Latest news with #WelhamGirls'School
India Today
7 days ago
- General
- India Today
Welham's roll number 1: The girl who made history
India's old boarding schools are more than institutions; they are worlds in themselves. With red-brick walls, bell towers, and endless playgrounds, they shaped not just students but futures. Here, friendships were forged in dormitories, resilience was built on sports fields, and lessons in self-reliance came as naturally as the morning roll these legacies stands Welham Girls' School, Dehradun, a place where tradition met freedom, and equality wasn't taught; it was spoke to Pramila Nazir, roll number 1 of Welham Girls', who remembers a school where girls grew up with the courage to follow their own paths and the grace to treat everyone as an equal. 'There was never a sense of 'Me too' You were what you were!' she recalls. Can you take us back to your first day at Welham Girls'? What do you remember most vividly?I was only nine and quite homesick at first—but that quickly wore off. Welham girls, being a resilient lot, soon got down to their usual mischief like stealing litchis, making apple-pie beds, and the like. It was all innocent fun. The teachers and other staff were kind and supportive, and the School soon became our home away from home. The first ten of Welham School What was daily life like in the boarding school back then—from morning to lights out?Speaking to the girls and teachers during my recent visit, I found the routine to be much the same as it was back then. Of course, there are far more subjects, activities, and sports now—and our results in every sphere are phenomenal!What did 'fun' look like at Welham in those days? Were there any special traditions, events, or secret mischiefs? Welhamites have always been an exuberant lot, full of fun and laughter. As long as the mischief wasn't mean-spirited or malicious, we got away with almost anything!What subjects were considered essential for girls at the time? Were there limitations on what girls could study or aspire to be?A Welham girl knows no limitations!Though the values ingrained in us by Miss Linnell were gentle, we went out like soldiers to face the world and achieve whatever we wanted. We were given an all-round education. Subjects like Home Science and Nature Study were included right from the beginning, and social service was emphasised of every kind was encouraged. I remember one girl wanted to study Persian—and Miss Linnell searched the whole of Dehradun to find a suitable teacher. Were careers and higher education encouraged for girls then, or was finishing school seen as enough?Most girls went on to pursue a bachelor's degree or more, studying subjects of their own choice. Life wasn't as competitive then, and I don't recall anyone being unable to follow their dreams. Laila Tyabji, Radhika Roy, Subhashini Ali, Brinda Kant, Madhu Trehan, Mala Sen, Aziza Tyabji Hydari—to name just a few from my would you describe the overall change in education for girls from your time to now?It's been sixty-three years since I left school. So many new subjects and disciplines have been added to the curriculum, and there's so much more that can be achieved now because of the choices available. The carefree school days of our time have been replaced by competition. There's a lot of pressure on students today—that's just the way the world has become. Still, I was heartened to see that today's Welhamites have retained some of the innocence from our time.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Museum opens at Welham Girls' School documenting institute's history
1 2 3 Dehradun: Welham Girls' School has inaugurated a new museum on its campus to document the school's history since its founding in 1957. The museum has been set up in Nasreen, a Neo-Tudor-style building that was once part of the Nizam's estate and served as the school's first building. The museum traces the origins of the all-girls' residential school, established ten years after Independence by Hersilia Susie Oliphant and Grace Mary Linnell. It includes archival material, photographs, personal notes, and memorabilia from former principals and alumnae, highlighting milestones from the school's early years to the present. Romesh Sobti, president of the school's board of governors, said the museum is a tribute to the institution's history and its role in advancing girls' education in post-Independence India. The event was attended by two alumni Neelam Khanna (batch of 1965), who served as chief guest, and Premila Nazir (batch of 1957), the school's first registered student who was the guest of honour. Both shared memories from their time at Welham and reflected on its founding years. Principal Vibha Kapoor said the museum was created to preserve the school's heritage and to inspire current and future students by highlighting its founding values and evolution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo The museum's displays include stories from former students and staff, early classroom settings, traditions, and personal items from the first batches. There are also references to the school's participation in national efforts during events like the Indo-China War and the evolution of its educational practices. The initiative aims to serve as a space for reflection and learning for students and visitors, while preserving the school's legacy as one of India's oldest girls' residential schools.
India Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
"Never compromise on what you believe in": Inside the ethos of Welham Girls' School
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
The Print
09-05-2025
- General
- The Print
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Dehradun's Doon & Welham schools allow students to return home
In an email to parents Thursday evening, Doon School Headmaster Jagpreet Singh informed that while they 'continue to be safe and secure on campus', the school had received requests from several parents wishing to bring their sons home, anticipating possible disruptions to flight services. Multiple explosions were reported in parts of Jammu Thursday evening as Pakistan launched an aerial attack, using at least four loitering munitions, prompting several states and UTs, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, to announce closure of schools, colleges and universities for the coming days. New Delhi: With the tensions between India and Pakistan escalating, top boarding schools in Dehradun, including The Doon School and Welham Girls' School, have allowed students to return home after receiving multiple requests from concerned parents. 'As a result, the School has decided to permit all boys whose parents wish to have them back home, to depart from campus starting at 6.00 am on Friday, May 9,' he wrote, advising parents opting for the arrangement to get in touch with their children's housemaster. Singh further said that parents within driving distance of Dehradun could plan to collect their children by road. For others, the school will provide transportation and escorts to both Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and IGI Airport in New Delhi. 'School will also organise transport to Delhi, for those who wish to pick up their boys in Delhi,' he added, saying that full travel details would follow soon. The headmaster also reassured parents, who preferred their sons to remain at school until the end of term: 'The School will continue to function, and all our facilities will remain operational.' He emphasised that students taking IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams will continue without disruption, and that provisions would be in place for boys who might be stranded due to flight cancellations. 'Be assured that the entire staff, both teaching and administration, is working round the clock to ensure that your sons are safe and well taken care of,' Singh said, adding that the school is in close contact with central and state authorities for updates and guidance. 'The city of Dehradun remains safe and secure and continues to function in a normal and calm manner. All essential utilities are available.' Similarly, the principal of Welham Girls' School, Vibha Kapoor, emailed parents late Thursday, offering them the option to pick up their daughters immediately, in response to growing concerns over the tense situation at the border. 'Over the past few days, we have received several requests from concerned parents wishing to pick up their daughters from school. In light of these concerns and the escalating situation at the borders, the school is offering parents the option to collect their wards with immediate effect, should they choose to do so,' Kapoor wrote. She also clarified that the school would remain open and continue normal operations until 17 May, the scheduled start of the summer break. 'Parents are kindly requested to inform their respective House Mistresses of the date and time they plan to pick up their wards,' she added. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Pakistan targets Jammu with loitering munitions, airport and vital installations targeted
