Founded in 1952 by Rukmani Devi Birla as an all-girls school, Modern High School opened its doors to boys with International Baccalaureate (IB) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curricula in 2018. Four years later, the new building was built just a block away specially for the international school. On December 15, Modern High School International (MHSI), got its formal inauguration where the school management took media professionals through the new journey.
The inviting lobby and entrance of Modern High School International
Located at the intersection of Gurusaday Road and Syed Amir Ali Avenue in south Kolkata, Modern High School International stands tall, a block away from Modern High School for Girls. The new school is another vision and commitment to the city of Kolkata by Nirmala Birla.
Commenting on the formal inauguration, Nirmala Birla, chairperson, Modern High School International, said: “Our vision for Modern High School International is to continue to do what we have been doing at Modern High School for decades, to uphold our values of excellence, integrity and inclusivity. The IGCSE and IBDP curricula at Modern High School International focus on immersive learning experiences that go beyond textbooks. Our aim is not just to create students who excel academically but also young people who are compassionate, empathetic and socially responsible.”
(L-R) Yogesh Goenka, Devi Kar, Nandini Ghatak and Deepali Naair at the event on Friday
The school management also informed that Modern High School International has been awarded the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) platinum certification, the highest certification accorded to any building, for its initiative towards sustainability, environmental stewardship and promoting a healthy learning environment. This certification, which comes with a formal letter of certification and a mountable plaque, was received on November 23, 2023.
The institution opened its doors to co-education with state-of-the-art science laboratories on the third floor and a wellness zone that provides students with a gadget-free space to relax and recharge. The central atrium enhances the campus’s architectural design, contributing to a refreshing and pleasant learning environment. Its dynamic classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge educational technology to create spaces that encourage collaboration. According to the school management, every aspect of the campus is designed with the holistic development of students in mind.
The school’s vibrant and colourful art studio
Speaking on the occasion, the principal of MHSI, Nandini Ghatak said, “Modern High School International intends to impart values to the students that are relevant to boost them forward in life. Here, we want students to focus on developing and understanding rather than engaging in rote memorisation. We believe in a co-agency where teachers and students are co-creators in the teaching-learning process.”
The corridors of the school exude art and creativity with the walls showcasing artwork by past and present students. From classrooms to common areas, the school offers an immersive experience for the students. Library, art exhibition area, laboratories, multipurpose hall, art studio and the classrooms come with modern amenities and infrastructures.
Students immersed in books at the state-of-the-art library
Replying to a question on how the school is different in comparison to other international schools, Devi Kar, director of MHSI, said: “We don’t wish to be competitive. We want to imbibe in our children the right values and make them ready to face the world. We teach them to work hard, to evolve and grow.”
Deepali Naair, the group chief marketing officer of the CK Birla Group was also present at the media interaction on Friday. The students took the media personnel on a guided tour of the new building.
