New regulations and community improvements are necessary to modernize Indian boarding school education. Originating as institutions focused on basic education and discipline, the schools have progressed into comprehensive establishments that offer education and promote personal and professional growth.
Vidya Devi Jindal School (VDJS) is a remarkable representation of academic excellence and comprehensive development. Established in 1984, it has been a foundation of educational innovation and student empowerment for almost four decades.
VDJS is proud of its comfortable and helpful learning environment, which enhances its students’ intellectual, emotional and physical growth. Mrs. Naina Dhillon serves as the Principal with dedication and vision. Under her leadership, the school aims to conquer new heights and give the best to its students.
VDJS has expanded, earning recognition for its commitment to nurturing versatile individuals equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive world. With a strong emphasis on academic accuracy, character development and extracurricular improvement, VDJS remains intense in its mission to shape the future leaders of India.
Quality Education and an Award-Winning Journey
VDJS, with its distinctive name and visionary mission, stands out from other schools. As a leading educational institution, it aims to provide a holistically harmonious environment that fosters fearless intellectual curiosity and encourages learning through enthusiastic self-discovery.
The school inspires students to embrace integrity and compassion for life. VDJS is the only girls’ residential school near the National Capital Region (NCR). Its educational approach focuses on character development, mental fortitude and intellectual growth, empowering students to become self-reliant.
The commitment to excellence demonstrated by VDJS has earned notable recognition from society, as evidenced by several prestigious awards received. In 2023, the school was honored with the ‘Boarding School of the Year‘ Award, presented by ScooNews, a testament to its exceptional standards and practices in boarding education.
Additionally, VDJS received the Holistic School Award 2023 from Education Today, further highlighting its dedication to providing a comprehensive educational experience for its students. These awards underscore VDJS’s continued pursuit of excellence and commitment to delivering quality education and holistic development to its student community.
Commitment to Community Service
At VDJS, the principles of association and community are fundamental in shaping the educational experience. Students have a sense of responsibility towards their community from the early stages of education.
VDJS’ commitment to community service is evident through various initiatives. It integrates community service into its curriculum, emphasizing its importance as an essential component of education rather than just an extracurricular activity.
Moreover, VDJS actively adopts the Mayaar village Community, engaging students in meaningful service projects that benefit the local area, including environmental conservation, health awareness and educational initiatives. Collaborating with the NGO Talwandi Rana further amplifies VDJS’s impact, addressing critical needs through various initiatives and fostering positive change. Regular visits to the Mayaar Prathmik Vidyalaya and involvement with the Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community Centre in Arunachal Pradesh demonstrate VDJS’ commitment to community engagement beyond its immediate vicinity.
International service projects are conducted by VDJS to help students from different countries come together and work for the underprivileged.
Approach to Safety and Sporting Facilities
VDJS prioritizes providing students with a safe and secure environment that is helpful to their overall well-being. The school offers world-class 24×7 medical facilities and special meditation rooms to nurture both body and mind. Regular Brahma Kumari and ‘My Peegu’ sessions are conducted to promote mental wellness, supplemented by visits to the Om Shanti Research Centre for mindfulness sessions.
Regarding sporting facilities, VDJS offers a comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor options. Indoor amenities include a Fitness Centre and Shooting Range, while outdoor facilities feature an Olympic-size swimming pool, a skating rink and various courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis. The school also has grounds for hockey and soccer, along with a 400-meter athletic track and dedicated spaces for archery, taekwondo and yoga.
A large number of students participate in Nationala dn International Sporting competitions.
Moreover, extracurricular activities are pivotal in fostering student development. The school hosts a wide array of clubs and hobby groups that cater to diverse interests. These activities are conducted regularly, with meticulous attendance and assessment. Students enthusiastically engage in inter-school competitions, where they showcase their talents and skills across different platforms.
Promoting Mental Wellness
Recognizing its role as a self-appointed guardian and custodian of its students, VDJS fully embraces its social responsibility as a modern educational institution. The school’s counsellors diligently organize regular sessions on Mental Health for the students.
Recently, VDJS conducted counselling workshops led by Experts and Psychologists from Fortis Healthcare, focusing specifically on Mental Health. These workshops underscore the school’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns and providing students with valuable support and resources.
Exploring Cultural Richness
VJDS hosts a vibrant community of students and staff. Girls from diverse regions across India and abroad, such as Bihar, Nepal, Gujarat, Orissa, Punjab Ludhiana, Canada, and Australia, form a rich and diverse student body at VDJS.
The school’s house system acts as a unifying element, bringing together students from varied backgrounds into cohesive units. This system celebrates cultural diversity and nurtures a strong sense of unity among all students.
Additionally, VDJS celebrates cultural diversity through events like the Jindal Art Festival, ‘JAF 2023,’ an annual cultural extravaganza. ‘JAF 2023’ features various competitions, such as Folk Dance, Canvas Painting, Weaving, Batik Painting, classical music, and Storytelling, allowing students to showcase their talents and appreciate different cultures.
