For decades, the 130+ educational institutions established by Lions Clubs across India have unlocked potential, ignited minds, and brightened futures. From bustling metros to small towns and villages, these schools have created an extraordinary legacy, producing changemakers who continue to influence their communities and beyond.
The doctor treating patients today was once a curious child in a Lions School science lab. The IAS officer serving the nation first learned about civic duty in a Lions school classroom. The cricketer who played for the state first honed his skills on a Lions school playground…
In the following pages, we explore the stories of alumni from various Lions schools. Through their voices and experiences, we see how a Lions education becomes a foundation for life, built on values that stay with students long after they leave the classroom.
The Lions English Medium School, Hubbali, Karnataka, celebrated its golden jubilee in 2023, marking 50 years of educational excellence. What began as an initiative of the Hubli Lions Club of District 317B in 1972 has evolved into one of the region’s most respected educational institutions, guided by leaders like the late Shri Siddanna Yavagal, who served as the school’s first chairperson for over two decades.
The school’s distinguished alumni include former ADGP of Telangana State Vishwanath Sajjanar, Kargil War Veteran Captain Naveen Nagappa, Paralympics Gold Medalist Sri Harsha Devaraddi, former Indian Cricketer Avinash Vaidya, and MLA Srinivas Mane. In medicine, the school has produced notable professionals like Dr. Rajeev Joshi, Dr. Praveen Bilagi, Dr. Chandrashekhar Yavagal, and Dr. Vikrant Patil.
The school’s golden jubilee year sparked renewed alumni engagement with the formation of the Alumni Association under Chairperson Girish Mane’s leadership. Within six months, the association organized its first Alumni Meet – ‘Fly Back to the Nest.’ This was followed by ‘Sapnon ki Udaan’ in September 2024, a cultural extravaganza featuring the Raghu Dixit Project and comedian Gangavati Pranesh that drew over 3,000 people. Beyond celebrations, alumni have initiated programs for financial aid to current students and infrastructure development.
The Palghat Lions School, established in 1952, was the first English Medium School in Kerala’s Palakkad district. Under the management of Palghat Lions Club of District 318D since 1961, the institution has built a strong legacy of academic excellence and professional achievement.
Dr. Anjana Rajagopal (Class of 2013), former head girl and now Senior Resident at AIIMS Jodhpur, credits her success to the school’s foundational values. “Throughout my school years, I was fortunate to be surrounded by teachers who were more than just educators—they were mentors and pillars of support,” she says. “Their encouragement and guidance were instrumental in helping me navigate my academic path.”
Krishnaveni V. K. (Class of 2015) has built an equally impressive career. She is a team leader at Vistra while teaching ACCA courses in Dubai. “The structure and support of the school helped me realize I could accomplish a lot academically,” she says.
The school instilled in me a sense of discipline and the constant reminder to stay humble, no matter how far I went in life.
Krishnaveni V. K.
The Lions’ impact extends to higher education as well. Dr. M. Sreekumar, State Information Commissioner of Kerala, speaks highly of his MBA experience at Lions Business School, Kollam: “The campus had a cooperative and friendly atmosphere, with teachers who were always approachable and supportive. My time at Lions Business School was memorable and helped shape my professional journey.”
At Lions Public Senior Secondary School in Gurugram, students thrive in a learning environment that seamlessly blends modern education with cultural and traditional values. A project of District 321A1, the school nurtures intellectual curiosity while fostering creativity and strong character.
This balanced approach is reflected in the diverse achievements of its alumni. Dr. Gourav Sharma (Class of 2009) completed his PhD in neuroscience and now conducts post-doctoral research at Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC. In the same field, Dr. Granthika Sharma (Class of 2018) has completed her MBBS and pursues post-graduation.
The school’s alumni excel across multiple sectors: Hardik Manchanda (2015) as a Chartered Accountant, Himanshu Rao (2006) as a staff engineer at Qualcomm, and Jitender Kumar Yadav (2019) as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. Jitin Yadav (2004) serves as an IAS officer in West Bengal, while Himani Arora (2010) works as a section engineer at Jtekt India Ltd.
Hitesh Bhatia (2017) drives innovation as Assistant Finance Manager at Grow Lotus Fintech, and Ishani Sharma (2016) crafts visual stories as a graphic designer at ApplyBoard.
What connects a corporate manager, an Air Force officer, a journalist, and a hospitality professional? A common foundation at Lions Calcutta Greater Vidya Mandir (LCGVM). A signature project of Calcutta Greater Lions Club, District 322B1, the school blends academic rigor with character development to prepare students for diverse careers.
An Assistant Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, former Head Boy Abhas Agarwal (Class of 2011), excelled in academics and co-curricular activities while developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills at LCGVM. His connection to the school remains strong, and he believes its best days are yet to come.
