Montfort School Ashok Vihar, Delhi.

 The Golden Jubilee could well be called the Year of Gratitude because we have so much to be thankful to God. Rejoice, Rejoice and render thanks to God your Father for He had done marvelous things. When we honor the past, we energize the future and the present becomes a celebration. 

Golden Magnificat!

Montfort School, Delhi

1. The Beginning:

Montfort school, Delhi had inaugural celebration of Golden Jubilee on 1^st of February 2020 and we organized closing ceremony of jubilee on 27^th November 2021 to mark the occasion of reaching 50 years of educational mission and it is a great achievement. All through the year 2020-21 we had a lot of online and real-time activities and competition in the school.

The school had very small and humble beginning in 1970, Montfort School has grown leaps and bounds, and now stands tall and proud with impressive buildings in a symphony of red, equipped with the latest innovations in technology, extensive playing fields, beautiful landscaped gardens, a state of the art swimming pool, new golden jubilee block with badminton courts and a student roll of over 2522 students and 115 staff members. The school has grown from strength to strength under the able guidance of Rev. Bro. Thampy Alex and now school occupies the place of pride in Delhi and rated as one of the 7 star schools in India. In our school we function as a team. The strength of the team is in each member and the strength of each member is in the team.

The talented students from the school have excelled not only in academics but also made a mark in literary and cultural activities at National and International level. Jubilee is an occasion to be celebrated, to recall the marvelous ways in which the school has fulfilled its mission in imparting education, moral and spiritual values and discipline to help build leaders who will bring about a culture of peace and love which our society and country needs utmost today.

2. Montfort School Profile:

Montfort Senior Secondary School, Delhi was established in the year 1970 and is named after its founder of the society, Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, a French Priest and a Catholic saint. It is an unaided Christian minority School administrated by the Society of the Brothers of St. Gabriel. It is a co-educational school and is recognized by the Education Department of Delhi and also affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, Government of India.

St. Montfort was a man of great vitality educator and a noble priest, had indomitable courage and spiritual strength, was a seeker of God, the only treasure that mattered to him was  Divine Wisdom. Montfort sought to lead the world around him in the ways of such Wisdom. He did so in different ways as in charity schools for the young, mass education using his great oratorical skills, collective social action, and writing scholarly volumes of books, poems and letters. The purpose of education according to Montfort is threefold:

1. To learn, understand and love God as True Wisdom. 2. To understand and transform oneself in the ways of Wisdom. 3. To become committed to transform society in obedience to Wisdom.

2.1. Our Vision:

“God Alone” was Montfort’s ideal, his goal in life and his key to the universe. A spiritual vision of life that helps the whole educational community to seek the truth and live by it, is the goal of Montfortian education and to create Men and Women of Character and Learning, in the Service of God and Community.

2.2. Our Mission:

“At Montfort, we aim at ‘Total Education’ which implies a holistic approach to education and which is concerned with the total development of an individual as a person. We prepare these young minds to become a nation builder by inculcating moral and cultural values.”Education is a journey of self-discovery where students discover their talents, clarify their values and form their moral responsibility. We educate the whole person in the Montfortian Spirit of Learning, Charity and Love. The unique characteristic of this education is that children are like Angels to be admired, adored and assisted in their growth as children of God. This is embodied in Christian terms as Wisdom in Jesus Christ which can be best acquired through Mary, His Mother and our founder St. Montfort. Keeping Montfortian goal in mind our education provides opportunities:

1. Spiritual knowledge.           2. Inclusive Education         3. Participatory Methodology 

4. Innovation and Creativity   5. Best Interest of the Child 6. Partnership and Networking

7. Respect for Community of Life            8. Quest for Excellence

3. Inauguration of Golden Jubilee:

Montfort school had celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 1^st February 2020. In order to mark the occasion of reaching 50 years of achievement, a beautiful inaugural ceremony of the opening of the Golden Jubilee Year was organized amidst various distinguished guests and pioneer leaders of this institution. 

