On the 15th of August this year, as the nation marked Independence Day, a special journey commenced for the staff of New Horizon Educational Institution. Boarding their flights as the inaugural cohort, faculty and staff across institutions embarked on the Ayodhya-Kashi Yatra 2026—the institution’s third annual pilgrimage following the Do Dham Yatra in 2023 and the Dwarka-Somnath Yatra in 2025.
This is an employee welfare initiative that was designed to honour our team members with over seven years of dedicated service. Just as it did in the previous editions of the Yatra, NHEI managed every detail end-to-end. Flight bookings, comfortable stays, curated dining, and priority temple passes ensured every participant experienced the journey with complete ease and care.
For Ms. Karthika Harsha Kumar, Pre-Primary Co-ordinator, completing a decade at NHPS coincided with her maiden visit to these historic holy sites. Standing before the deity at the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya left an indelible mark on her. “After years of following the temple’s historic construction, actually stepping into the sanctum was deeply moving, made even more special by being able to enter twice and absorb the serenity without feeling rushed,” she recalled.
Karthika ma’am’s spiritual immersion continued in Varanasi, where boarding a traditional boat at dusk allowed the group to watch the Ganga Aarti from the river, surrounded by the rhythmic chanting of slokas. Between recording reels, capturing photos, and sharing meals, she noted that the seamless behind-the-scenes planning helped the group unwind and bond effortlessly.
Having been a part of our school for fourteen years, Ms. Neena Kotwal, Primary Teacher, brought a seasoned perspective to the trip, drawing comparisons to her participation in the 2025 Dwarka-Somnath Yatra.
For her, visiting these ancient cities was a live lesson in civilizational roots. “Walking through the narrow, vibrant lanes of Kashi and observing the daily rituals there gives you a profound respect for our heritage,” she shared. She highlighted that despite the massive volume of pilgrims in the region, the itinerary felt exceptionally fluid, offering invaluable space to connect with colleagues and build lasting friendships.
Reflecting on the overarching vision behind the pilgrimage, both educators expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Dr. Mohan Manghnani, whose commitment to employee welfare has made this all-expenses-covered trip possible for over 450 staff members across all campuses. By honouring years of quiet dedication with equal, high-standard hospitality, the initiative reinforces NHEI’s ethos of treating its workforce as an extended family.
As the quiet vibrations of Ayodhya and Kashi linger, the blessings brought back serve as a source of renewed peace, purpose, and energy in our classrooms.