For Anuj Das (Class of 2018), LCGVM ignited a passion for storytelling that led to a career in journalism. From Class 2 to Class 10, the school nurtured his writing abilities, critical thinking, and curiosity. Today, he is a News Writer and Sub Editor at News India Official while pursuing a Master’s in Journalism at Rabindra Bharati University. Anuj credits LCGVM’s holistic education, dedicated teachers, and enriching activities for shaping him into a disciplined and thoughtful journalist.
Edwin Debnath (Class of 2013), is currently a Banquet Manager at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar. He believes that the school’s emphasis on leadership and teamwork prepared him for the hospitality sector, while his involvement in sports days and cultural fests enhanced his skills to manage events and people effectively.
LCGVM has been instrumental in shaping my career and character
Edwin Debnath
“I was never the brightest student in academics, but my teachers took special care to guide me and help me overcome my challenges. They put in more than 100% effort to ensure I succeeded,” shares Harsh Singh, an Indian Air Force Officer in Kashmir.
An Associate at Cognizant, Prattay Chowdhury takes particular pride in the way his alma mater has grown, both in size and in stature. “Every time I pass by, I am amazed at the progress and development it has undergone,” he shares. “The school has transformed so much that it is almost unrecognizable from when I attended, yet the values and principles remain strong.” Acknowledging the nurturing environment the school provided Prattay says: “The lessons learned and the foundation built during my time at this school have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.”
How does early education shape a lifetime of success? At Lions English School, Morbi, three alumni – a college principal, a pediatrician, and a businessman – share how their school years moulded not just their careers, but their character.
Calling his school years as the best of his life, Dr. Ravindra Bhatt remembers his journey at Lions English School, Morbi, from 1981 to 1996 with deep appreciation. “My mental, physical and educational growth was nurtured with utmost love and care,” shares Dr. Bhatt, Principal at P. G. Patel College. “These years have made me the person I am today, and I am proud to carry forward the same legacy in my role as an educator.”
For pediatrician Dr. Ankit Sinojia of Bachpan Children’s Critical Care Hospital, the school provided more than just education. “The fundamental knowledge we received in all subjects was exceptional, building a strong foundation for my medical career,” he reflects.
“While Lions English School, Morbi, provided strong academic foundations, it was the sanskars (cultural values) that truly shaped who I am,” reflects businessman Tushar Daftary. Today, as a member of Lions Club of Morbi Nazar Bagh, he gives back to the community – his way of expressing gratitude to his alma mater, a project of Morbi Main Lions Club, District 3232-J.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops,” wrote Henry Adams. No one understands this better than Yogesh Kapse, an IAS officer and ZP CEO of Bharuch. An alumnus of the Lions Primary School in Akkalkot, of Solapur District, Maharashtra, Kapse says he is indebted to the institution which is the cornerstone of the person he is today. His memories center particularly on one teacher – Shridevi Tai – whose impact went beyond textbooks. “She was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and an unwavering source of encouragement… She instilled in me the importance of perseverance, humility, and kindness—qualities that have proven invaluable in both personal and professional spheres.” He credits her with shaping him into a more compassionate and responsible individual.
We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.”
Swami Vivekananda
Like Kapse, many of the school’s alumni have gone on to make their mark in various fields. Its alumni serve across public service, medicine, and technology. Poonam Mehta is a Deputy Collector in Maharashtra, while Sachin Kalyanshetti represents his constituency as an MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly. In the scientific field, Sachin Khamitakar contributes to India’s space program as an ISRO Senior Technician. The medical field has seen numerous graduates excel, including Dr. Pankaj Totala and Dr. Devanand Chadachan in neurosurgery, and specialists like Dr. Chandralekha Kalmani Zadbuke in Ayurveda.
The school is a life-changing project of the Akkalkot Lions Club, District 3234-D1. Its legacy continues under the leadership of Shridevi Khune, the same mentor remembered fondly by Kapse, who now leads the school as the Principal.
Lions Dnyanpeeth from Khamgaon has its share of success stories. A project of Khamgaon Lions Club of District 3234-H2, the school exemplifies Swami Vivekananda’s vision of education that builds both competence and character. From its modest beginning with 80 students in 1992, it has evolved into a powerhouse of learning with 2,200 students today. Its alumni excel across borders – from chartered accountants and physicians serving local communities to entrepreneurs and innovators making their mark globally.
Sharing his experience at this institution is Dr. Nitish Agrawal who went on to do his MS in Orthopedics and is now a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon at the Agrawal Hospital, Khamgaon.
These success stories represent just a fraction of the millions of lives transformed by Lions Schools across India. Through their commitment to accessible, quality education, Lions Clubs have created institutions that do more than impart knowledge – they shape character, instill values, and nurture the spirit of service.
Today, as we witness these alumni making their mark across the globe, we see the fulfillment of Lions Clubs International’s vision: creating not just successful professionals, but compassionate leaders who understand the importance of giving back to society.
