The Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, said today that education was the key to all development and progress. He said this while presiding over the silver jubilee function of Sainik School here. It was on November 2, 1978, when the then President of India, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, had inaugurated the school. Maj-Gen R.S. Jamwal, Chairman, school board, and Mr G.S. Bali, Transport Minister, were present among others.

The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh for the construction of an auditorium of the school.

Major Jamwal and Col R.C. Ladha, Principal, welcomed the Chief Minister and gave complete account of the activities undertaken by the school.

Officers of the Indian Air Force and cadets of the school gave a display of skydiving and parasailing.

Earlier, the Chief Minister took the salute from cadets of Sainik Schools and inspected the guard of honour.

Later on talking to mediapersons, Mr Virbhadra Singh said more facilities as demanded by the school authorities would be provided in a phased manner.