Centenary fete: HPS to host largest fundraiser in history of schools in India

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Public School (HPS), Begumpet, announced an investment of 17.5 crore for a Multy sports facility and 10 crore for an innovation Centre (similar to T Hub) to foster entrepreneurship on Thursday as part of its plans for the grand finale of its year-long centenary celebrations.

The finale, spanning from December 19 to December 24, 2023, will feature over 50 activities for the HPS fraternity, including students, faculty, alumni, and parents.

The four-day grand finale will include a massive fundraising effort aimed at earning Rs. 17.5 crore for a cutting-edge green field multi-utility sports centre designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. This is part of the school's bold vision 2050 initiative, which aims to generate Rs. 150 crores for massive development ambitions.

The school is one of the few in the country that offers 80G tax exemptions to donors and has an FCRA licence to receive overseas donations. It is actively promoting Educational Philanthropy and the concept of giving back, that is very popular in the western world in most legacy not for profit institutions.

The school is in the process of constructing an Innovation Centre projected at a cost of 10 cr, similar to T-Hub to foster entrepreneurship and innovation culture at school level itself, generously funded by HPS Alumni. Spanning 15,000 square feet, this unique facility stands as a pioneering project, making HPS the sole school in the country to boast such an achievement. The faculty will actively encourage hands-on learning experiences in robotics and AI within this center.

The Grand Finale week will be kickstarted with an HPS Centenary Dinner, an exclusive limited seating fund raising dinner, on the December 24, 2023 at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. The dinner is set to be attended by distinguished guests and alumni from around the world with the purpose of raising funds for the HPS Centenary Sports Center.

The ensuing three days, December 25-27 will see the entire HPS universe of over 15,000 people culminate in the campus and celebrate 100 years of the school. This is expected to be perhaps the largest celebrations held by any school in India.

The finale concert will be held on the December 27 in the front field with the 100-year-old building as the backdrop. The renowned trio – Shankar Ehsan Loy are set to enthrall the audience at The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.

Elaborating on the finale celebrations, Gusti J Noria - The President HPS Society said, “The Grand Finale of the HPS’s centenary year is a testament to our last 100 years of legacy, leadership, and excellence looking towards the future to lead, serve and soar. We look forward to the entire HPS family getting together and rejoicing on this landmark and momentous occasion”.

The HPS family has planned a series of events across the campus to celebrate its centenary, exchange ideas, share knowledge, network, and strengthen further.

Some of the key highlights include a spectacular HPS Carnival, a HPS Museum - The Echoes of Time, HPS StartX - an Entrepreneurship Summit, a Sports Reunion, The Centenary Golf Tournament at the Hyderabad Golf Club, a regal Vintage Car Showcase, a Speed Networking sessions, a learning zone with Book Readings, Panel Discussions, Workshops, the depositing of a Time capsule, a stunning performance by the popular band “The Bartenders”, a Centenary Alumni Reunion dinner along with “Best Kept Secret” playing live, Art Competition, Photography Competition, a mock Parliament session, and many more activities.