Among the various projects planned for the year, a Golden Jubilee Memorial Building was structured for various activities of the learners.The desire to reach high has left no stone unturned in the pursuit of education. This institution continues to prowl around to see that nothing stops the ‘Future of the Nation’ to be masters in all what they do and undertake.

4. Evolution and Growth of Montfort School:

Enthused with the zeal and charism of Louis de Montfort, the Brothers of St. Gabriel carried the legacy forward to India from 1918 with just one institution has now, reached 158 centers spread over 8 different provinces in India and are spread across over 37 countries. Archbishop Angelo Fernandez approached Br. John of Sacred Heart with a proposal to start a school in Delhi. Bro. John was offered a land stretching across 6.41 acres at Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, by him. Shortly, the pioneering work was allocated to Brother Abraham. The seed was sown in the capital of India in 1970 and established this iconic structure of education on 14^th July 1970 with 10 tents to run the classes. With the motto “For God and the Country”, Montfort School Delhi has leaped 50 golden years forward leaving no stone unturned in the field of excellence.

Restricting to its surroundings of infrastructure from a humble beginning, the institution expanded beautifully to the present magnificent building. From 128 students, today this abode umbrellas around 2500 students with the beautiful classrooms and activity rooms like: Computer labs, Counselling Room, First-Aid Room, Art & Craft Room, Music Rooms, Dance Rooms, English Language Labs, Library, and halls for combined activities. The swimming pool that was inaugurated in 1995 and various areas like cricket pitch, lawn tennis court, skating rink, etc. to cater to the physical needs of the students at all times.

The Delhi Traffic Police Department selected Montfort School Delhi in 2019 as a model school for the Traffic Awareness and set up their structure beside the Science Park that started in 2003-2004. Moving along with the signs of times, the spearhead leaders, the Principals- Bro. Abraham, Bro. John, Bro. Mathew, Bro. Mani, Bro. Emmanuel, Bro. Philip, Bro. Jose, Bro. Joy, Bro. Emmanuel, Bro. Monachan and Bro. Thampy Alex have woven marvelous plans – Expansion of the building, Administrative Block, Swimming Pool, Residential area, Lawn Tennis Court, Smart Classrooms, Bookless education, Nature Club for the development of the institution.

Rain water harvesting system to save and preserve water in competition with the rest. A non-conventional source, Solar System was set up for the whole school in 2020 to be part of “Save Energy” Project. The school today, has a beautiful ground with Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket grounds and Skating area.

A down to earth democratic feeling of sharing the administration by appointing supervisors in Primary, Middle and Senior sections of the School. The great effort of the management and the staff took the school to greater heights and added feathers on its cap with ISO Certification - “Green School”, “Best 20 Schools” Awards. The School in the field of Sports, Culture and intellect excelled nationally and internationally to keep the momentum.

The School continues to encourage the traditional Scouts & Guides and the NCC continue to cater to the needs of the students to discipline themselves. They have been applauded even in the national level and received President’s Awards. We, in Delhi has organized two all-India level Scouts & Guides Camps in the campus and the participation was overwhelming.

The school today, continues to organize various activities to keep the rhythm going. To give a feeling as to how the Parliament works, we have ‘Youth Parliament’; to guide the students to choose their life, ‘Career guidance’; to enhance the talents in children, ‘One-Act Play Fest’, ‘Music Carnival’, ‘Gateway’, to be in touch with the others, ‘Students Exchange Programme. 

“Education without boundaries” has thrown open new challenges to uphold the charism of the founder. An afternoon shift class for students to launch the ‘Literacy Mission in the neighborhood began in the year 1994 by Bro. Jose. It began with a faculty of two teachers and few students and presently has the strength of ten teachers and around 200 Students. Montfort continued the leap forward with the establishment of Nursery School at Shalimar Bagh in 2005.  The management and faculty appreciate the dedication of the helpers and the role of grandparents in the field of education. Our School is dedicated to look after the aged, orphans and victims of various natural calamities with the generous contributions through cash and kind.

