya Narayan, Gold Medalist, Oxford University (England), Physics professor and renowned ultrasound researcher, GNDU Amritsar, Mr. B.S. Dilawari, office-holder in Indian consulate in different European countries and many veteran trekkers and army staff have all visited us and taught priceless lessons from their experiences. Above all, I couldn't believe my fortune when I was face to face with the top brass NCERT faculty last year. I wondered, “Are they the ones whose names we would read on front pages of our books and admire them for their wisdom?” Believe me, I know no other school that offers such effective training.

Now about the spiritual training. Today, I rise at about 4:00 am and offer my prayers. I am mostly through my day's chores and tasks when some of my friends are pulled out of their beds. Many people, after they are mature, try hard to develop this habit, but succeed only a little. I bow my head to my alma mater for ingraining this in my life-style. I have immense love for my Kakars and Sikh Rehat. Again, the credit goes to school. I don't abuse, nor am I in the hold of any of the other vices. When I see children younger than me, given to smoking, abusing, movie or TV addiction, I offer heart-felt thanks to the people, who guided me at the right time.

Sports are another forte of Akal Academy. We are made to play each and every game. Right from the beginning, I have shied from playing, something that I have always regretted but couldn't help much with. Still, I have always participated in most of the school sports tournaments. The sports faculty tries to ensure maximum participation and even encourages some half-hearted people like me to play. All the sports equipments, courts and playgrounds are sufficient and well maintained. I can't recall any occasion when children were denied play due to insufficient materials or trainers. They handle a very busy sports calendar but don't deny even a single child from realizing his potential in any game.

Today, the co-curricular activities have become a prerequisite for the overall development of personality. I am delighted that the school answers even that call of the hour very enthusiastically. Close to fifty co-curricular activities and stage programs are organized every year to promote this talent in students. I have personal experience of participating in most kinds of co-curricular activities. And it is a fact, that each and every student, YES, 100% students participate in Annual cum Sports Day. Now, do you think any other school, even some of the best, can claim this?

Last of all, a word for how it feels like to live under the care of some of the most dedicated, disciplined and sincere souls. Yes, Baba Ji and the school Principal have been the true protagonists of this success story. They have led this movement by setting personal examples. I have had a lifetime opportunity to study under the keen vigil of Dr. Davinder Singh Ji. He always has a smile or a kind yet valuable word to share even after a back-breaking day in the office. I have learnt true lessons of self-less service by seeing him sitting on the same rugged wooden stool and treating poor patients or lending ears to the school complaints. Right from 5 o'clock in the morning till late night, he is available for all kinds of help. When asked why he doesn't get tired, he makes it very clear and brief, “As long as you work on a job, you do get tired. But there is no tiredness in Sewa”. I hold him as my mentor and pray that these seeds of dedication are passed on to every student studying under his guidance.

All said, we all should be really grateful to Baba Iqbal Singh Ji for shouldering this gigantic revolution and working endlessly to bring dreams of revered Sant Atar Singh Ji to reality.