"Never compromise on what you believe in": Inside the ethos of Welham Girls' School

India Today

07-07-2025

On a rain-soaked morning in Dehradun, I met Mrs. Vibha Kapoor, Principal of Welham Girls' School, in her office overlooking the lush green campus. The monsoon had cast a quiet calm over the school, but inside, there was the unmistakable energy of a place that has shaped generations of young women.In our wide-ranging conversation, Mrs. Kapoor reflected on what has kept Welham relevant for decades, even as the landscape of education continues to shift. From adapting to AI in classrooms to the unique value of all-girls education, she spoke with clarity and conviction about the school's evolving role and enduring ethos in a changing world.advertisementSUSTAINING LEGACY AMID CHANGE"Our goal has always been to provide girls with an education that empowers them to become leaders in their respective fields, without compromising our ethics and values." Since 1957, Welham Girls' School has stood as a symbol of progressive yet grounded education. The Principal believes this enduring legacy is the result of remaining rooted in the school's original ethos. "The school was modern and progressive then, while still rooted in traditional values, and it continues to embody that balance today," she says. With clarity of purpose and consistency in values, the institution has navigated changing times while staying relevant and respected.ARE BOARDING SCHOOLS STILL RELEVANT?
While boarding schools did face a momentary dip in popularity-particularly during the pandemic-the Principal notes a strong resurgence. "There seems to be an upsurge again," she says, attributing it to a growing parental awareness of holistic education. Parents are looking beyond academics, with increased interest in institutions that develop soft skills, provide safe environments, and support profile-building for university admissions. She adds that while international schools and curricula may be rising, "the trend seems to favor Indian boards as a viable option." Boarding schools like Welham have adapted, strengthening their college counseling and personal development programs, and are once again viewed as ideal environments for well-rounded growth.ON AI IN EDUCATION"For me, AI is a tool; it cannot replace teachers or educators," the Principal asserts. She stresses the importance of preserving creativity, advocating for ethical tech use and balanced integration. Teachers at Welham use AI to enhance lesson plans and assessment rubrics, while students are encouraged to rely on their own thinking in classrooms. "We do not allow access to technology during academic hours," she notes, ensuring focus and original thought. She proposes creative evaluation methods such as open-book assessments, vivas, and prompt analysis, to navigate the age of AI responsibly. "It's here to stay, but we must find a balance."BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SOFT SKILLS IN GIRLS
"Being a team player is essential," she emphasizes, citing collaboration, empathy, negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving as critical life skills. Life in a dorm-with juniors and seniors living together-fosters early development of these attributes. "They learn to think and decide for themselves," unlike day schools where emotional support is always readily available at home. The school's motto, "Arthe Shanti Bhala Vidya" (education brings peace to the suffering), is more than words-it shapes a culture of service, resilience, and community-mindedness. Graduates like Laila Tyabji, who champion Indian handicrafts, stand testament to this.WHY AN ALL-GIRLS ENVIRONMENT WORKSThe Principal passionately defends the merits of single-gender education. "In our school, the girls are responsible for everything," she says, from planning events to executing them. This builds ownership and self-belief, unburdened by gender stereotypes. She recalls a visiting teacher from Cheltenham praising Welham's students for their confidence and organizational skills, remarking that he wanted to take them back with him. Social interactions with boys are still facilitated via quizzes, treks, dinners, and inter-school events, debunking the myth that all-girls schools lack exposure. "The discomfort with the opposite sex is a dated concern from previous generations," she adds.advertisementBUSTING BOARDING MYTHS"There's this assumption that students in holistic environments cannot succeed in competitive exams like JEE or NEET," she says. This year alone, a Welham student got into India's top-ranked law college and another cleared the JEE. The school now actively supports academic ambitions alongside holistic development, proving that well-rounded education and exam success are not mutually exclusive.SATURDAY NIGHTS IN THE DORMSFar from rigid or joyless, dorm life is full of warmth and community. Saturday nights are for dancing, dreaming, and debating. Students brainstorm ideas for upcoming inter-house and inter-school events, supported by housemistresses who act like second mothers. "It's a joyful atmosphere," the Principal smiles. Senior students mentor juniors, reinforcing a culture of encouragement and leadership.MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTAcknowledging the emotional transitions girls go through, the school has two full-time counsellors. "Sometimes, they don't even have problems-they just want someone neutral to talk to," she explains. The counselling program is confidential and open to all, including staff, fostering a culture of emotional safety and openness.advertisementHer Message to Young Girls
"The sky is the limit," she says with conviction. "Follow your heart, understand your strengths, and work toward them." Drawing from her own experience-turning down an engineering seat to pursue French and later becoming a school principal, she encourages girls to stay true to themselves. "Never compromise on what you believe in. That's something I've learned through experience."- Ends