Placed in various levels of service in society, the fruits, the school has produced over the years, contributes to the further developments with their experiences and expertise along with the Alumni Organization in imparting knowledge and service. The management takes a special care in enhancing and empowering the Educational faculty through various seminars and inputs. Various committees like- Anti-tobacco, ant-bullying, disaster managing, etc. time to time fulfills their duty for the smooth running of the institution.

This abode of learning facilitates the students with immediate medical help and after school sports and games’ coaching. Children are given opportunities to tour to different places on educational purpose and exchange programs with country like Sri Lanka. The security and the safety of the students is taken care in the school campus with a well set up CCTV cameras all over. To cater to the needs of the ‘Specially Abled’ lifts in both the buildings have been installed. 

5. Our National and International Stars: Achievements of the school

5.1. Reaching out to financially weaker Section of the Society:

Montfort School reaches out to the economically weaker section of the society by organizing afternoon shift for the poor students who are studying in government and private schools.  There are about 350 students from class 1 to class 8 standard. The school also gives financial help for the running of orphanage in Sardhana, Harinagar and for the tribal hostel in Banea, Chattishgarh. 

6. Chronicle of Montfort School:

The current compound of Montfort School has been there for 50 long years, and has a rich history predating 1970. In 1968, Archbishop Angelo Fernandez approached Brother John of Sacred Heart with a proposal to start a school in Delhi. Brother John was offered a land stretching across 6.41 acres at Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, by him. Shortly, the pioneering work was allocated to Brother Abraham. The foundation stone of the school was blessed & laid by Rev. Dr. Angelo Fernandes Archbishop of Delhi on 29^th January 1970.

Montfort School, Delhi commenced in scout tents on the 14^th of July 1970, under the able leadership of Br. Abraham and Br. Joseph Regis, along with 6 Lady teachers and 120 students. 10 tents were pitched and used as classrooms, Staff rooms, office etc., Imparting of education followed in these tents till October 1973, until the first building was completely constructed, ready for operation. On the 18^th of May, 1970, Montfort received the enrolment of its first student- Ms. Sujata Kapoor, with Mrs. Wheeler being appointed as the first teacher.

Bro. Abraham was succeeded by Brother John of Sacred Heart, who reigned for 7 years, in the period characterized by stability, development, and laying the framework of the right tradition and values for the institution. Ergo, he can be rightly deemed to be the ‘Pioneer’ and ‘Founding Father’ of Montfort School. In the fullness of time, ensuing many sleepless nights, on 2^nd Oct 1973, Montfort’s palatial building was wrapped up and inaugurated by the esteemed Vice-President of India, Dr. G.S  Pathak. Despite the pinpricks from demanding situations, The school continued to add a class every year to get to grade XI in 1976-1977. Owing to Montfort’s commitment to academic excellence and quality education, the first batch of students who took the Board Exams, in 1977, passed out with flying colours, with the pass percentage a 100%. All this was plausible due to the hard-working, conscientious, and dedicated teachers and staff members.

The school bid adieu to Rev. Bro. John in June 1978. Later, Rev. Bro. Mathew was appointed as the Principal. A firm disciplinarian and adept administrator, Bro. Mathew strengthened the system by consolidating various programs for the development & growth of the institution. A well-organized systematic house system, Artex, which was termed as “Montex’ in 1993, Olympiad and BasketBall coaching was started during his term. Bro. Mathew bade farewell to Montfort on 30. June, 1982. 

Then, the liberal-minded and true cosmopolitan Bro. V.J. Mani ascended as the Principal on 1^st June 1983. The period of 2 years, for which he was the principal, was tremendously pivotal to the institution, in view of the communal riots in the country. Despite the turmoil, Bro. Mani orchestrated various staff-interaction programs and in-service seminars for the teachers, to promote positivity in the challenging times. 

