Milestones

Sportability Programme

The term ‘Sportability’ is an amalgamation of ‘Sport’ and ‘Ability.’ It is an initiative started in 2022 by Modern School Barakhamba Road to promote sports and social inclusion. The school’s sports infrastructure has been made accessible for children of varying needs to play, learn, and develop. World-class infrastructure and skilled, empathetic coaches are in place to guide children with neurological or physical challenges to become active and fit.

Capital’s First Injury-Free Multi-Sports Field

A first-of-its-kind injury-free multi-sports field was inaugurated by the Indian cricket team’s Head Coach Mr. Gautam Gambhir at Modern School in Vasant Vihar on 16^th July 2024. This modern facility is a big step forward for India’s sports infrastructure, offering a safe and fun place for young athletes to train and compete. The same school ground which was converted to a turf field in 2011 also had the city’s first rainwater recharging system built under the sports field.

Centenary Girls Hostel at Modern School Barakhamba Road

The Centenary Block at Modern School Barakhamba Road, housing the Girls Hostel was inaugurated on 12^th January 2024. Facilities like AC rooms, TV room and study area are available in the girl’s hostel. The mess facilities are shared with the existing Golden Jubilee Hostel for boys. Experienced staff, security, and medical facilities are available round the clock.

Ability School for Education and Equity at Modern (ASEEM)

ASEEM is a special needs programme established by Modern School Society on the premises of Modern School Barakhamba Road. The objectives of ASEEM are to create a centre that offers pre-vocational, vocational, and life-skills training for persons with diverse abilities.

MIE : The Research and Training Institute of Modern

To commemorate the 100 glorious years of the Modern School Society in the year 2020, a premier Modern Institute for Education (MIE) was established, to create an Institute that would provide value to society, by furthering the cause of education most innovatively. Situated within the campus of Modern School Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, as a research institute, the MIE mission is to undertake individual & collaborative research on local and global education practices. It strives to develop and validate innovative content & practices for enhanced learning outcomes. MIE aims to provide cutting-edge training and upskilling programs to teachers to meet the changing needs of pedagogy and to provide a collaborative learning platform for teachers to share and exchange ideas.

Inauguration Ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations

Starting October 2019, centenary celebrations have begun in all the branches of Modern School. Each school has celebrated this remarkable milestone in their own unique way ranging from sports events, cultural and dance performances and many others. Eminent Modernites and luminaries like Justice Sanjay Kishen Kaul, former Judge at Supreme Court of India; Justice Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana; Dr Navin Dang, Director of Dr Dang's Lab Pvt. Ltd.; Lt. Gen. Shankar Prasad, Lt. Gen Vijay Lall, Shri Bhajan Sopori, the famous santoor payer, Mr Vishal Uppal, the ace tennis player any many other were part of these grandiose celebrations. To mark the occasion, a specially designed Centenary Logo was also unveiled.

Switching to Green Energy

As a part of the Green Energy initiative, beginning from Modern School Barakhamba Road in the year 2016, all the branches of Modern School now have roof-top solar panels of varying capacities installed. This would majorly lead to better utilization and conservation of energy without harming the natural environment.

Modern School enters to Faridabad with a new branch The Modern School, Greater Faridabad

‘Clean Delhi Air’ Campaign

Spearheading the ‘Clean Delhi Air’ campaign, students, staff, and parents of Modern School Vasant Vihar came together for a silent march at Rajpath (now known as Kartavya Path) on 28^th November 2015 to prod the Delhi Government to take significant steps for the betterment of the quality of air. The silent march was an initiative to reach out and relate to a wider community; an attempt to stir up social conscience; and a wake-up call toward the rights and duties of all citizens.

Virendra Singh Block, next to the Savitri Pratap Singh Block at Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School was inaugurated by Mrs. Mira Pradeep Singh, Former Chairperson of the school and wife of Mr. Pradeep Virendra Singh on
20^th October 2015.

The Modern School Education City, Delhi came into existence

Under the visionary leadership of Mr Ashok Pratap Singh, Former President of the Board of Trustees, the Modern School Education City was established with an initial enrolment of 160 students. This was Modern School's expansion into the National Capital Region of Delhi.

