 The City Montessori School (CMS) Lucknow, India, was founded in 1959 by a young visionary couple, Mrs. & Mr. Jagdish Gandhi. Mr. Jagdish Gandhi is a true Gandhian, while his wife Dr. (Mrs.) Bharti Gandhi, M.Ed., is a child psychologist.
Full of vigour and enthusiasm, the devoted pair launched their first campus on a borrowed capital of three hundred rupees, housed it in rented premises and began with only five students on roll. The young couple had to face a myriad of initial difficulties in making their vision a reality. Over the years, however, they have successfully overcome these difficulties with unflinching devotion to their original mission.
The husband and wife team was greatly inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. They wanted the school to inculcate values of universal brotherhood and human virtues of highest order in students.
The stirring call of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave 'Jai Jagat' (Hail the World), became the school motto. The school has since proved true to its mission of Jai Jagat. Jai Jagat is not only the CMS greeting and slogan, it is also its guiding vision — to inspire the children and the youth to think in terms of welfare of all the people of the world.
In 1974, the Gandhis accepted the Baha'i Faith. Following the ideals of Bahai Faith, Mr. Gandhi gave up politics to work full time for serving the cause of education. The Baha'i emphasis on emulation of the common features of all religions and values of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam' were duly incorporated in the school curriculum and activities. Soon the school's commitment to great ideals attracted the discerning parents of the city, who chose to send their children to CMS.
The Gandhis were able to get a dedicated team of principals and teachers, some of whom were students and trainees in the first Teachers Training College that the Gandhis had established. Many of these early associates are still serving the institution in various capacities.
CMS TODAY |
Today, CMS is the world's largest school in a single city. It has a number of campuses spread over the city of Lucknow with over 35,000 students on roll. Its academic excellence is the envy of other institutions with annual results of 100% in all board examinations. The notable feature of success of students is that they have passed all examinations in 1st division. CMS draws its large students body from all parts of Lucknow. Many of its students enter the school at pre-school age. The excellence of its students has its source in highly motivating, encouraging and nurturing environment.
Such an atmosphere engenders a climate of success, in which ordinary children accomplish extraordinarily.
In the co-curricular activities too, the institution has made its presence felt. This is reflected in the extraordinary achievements of its students in all fields as sports, singing and other co-curricular creative activities at national and international levels. |
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