He was succeeded by Bro. Emanual P.J in 1985. During his incumbency, the senior wing and the first floor computer lab was consecrated, along with the commencement of the Mini Zoo.  Mont cascade – an inter school creative and innovative activity was also initiated. Sundry diverse cultural and pedagogic activities, and excursions took place in his tenure. He established the trend of Morning assemblies, as well as the Unit Test Examination System. He was transferred on the 30^th of June, 1988.

Thereafter, Bro. Phillip joined the school as the Principal on 1^st of July 1988. It was during his period in office that the second and the third floor got constructed. Furthermore, Bro. Phillip also introduced computer lessons, and the Play-way method for primary classes. He also initiated the ‘Pilot project of bookless education’ at the Pre-primary level, which subsequently spread across other schools in Delhi. Bro. Phillip bade farewell to the staff in May 1992 to be succeeded by Bro. Jose.

Bro. Jose joined the institution in July 1992. With a clear vision and foresight, he initiated many programs for the advancement of the educational goals of the school.  Therefore, he started the Literacy Classes in 1994, during the school’s second shift, for the poverty-stricken, slum children under the program ‘Education for All’. At first, pupils of grade IX, under the guidance of Sr. Gracy, got the privilege to teach the students. Later, a staff was appointed to educate them.

In the year 1995, Montfort spread its silvery wings on the completion of 25 blessed years of its existence as a top-notch educational institute. Around the same time, a swimming pool and a gymnasium was constructed. The plaque of the foundation stone of the pool was laid on 17th Sep 1995 by the honourable former Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri M.L Khurana.

In July 1996, the young and dynamic, Bro. Joy Joseph took over as the principal, and initiated the process of restructuring on the modern lines. Since then, there has been a substantial alteration in the functioning of the institution. His dream of re-modelling the architecture of the school was finally achieved with the completion of the third block. The latest building was constructed for primary classes with all the then state-of-the-art facilities, and had a distinct administrative block in addition. Brother Joy laid great stress on activities like Project-work, chart making, model making, co-curriculars, sports etc.In 2006, Bro. P.J Emanual joined as the principal and carried on the  advancement of the institution by adding two more floors at the Brothers’ quarters. Under his proficient guidance, the Montfort Nursery was started at Shalimar Bagh, 4 kms distance from Montfort School, Ashok Vihar. 

In the year 2009 Bro. K.K Monachan assumed the role of the principal of the school. During his tenure, Brother Monachan envisioned and implemented many initiatives for the institution. His pioneering plans, innovative pedagogical methods, passion and commitment to give his best, accord him a distinctive place among all the eminent school leaders. As the Digital Revolution swept the world, Brother Monachan introduced Smart Learning into the curriculum, which helped foster an interactive learning atmosphere through visually-rich multimedia, animation, and resourceful educational videos for the students and the teachers. Brother Monachan ensured an expansion of facilities and infrastructural development- The well-stocked, fully-computerized library; the re-modelled and restored Old Hall, the spectacular New Hall, the Pre-primary section, the renovated Office block, newly-amenitized Medical Room and state-of-the-art CCTV cameras to be vigilant of the students’ safety.

Bro. Thampy Alex, the current Principal took charge of the school in 2018. Endowed with an innate leadership calibre, he is leading Montfort to glory and accomplishment. Brother Alex has brought several changes in the existing system by streamlining administrative function. To support the differently abled children, he ensured lifts were promptly introduced. Also, Brother Alex was instrumental in introducing Humanities Stream. His expertise in ecologically conscious methods was the driving force for several sustainable changes at Montfort which minimized the school’s carbon footprint. Multifarious sustainable and school beautification projects have been set up and successfully accomplished under his adept guidance. The Solar Energy System, Rain-water Harvesting, Plantations, to name a few. In our Golden year 2020 we are adjudged as one of the two Safety Model Schools in the whole country.

The age-old, traditional NCC Scouts & Guides programme subsists to cater to the needs of the pupils to be disciplined to discipline their peers.  The NCC has been nationally acclaimed and has received the honourable President’s Awards. Under the able guidance of Bro. Alex, Montfort School has organized two All-India level Scouts & Guides Camps at its campus.