Flood Lighting of the Sports Field

To utilize the sports fields in the evening and night, the alumni body of Modern School Barakhamba Road, MSOSA sponsored the floodlighting of the upper sports field of the school.

Mr. Ratan Naval Tata visited Modern School Vasant Vihar

On the occasion of the 38^th Founder’s Day of Modern School Vasant Vihar Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, Chairmen Emeritus of Tata Sons was invited as the Chief Guest for the function on 16^th December 2013. His presence was a huge source of inspiration for all the students.

Lord Meghnad Desai visited Modern School Vasant Vihar

Lord Meghnad Desai, Prof. Emeritus LSE, United Kingdom Economist & Labour Politician visits the school as the Chief Guest on the 37^th Founder’s Day of Modern School Vasant Vihar on 15^th December 2012.

Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School celebrated its Golden Jubilee

The formal commencement of the Golden Jubilee of Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School began on 13^th October 2011. Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Former Chief Minister, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. To commemorate fifty years of the school, a photography exhibition - "Thenceforth" was held, an audio CD with the school prayers was released, and "A School for Many Seasons" - a film on the history of the school was launched. The mural on the front façade of the school, titled "Bodhicitta", made by Mr. Pramod Kumar, the art teacher of the school, was unveiled.

"Dwipadee" was the second event in a series of functions to mark the Golden Jubilee. On 20^th October 2011, the renowned Santoor maestro, Pandit Bhajan Sopori, and his talented son, Abhay Rustom Sopori who was a Modernite, enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing recital of Santoor for over two hours. The concert which kept everyone spellbound for the entire duration, reached a crescendo with the awe-inspiring jugalbandi between the father and the son, much to the delight and enjoyment of the audience.

The Grand Finale of the Golden Jubilee was held on 3^rd November 2011 at the Siri Fort Auditorium. Dr. Karan Singh, Former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A coffee table book "The Milk Break and After" was released by the Hon'ble Chief Guest to mark this momentous occasion. The highlight of the evening was the musical "Bodhicitta" a spectacular show with a cast of approximately 450 students. The Siri Fort Auditorium witnessed a packed house with approximately 2000 people in the audience. The students received a thunderous applause for their commendable performance. A complete in-house production - direction and training of students, production of sets, and designing of costumes, was all done by the teachers of the school. The evening was well attended by distinguished guests, alumni, parents, grandparents, retired teachers and students.

The renovated Doris David Auditorium was inaugurated at Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School on 10^th August 2007 by Mr. Kapil Sibal, Former Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, GOI.

The First Monsoon Youth Parliament Session 2005 was organized on 31^st August 2005 to create awareness about the working of the Parliament in students, develop leadership qualities in them, and enhance their debating skills. In 2006, Dr. GVG Krishnamurthy, Former Election Commissioner of India was invited as Chief Guest for the same event.

Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund

A sum of rupees Five Lakhs was collected from the students and staff of Modern School for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund and the same was handed over to the Chief of the Air Staff on 26^th February 2001 by Maj. Gen. Virendra Singh.

Swimming Pool at Modern School Vasant Vihar

In the Silver Jubilee year of Modern School Vasant Vihar, a new facility was added to the school infrastructure – A Swimming Pool. The Former Prime Minister of India, Shri I. K. Gujral, inaugurated it on 24^th April 2000.

New Building Block for Nursery-KG Students at Junior Modern School

28^th October 1993 was another glorious day for Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School. A new wing was added to the school building. Mrs. Mohini Virendra Singh inaugurated the new block and dedicated it to the memory of Mrs. Savitri Pratap Singh, who was a member of the Board of Trustees, for over 16 years. The Savitri Pratap Singh Block houses the pre-primary classes and has colorful and spacious rooms equipped with child-centric learning resources. Activities like art, clay, music, dance, and computers are offered to students. There is a small central courtyard that is used for Nursery and KG functions and morning assemblies.

Squash Courts at Modern School

Squash is one of the most loved sports at Modern. To make students excel in this sport, Modern School Barakhamba Road constructed two dedicated courts for squash play. Named after the Founder of the School Lala Raghubir Singh Ji, these courts have recently been renovated keeping in mind the international standards and requirements for Squash.

