From modest beginnings as a choir school for orphaned sons of soldiers in 1719 to a 21st-century campus with robotic labs, expansive libraries and lessons in responsible use of artificial intelligence – Mumbai’s iconic Cathedral & John Connon School has travelled an extraordinary 165-year journey.
Marking this milestone, the school has unveiled a curated “history wall” in its lobby, charting its evolution.
Envisioned by the school’s principal Dr Sonal Parmar, the ‘history wall” is curated and designed by Somaya Sampat, led by Principal Architect Nandini Sampat and Brinda Somaya, both alumni of the school. This new initiative was conceived to celebrate the institution’s living heritage as part of its 165th year celebration.
Developed over three months, and unveiled in October – the wall chronologically traces the school’s narrative within the context of the city of Mumbai.
With dedicated section per century – 1700, 1800, 1900 and the ongoing 2000 – the “history wall” takes a visitor on a historic journey, from how it began as all boys’ school for the British to its gradual opening up of its doors for others, including girls, an organic inclusion reflecting city’s own transformation from colonial outpost to a diverse, cosmopolitan hub.
Noting that a school’s legacy lies not only in its buildings but also in the memories, values, and traditions that inspire generations, objects representing Cathedral’s spirit such as old report cards, medals, uniforms, and house flags were identified and displayed on this wall, each telling a story of continuity and pride.
“Together, they form a lasting tribute to Cathedral’s journey through time,” stated the school administration.
As part of its 165th year celebration, the school has launched an initiative titled “165 Acts of Kindness” to instil in students the importance of compassion and the value of giving back to society.
“Under the initiative, students are engaging in acts of kindness both individually and collectively as a class, including collaborating with NGOs on various causes and raising funds for initiatives aimed at the welfare of the underprivileged,” said Dr Parmar.
Further the book on the school titled The Cathedral & John Connon School: The Undefiled Heritage, co-authored by alumni Viral Doshi (1973) and Mridula Maluste (1974), was brought under the spotlight again.
The school shared that with the 165thyear milestone, this book – originally released in the year 2010 – which traces Cathedral’s extraordinary journey – with its origins as a school for choristers at St. Thomas Cathedral to its evolution across six landmark buildings spread through South Mumbai – was revised with additional details.