To build curiosity about culture and art, Brother Alex has also launched a cultural exchange program with Papua New Guinea. His list of achievements is incomplete without the mention of an educational trip to Russia which was an enthralling experience for both teachers and students. Soon after that due to Covid 19, we faced major education disruption, however with firm and strong leadership, Bro. Thampy Alex, shifted the entire system to online mode to achieve academic continuity. As the pandemic prompted, to innovate and adapt to online format, regular trainings were organized for the teachers and technological advancement took place. As the COVID-19 situation began to worsen, Bro. Alex rose up to the challenge. His humanitarian efforts were aimed at providing immediate help to the needy. Ration kits were distributed among the poor and underprivileged to feed those who were battling the chaotic world. Being on the forefront, Montfort School impacted the lives of multiple families in troubled times.

In the year 2020, Montfort School efficaciously completed 50 glorious years on its mission to provide affordable, quality education. The school’s principal, Bro. Thampy Alex, left no stone unturned to make the event’s celebration grand and splendid. In addition to the various ventures envisioned for the year, a Golden Jubilee Memorial Building & New St. Montfort Statue was structured and inaugurated.

7. Our Able Principals:

8. From the school Archives:

9. Closing Ceremony of Golden Jubilee:

Montfort school had celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 1^st February 2020 and had organized closing ceremony of golden jubilee celebration at the school on 27 November, 2021. It is a matter of pride for Montfort Brothers of Delhi Province, to mark this great event and in memory the golden jubilee block was blessed by Rt.Rev.Bishop Anil Couto, the archbishop of Delhi, Brothers from different communities, Sisters, Priests, the staff and students, parents and dignitaries had assembled to bless the new block. After invoking God’s blessings we had cultural events.

When we honor the past, we energize the future and the present becomes a celebration. The celebrations continued with releasing of golden jubilee magazine, honoring the pioneering Bro. Joseph Regis and guests, the felicitation of our architect and contractor, maintenance staff and all those who contributed in their own little way to make Montfort school what it is today. The Golden Jubilee could well be called the Year of Gratitude, because we have so much to be thankful for. The celebrations continued for Brothers till late evening followed by solemn dinner.

 

10.1 Words of appreciation:

We would like to thank and congratulate the Principal Rev. Bro. Thampy Alex, the community Brothers, all the teachers, staff and the students of Montfort school for the excellent programs on the celebration of its Golden Jubilee. It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that Montfort school has successfully endeavored the empowerment of young students for the last fifty years whether it was in the field of academics, co-scholastic development and sports. We would like to specially thank Mr. Dewan Sir for his contribution to school as a senior coordinator. He has received many awards and written books in academics. He was given Jewel of Montfort School award on Golden Jubilee. We thank Mr. Sunit Jojo for the photographs and Mrs. Rita Sahoo and Mrs. Shalini Singh who provided me the history of Montfort School along with old photographs for my writing.

Jubilee is looking back and looking forward. So, you look back over the way you have come. Embracing the journey with love and deep gratitude.  it is an occasion of remembrance of the past events. Time of rejoicing for the graces received; of recognition of God’s mercy towards our mission and of re-dedication looking forward with great hope to make our educational mission to greater heights. May our school be that living text of today’s gospel.

10.2 Conclusion: 

“There are so many things our hearts want to say to Brothers and staff of Montfort School, all of which can be summed up in just two words – Well Done!  Once again thank you all  for organizing the Golden jubilee the best way possible. We love and appreciate your service.” Congratulations to entire Montfortian family at Delhi. 

I visualized and dreamt that life was nothing but joy.I woke up and found that life was nothing but service. I served and realized that service is joy. As we conclude our wish and prayer is the same as that of St. Paul’s to the Thessalonians “In this endeavour, may you all be kept safe: spirit, soul and body." Happy Golden Jubilee!

Thank you.

Bro. Antony, Delhi. 

Montfort Resource Center (MRC)

e-mail: tonyindasg@gmail.com

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