Bollywood Star Mr. Amitabh Bachchan at Modern School

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, the Bollywood Icon has graced the school with his presence at the Sports Day event at Modern School Vasant Vihar in the year 1987. The entire staff and students were thrilled to meet and greet the heartthrob of that era. He was also interviewed by a few students of the school in the year 1985 when he was a Member of Parliament.

First Computer Lab in a School

In the early era of Computers being introduced in India, Modern School Vasant Vihar was the first school to set up a Computer Laboratory in 1986. Former Prime Minister of India, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi donated 06 computers and associated peripheral devices to the school to introduce Computer Education as a subject in senior classes.

Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School (14^th August 1986)

Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School celebrated its Silver Jubilee in the year 1986. The celebrations started on 14^th August 1986 on the premises. The then Chairman of the Managing Committee, Maj. Gen. Virendra Singh unfurled the National Flag and saplings were planted by the dignitaries present.

On Monday, 27^th October 1986, a special function was held to commemorate the occasion at the Siri Fort Auditorium, Asian Games Village. Air Vice Marshal H.L. Kapur, the then Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, was the Chief Guest. The programme started with a welcome song and was followed by a musical pageant, 'The Golden Bird.'

On this auspicious occasion, the school received a special message from Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India.

"Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School has established itself as one of the premier educational institutions for children in Delhi. It is at this sensitive and tender age that the foundation of character, knowledge, and health is built in our children. It is a difficult and important task which must be approached with thought and care."

In September 1981, Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School was bifurcated from Modern School, Barakhamba Road for reasons of administrative expediency. Since then, Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School remains an independent institution, with its own Headmistress, Managing Committee, teaching and office staff.

1981 - September 1981

Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School is bifurcated from Modern School, Barakhamba Road for reasons of administrative expediency. Since then, Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School remains an independent institution, with its own Headmistress, Managing Committee, teaching and office staff.

Rupak Theatre

Mr. Ved Vyas, former principal of Modern School Vasant Vihar has established a new form of theatre – The Rupak. This form of theatre prepares the students for public speaking and inspires patriotism.

Olympic size Swimming Pool at Modern School Barakhamba Road was inaugurated by Justice Prakash Narain

Sir Sobha Singh Block for senior classes started functioning at Modern School, Barakhamba Road.

Foundation Stone laid for Modern School Vasant Vihar
(24^th January 1975)

It was on 24^th January 1975 that Sir Sobha Singh, Former President of the Board of Trustees accompanied by Members of the Board, Modern School, laid the foundation stone for the new Higher Secondary School, Modern School, Vasant Vihar. In a record time of five months, by mid-June 1975, a three-storied building came up and in another six weeks the campus came alive with excited children and enthusiastic parents.

After the Inaugural Ceremony on 21^st July 1975, the school started functioning. Initially, the school had only Nursery and classes 1 to 5. It was only in October 1975 that the construction of the second phase of the school building began. This was to be the Senior School Block. The construction was completed in eight months. Mr. Ved Vyas, who had been associated with Modern School for over 28 years took charge as the first Principal of the school.

The New Boarding House (now known as Golden Jubilee Hostel) at Modern School, Barakhamba Road was constructed during the 1970s period. Before this facility, the boarder used to stay on the 1^st floor of the Main Building of the school.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations

The Golden Jubilee celebrations of Modern School commenced with great enthusiasm in 1970. Students of Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School presented a ballet named 'Krishna Sudama'. The then Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Dr. A.N. Jha was the Chief Guest on the occasion, who applauded the efforts of the students. The ballet was an immense success and received tremendous applause from the audience. The show was recorded and televised several times.

Foundation stone laid for Sir Shankar Lal Hall

The foundation stone of Sir Shankar Lal Hall at Modern School Barakhamba Road was laid by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. The expense for its construction was borne by Mrs. Savitri Pratap Singh, daughter of Sir Shankar Lal.

