Message from the Chairman, BOG & GM, Northern Railway

On Founder's Day, we recall the contribution of our Founding fathers. They were real pioneers in setting up a boarding school in India. The school was set up by the East Indian Railways in 1888, when they acquired the Oak Grove Estate. Importance of the school can be visualised by the fact that the Chief Architect of the East Indian Railway was engaged to design the first school building for the Boys' School, that opened on 1st June, 1888. In subsequent years the Girls' Department and a Junior School came up. The old school buildings have some of the finest heritage buildings in Uttranchal. We have the proud honour of having one of the most beautiful and at 245 acres, one of the largest School Estates in this country. These beautiful surroundings are an ideal location for young minds and bodies to mature into adolescence and adulthood. Oak Grove School is an institution with very proud traditions. I was fortunate to attend an old Oak Grovians get together last year. The bonding that takes place in school obviously lasts a lifetime.

As Chairman of the Board of Governors, ,my prime concern is regarding the quality of education that we impart to our students. It is essential that young children entrusted in our care acquire the right values, develop character and the necessary physical and mental abilities that will help them grow into balanced, accomplished and confident individuals. It is important that the children also acquire knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects, so that they have the choice of taking up career in a field that suites each individual's personal inclination and aptitude. We are responsible for ensuring that every child, who passes out of Oak Grove, becomes a useful citizen of society and will go on to make a positive contribution to modern India. With the recent moves towards globalization, it is also essential that every individual is able to adapt to a rapidly shrinking world. There is, therefore, a major responsibility that rests on the shoulders of the Governing body, Principal and teachers of Oak Grove. However, I am confident that we shall succeed in our endeavor.

I am aware that currently, there is growing emphasis from parents to improve their child's academic performance. I am aware that in this competitive world, the pressure for academic excellence is tremendous. We shall make every effort to ensure that we are able to provide the necessary inputs to facilitate further improvement in this sphere. I would only request parents not to pressurize students to take up an academic stream which the child himself does not want to pursue and encourage children to take up subjects which are suited to their own instincts and aptitude. Although good facilities exist on the campus in terms of class rooms, hostle & facilities for sports and teacher accommodation, there is a need to upgrade these in many areas and we shall be drawing up a plan for improvement, wherever required.

Lastly may I state that despite the fact that our core competencies are in the business of constructing, running and managing a Railway business, we are conscious of the fact that effective management of an educational institution requires a totally different approach and set of skills. As you must be aware in recent years, there has been a turn around in the performance of the Railways, we expect to bring about a similar turn around at Oak Grove in the years ahead.

Thank you.

Vivek Sahay
General Manager, Northern Railway and Chairman, Oak Grove School