St. Bede’s College, Shimla, hosted its Freshers’ 2026, titled “Viraasat: Jewels of the Season,” on 14 August 2026 in the college premises. The event was organised to warmly welcome the new students and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent, creativity, confidence and individuality.
The programme was graced by Ms. Poonam Thakur (HPRS), Assistant Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise and Enforcement and Nodal Officer for District Shimla, as the Chief Guest. Ms. Thakur is a recipient of the Himachal Gaurav Award 2024 and was also the first runner-up at Mrs. India The Goddess 2026. Her presence added distinction and inspiration to the occasion.
The cultural segment of the programme reflected the vibrancy and diversity of Indian traditions. Students presented a colourful array of performances, including Lavani, Garba, semi-classical dance and Nati, celebrating both regional and national cultural expressions. A lively band performance further added to the festive spirit, with students singing and performing specially to welcome the freshers.
The Chief Guest addressed the young women of the college and shared valuable insights drawn from her own experiences. She emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academics and co-curricular activities, encouraging the students to make the most of their college years. She urged them to believe in themselves, remain confident and recognise their own potential. In the context of an increasingly digital world shaped by AI and social media, she also advised the students to remain conscious and responsible about their online presence and digital identity. She encouraged them to step into the world with awareness and responsibility, while making full use of every opportunity that comes their way.
The celebrations also featured a series of talent competitions, in which the students enthusiastically participated and demonstrated their diverse abilities. A total of ten talent competition winners were felicitated for their outstanding performances.
The highlight of the event was the Freshers’ Fashion Show, which provided participants with a platform to display their confidence, poise, personality and sense of style. The fashion show was judged by Ms. Anuja Sharma and Dr. Shikha Sharma, whose expertise and evaluation contributed to the successful conduct of the competition. Five special titles were awarded to deserving participants in recognition of their distinctive qualities and performances.
The much-anticipated crowning ceremony saw Astha Sharma being crowned Ms. Freshers 2026. Mahak was declared the First Runner-up, while Divyanshi secured the position of Second Runner-up.
The event was marked by enthusiasm, elegance, cultural vibrancy and spirited participation. Viraasat: Jewels of the Season successfully welcomed the new batch into the St. Bede’s family while celebrating their talents and individuality. The programme concluded on a joyous note, leaving the students with memorable experiences and an inspiring beginning to their college journey.