Registration of The Modern School Old Students Association - MSOSA (03^rd March 1967)

The Modern School Old Students Association (MSOSA) was registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1957, as extended to the Union Territory of Delhi on 3^rd March 1967. It came into being to engage itself in various philanthropic activities, through its vast network of Modernites, to contribute towards the growth of society in a positive and meaningful manner. It is one of the most active and vibrant alumni organisations in the country with a membership of more than 16,000 across the globe. The 'Modernites Scholarship Fund' was instituted by MSOSA to provide free education in Modern Schools to meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds. It also organizes various socio-cultural events throughout the year and invites voluntary contributions from Modernites. The Inter-School Hockey & Squash Tournaments, Inter-School Annual Debate, and Leadership Lectures by eminent Modernites from different walks of life are some of the other activities it organizes.

The Milk Break

The Milk Break was a regular feature of the school that was introduced when the school started. Every student had to drink a bottle of milk unless he was exempted for medical reasons. Being lactose intolerant was one of the many reasons cited by students for escaping the 'ordeal', and the deficit was then compensated for with two glucose biscuits. Without a doubt, the biscuits were more in demand, and gradually they took over from the milk bottles.

Horse Riding was introduced at Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School

Horse riding was a popular activity enjoyed by students. The horses came from the stables at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and riding was taught at the site where the Savitri Pratap Singh Block stands today. Modernites remember their riding instructors, Captain Ganpat Singh, Tara Singh, and Subedar Raja Singh with fondness and immense respect.

Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School was formally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (20^th October 1961)

On October 20^th, 1961, the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was invited to inaugurate the newly built Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School at Humayun Road. He graciously accepted the invitation and was accompanied by his sister, Smt. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit. Upon his arrival, he was taken around the building.

A cultural programme was organized specially for the occasion. It was an evening function held outdoors. A stage and two special platforms were set up on the far side of the school grounds facing the main block. As the Chief Guest reached the site, the whole building was lit up, presenting a beautiful sight.

Pandit Nehru addressed the august gathering and expressed his delight at being present at such a momentous occasion. He delivered his speech in Hindi, and some extracts were translated here:

"I recall, a little more than thirty years ago, I do not remember the date though, your school was located in Daryaganj, somewhere opposite Dr Ansari's house. On my trips to Delhi, I often stayed with Dr Ansari, a great leader of his time. I also visited your school a couple of times and my daughter Indira studied there for a brief period. I feel happy coming here because I share old bonds with your school. Children, you have a great opportunity to study. Study well, do well, and take interest in your work. Learn in a manner that it becomes play and play in a manner that it becomes learning”.

The lighting of the ceremonial lamp was followed by a delightful musical programme by the senior, junior, and kindergarten students. An enjoyable and colourful dance drama 'Kingdom of Cards', based on a play by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, was staged. As Pandit Nehru watched the show, he expressed his appreciation for the theme chosen for the evening, the presentation, the story and style of the ballet.

Lala Raghubir Singh laid the Foundation Stone for the Junior Modern School at Humayun Road (10^th October 1958)

It was through the efforts of Sir Sobha Singh, President Board of Trustees of Modern School for over forty years, that the New Delhi Municipal Committee allotted four acres of land in a prime location in the city for the construction of the Junior School at Humayun Road. On 10^th October 1958, the Founder, Lala Raghubir Singh Ji laid the foundation stone for the school. Unfortunately, just a year later, on 26^th October 1959, he passed away. The school was built in record time and was named after him-Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School.

The land allotted at Humayun Road was L shaped, the architect wisely used the short hand of the "L" for the school building leaving almost 3 acres for the playing fields. The construction was closely supervised by Brigadier Virendra Singh, Sardar Bhagwant Singh, and Mr. M.N. Kapur.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad addressed students on Founder's Day

"It is gratifying to note that the school has maintained uniform progress in many directions and that you are constantly on the lookout for ways and means to maintain high standards." – excerpts from his speech.

1950 - Maulana Abul Kalam Azad visited Modern School

"This school is one of the best teaching centres for developing the personality and character of the boys", he commented.

Ms. Maria Montessori visited the school and spoke on Child Education (9^th March 1949)

"My visit to Modern School in New Delhi has left me with the impression that this is not just a school but a splendid example of modern education. Furthermore, it has developed as a center for education of the future with a system of instruction which is in keeping with the present world." – excerpts mentioned in the visitor’s book by Ms. Maria Montessori.

