The St Mary's School, one of Nepal’s pioneering schools for girls, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee, on Friday.

Established 70 years ago with just 13 students, the school celebrated the event with various cultural and other activities.

President Ramchandra Paudel and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba were among those attending the event as chief dignitaries.

In his address, the President lauded the role played by the school for 70 years and its lasting contribution to Nepal's education sector. He emphasised the need for connecting Nepal’s education system with knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurship.

“Education develops disciplined citizens and prepares capable patriots. We must link our education system with knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurship,” said President Paudel.

Over the past 70 years, the school has produced hundreds of thousands students and made a remarkable contribution to the country's human resources development, the President said.

He stressed that the nation should now focus on increasing production and employment to build a self-reliant economy.

President Paudel also mentioned that education is not only a medium to awaken one’s inner consciousness but also a powerful tool for social, economic, and cultural transformation. Education develops critical thinking and fosters responsibility, accountability, and decision-making abilities enabling individuals to work in the interest of themselves, the nation, and the people, he said.

Foreign Minister Deuba, herself an alumna of the school, recalled her school days.

“The school taught me so many things that are still relevant in my life. We only knew good and bad. We did not know there is also a grey area. So the school taught us to be honest and good, and how to be a good human being. The memories and lessons I learned are still with me,” she said.

She added that St Mary's has produced several ministers, hundreds of civil servants, technocrats, and other professionals. She also recounted how she became a psychiatrist.

Regional Superior Sister Vinita said St Mary's is the most sought-after school in Nepal. She shared the story of how the school was established in Nepal and how it has grown into one of the most prestigious schools that produces thousands of qualified students now serving inside and outside the country.

Students also staged cultural performances that highlighted the journey and evolution of the school.