Mandi, a rapidly developing town of Himachal Pradesh, is situated on the banks of river Beas that enhances its picturesque beauty. This town is also known as Choti Kashi having number of temples with architectural excellence that are an integral part of its historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Mandi town has kept pace with modern developments in various fields such as education, health, commerce and communication. It can boast of producing an elite class comprising of doctors, engineers, teachers public representatives, judges and defense personals. The credit of shaping their career goes much to Government Vijay Senior Secondary School Mandi.
This school is named after the name of Raja of Mandi State, Raja Vijay Sen. It was established in 1866 as Anglo Vernacular Middle school. Now it is among the best schools of the state dedicated to the cause of learning.
In 1864, the government granted the Raja(Vijay Sen. then about 18 years) a salute of eleven guns and on 12th October 1866, having attained his majority, he was firmly invested by Sir Douglas Forsyth with the powers of ruling prince. On this occasion he devoted one Lakh of Rupees for works of public utility in the state, as an auspicious commencement of his reign. These included a school,hospital and Post Office etc in the town of Mandi.
The most important school in the state was the Anglo Vernacular middle school at Mandi (presently known as Government Vijay Senior Secondary School Mandi) where the number of boys exceeded five hundred. Of these about one half received instruction in English, the rest being taught Urdu. The building was good one but the rapid increase in numbers had put a severe strain on the available accommodation. Than it was felt that it would be necessary to find other buildings for the primary department.
The staff was adequate in numbers, but mostly untrained and the main efforts of the Darbar during that time had been to provide trained teachers. Youths of promise were being send each year to various training institutions. The moral tone and discipline were satisfactory. The boys were keen on games, first aid lectures had been introduced students club was doing useful work and special attention was paid to physical culture. The standard of the education was as good as could be expected from subordinate staff available. The town people were very keen on educating there sons and were anxious that a High School should be opened. Later on this middle school was converted into High School. This school has been the Alma-mater fir the maximum citizens of Mandi. Since there is no link between the present and the past students hence it was observed that this school can serve that purpose in a better way so as to give healthy direction to the coming students in the month of October 2006, some of the old students of this school met and shared their views on the following points.
1. To hold periodic reunions of the old students to help in maintaining links with their Alma-mater.
2. To highlight the healthy traditions of the school in the field of Academics, cultural activities and sports etc.
3. To extend cooperation to the school administration for the betterment of the institution in case of demand/need.
4. To organize periodical lectures from old students to the new students in their respective field of specialization.
5. To organize medical check up camp, blood donation camp, eye camps and other programs related to medical awareness.
6. To practise yoga to the youth/society.
7. To honour sports men, artists, social workers, brilliant student and Senior citizens.
8. To help the poor and needy children of the society.
9. To retain old structure if possible, as well as the heritage of the school.
After having discussion on the above points the need was felt to have some platform where these issues can be addressed. Eventually an idea of formation of old students Association on Vijay High School Mandi was coined up by some elite friends so that it may benefit Alma-mater which in turn society as well as Mandi town.