His Holiness Dalai Lama visited the school

His Holiness Dalai Lama visited the school in 1957 specifically the Hall of Religions, where prayers of all denominations are held every Thursday.

Scholarship for Students

In January 1939, the staff and students put up a variety show for scholarships for deserving students and raised Rs 1000.

Sir Kikabhai Premchand donated a Sanatorium to the school named Lady Kikabhai Sanatorium in February 1937. Presently, the building houses the Office of the Board of Trustees, Modern School

Her Excellency, Marchioness of Linlithgow visited Modern School

Her Excellency, Marchioness of Linlithgow visited the school and inaugurated the gymnasium at Modern School Barakhamba Road on 2^nd February 1937. The funds for the construction were provided by the Government of India and Lala Shankar Lal Ji, Former Secretary of the Delhi Cloth and General Mills.

The Hall of Religions was inaugurated by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore (28^th March 1936)

The Hall of Religions was inaugurated by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The fresco on the wall depicts men and women of all religions and nationalities going toward the 'Light of Truth'. The artist is Mr. Sukumar Bose of the school's art department. Books of all religions were placed there for the students to browse through. There was also a meditation room. The seniors were divided into four Houses, Asoka, Akbar, Shivaji, and Tagore. A separate House for girls was named Laxmi. Each House was responsible for the cleanliness of a portion of the school building. The House Captains were responsible for ensuring that school rules were observed by members.

Laying of the Foundation stone of the Gymnasium at Modern School
Barakhamba Road (28^th February 1935)

The foundation stone for the gymnasium was laid by a prominent Delhi businessman and philanthropist Lala Hanuman Prasad Ji. Named after his father, the gymnasium was called Chunni Lal Gymnasium. The facility was later renamed “M N Kapur Hall” in the year 2000 as a tribute to the school principal Padma Shri M N Kapur.

Historic March to Barakhamba Road
(4^th January 1933)

The whole school, including members of the Management Committee, the staff, old students, and the entire student body led by Sardar Diljit Singh, the youngest son of Sardar Sobha Singh, marched in a procession from Daryaganj to the premises on Barakhamba Road.

Registration of The Modern School, Delhi Society

The Modern School, Delhi Society was registered in August 1920 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the school commenced work on 20^th October 1920 with a class of about six children on the rolls at Daryaganj, Old Delhi. The first students were Lala Raghubir Singh's three children, Mr. Teja Singh's son and daughter, Mr. Devi Singh's two sons, and Sir Sobha Singh's two boys.

The syllabus is drawn by the Education Sub Committee comprising Lala Raghubir Singh, Shri Rattan Lal, C.H.C Sharp, Mr. N.K. Sen, Ms. Kamala Bose, Pandit Har Narain Shastri, Maulvi Abdul Rahman.

The School Crest was designed

The School Crest was designed by Mr. Sarada Ukil, an artist of great repute and amongst the first few staff members of Modern School in 1921. He worked with the school for nearly a decade. The School Crest signifies the circle of eternity crossed by the three elements in human development of body, mind, and spirit; the sun shining between the triangle and the circle. Inside the triangle there is a banyan tree to represent stability and firmness of character, the swan and the lotus represent refinement, culture, and the arts which are the fundamental elements of progress in life.

Mahatma Gandhi visited the School

Mahatma Gandhi visited Modern School on 13^th November 1924. His observation about the school could be felt in the words he mentioned in the visitor’s book which says, "I was very happy to see this modern institution. The cleanliness of the school is worthy of praise. I have only one fear. If in the flush of the modern, the ancient is lost it would greatly harm young girls and boys. I take the liberty of saying this because I see the purity of the motive of the inception of the school and I want this institution to progress".

Laying of the School Foundation Stone at Barakhamba Road
(24^th August 1931)

Messrs. C.G. and F.B. Blomfield were engaged as architects. The foundation was laid on 24^th August 1931. All trustees, staff, and students place a brick each to signify the joint efforts. The construction was begun under the close supervision of Sardar Sobha Singh. In November, the Montessori wing moved to the new premises, and classes began in tents. In 1932, the Western Wing was completed in May and the Montessori section moved into the new building.

Road

building.