THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN SCHOOL

Our school was established on 7th September, 1937 by Mrs. Ellen and Dr. V.N.Sharma, with a small group of 7 children. Inspired by new methods of education being debated in the west, they wished to create a school that could encompass the best of eastern and western educational philosophies. Beginning in a small way, they brought about new ideas and methods of education stressing on the holistic development of each child. By 1938 a School Advisory committee was formed. By 1945 the strength of the school rose to 260 children and 18 teachers, and a middle school was set up. The school continued to grow through these years, moving from a small house to its present location. The school was inaugurated by Sri Swami Saswatanandaji Maharaj, the president of the Ramakrishna Mission. The name chosen was inspired from Froebels Kindergarten; the ‘Children’s Garden School’- A garden of learning, where children could learn through play, without fear and with freedom to express themselves and to awaken their innate talents. The symbol of a banyan tree (an ancient Indian symbol of wisdom and shelter) with children swinging from its roots was chosen as the logo. A special three-day exhibition of educational toys and materials organized for this occasion was opened to the public.