The Role of Counsellors
The educational institute has a comprehensive career counselling department dedicated to preparing students for the opportunities and challenges they will encounter in the future. VDJS collaborates with the Institute of Career Studies in Lucknow, offering students access to workshops and seminars led by experts, including Dr. Amrita Das, the institute’s Director. These sessions aim to educate students about the latest career options and subject choices tailored to their needs.
In addition, VDJS offers one-on-one counselling sessions facilitated by in-house career counsellors. These counsellors assist students with college applications and scholarships for foreign universities, ensuring they make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. As a member of the College Board, VDJS serves as a center for PSAT and AP programs, enhancing its commitment to educational excellence and student advancement.
The Diverse Path of Graduates
A diverse group of alumni from VDJS have carved remarkable paths in various fields:
- Archana Aggarwal is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who also serves as Deputy Medical Superintendent at District Civil Hospital, Sirsa. Ms. Anamika Bisht, a Portfolio Manager at Lockheed Martin, has a master’s in international politics and an MBA in Global Business.
- Rajni Jindal, Director and Senior Consultant at Jindal Heart Institute, oversees operations at an IV Fertility Centre in Bhatinda. Ms. Purva Bhalla, a Psychology Graduate and Certified Coach, contributes her expertise as a Leadership Behavioral Trainer at Winning Edge.
- Anju Agrawal, a Freelance Interior Designer, owns ‘Aakaar Interiors’ in Kathmandu, Nepal, while Ms. Jyoti Middha Arora, a Social Activist, currently coordinates activities in a playschool.
- Ritu Gurung, Program Manager at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), champions environmental causes. Ms. Simran Pradhan is a Tax Consultant for US Clients at Deloitte Tax Services India Pvt. Ltd.
- Thoibi Rublaitus—an educator based in California and Dr. Kiran Gulia—Director of Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, represent VDJS alumni excelling globally.
- Madam Shefali Tripathi—a Recruitment Strategist, Trainer and Author, collaborates with companies in India, APAC and Africa.
- Amreen Kaur, a Lieutenant posted in Jammu and Kashmir, holds a Masters’ in Political Science.
- Jindalite Muskan Khurana, who achieved the UPSC 98th Rank, undergoes training in Mussoorie, while Jindalite Jaya Sharma serves the nation as an IPS officer, having secured the 258th rank in the 2023 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Showcase of Educational Excellence
In response to evolving educational trends, VDJS prioritizes innovation through technology. A fully equipped IT lab and high-speed internet facilitate multimedia-based learning. Collaboration with Ei Mindspark and adoption of XSEED Education curriculum personalize learning and enhance critical thinking. Organized inter-house competitions further nurture student talent.
Services at the Wellness Center
VDJS fosters a compassionate community where excellence thrives. With nurturing care, residential staff and counsellors support students’ psychological and emotional needs. Each house provides essential amenities and connectivity, ensuring student well-being. Medical care is available round-the-clock in a well-equipped wellness center on campus.
Leadership Programs
At VDJS, the Prefectorial Board manages daily school affairs, promotes discipline and fosters camaraderie. Students lead initiatives like publications and community service, supported by teachers. A team of prefects and students manages events. Grade XII students shoulder responsibilities, including peer mentoring, overseen by House Mistresses. Leadership programs by BSAI, AFS and Round Square enrich students’ experiences.
Affiliation with Organizations
VDJS is affiliated with numerous esteemed organizations such as BSAI, IPSC, NPSC, Round Square, INTACH, British Council, IAYP, NCC, Green Schools Program, AFS and College Board. These affiliations enrich students’ experiences through diverse opportunities in academics, arts, culture, environmental awareness and global engagement.
Empowering Sustainability
VDJS, a member of the Green School Program since 2015, sensitizes students to environmental issues through hands-on activities. It also serves as an environmental management system that audits resource consumption. Recognized as a Green School for four years, VDJS implements initiatives like Biogas Plants and Rainwater Harvesting for sustainability.
Promotes Global Connections
VDJS actively collaborates with institutions like IPSC, Round Square and AFS, promoting global connections and student development. Through inter-school competitions, international exchanges and leadership conferences, students gain diverse perspectives and contribute to society. Domestic exchange programs and IAYP further enrich students’ learning experiences.The school actively encouragres international internship programmes as well.
Global Perspectives in Boarding Schools
Boarding schools cultivate future leaders by nurturing independence and decision-making. The immersive environment fosters self-reliance and tolerance, promoting lifelong friendships. Students embrace diverse cultures, adapt to well-structured routines and gain global perspectives through daily interactions.
Aiming High for a Prominent Position
VDJS aims to achieve global recognition by positioning itself and its students prominently on the world stage. Aspirations include securing the top spot among boarding schools in the country. On the academic front, VDJS is committed to offering an international platform by implementing the IB and CIE curricula.
