Students, faculty, and distinguished alumnae gather in Dehradun to honour the founding vision of Miss Oliphant and Miss Linnell, with vibrant celebrations, creative showcases, and a renewed commitment to shaping empowered young women for the future.
The 68th Founders’ Day at Welham Girls School unfolded with heartfelt celebration, honouring a remarkable legacy of educational excellence and the trailblazing vision of its founders, Miss Hersilia Susie Oliphant and Miss Grace Mary Linnell. Since its establishment in 1957, the all-girls institution in Dehradun has stood as a beacon of empowerment and leadership, nurturing generations of confident, compassionate women.
The two-day celebration opened with the spirited Annual Sports Meet, where students displayed athletic finesse through a series of track events, karate demonstrations, and aerobics. Those who had excelled at state, national, and international sporting events were honoured in a formal prize distribution ceremony.
Sonya Philip, Founder and CEO of Learning Matters and alumna from the Class of 1975, presided as Chief Guest of the Sports Meet. She praised the school’s ability to raise well-rounded individuals who lead with empathy, vision, and integrity.
This year’s Founders’ Day carried special emotional resonance, as the Class of 1975 celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and the Class of 2000 marked its Silver Jubilee reuniting for conversations, laughter, and cherished memories that tie every Welham alumna together.
The main ceremonial day welcomed Ambassador Gaitri Issar Kumar, former High Commissioner of India to the UK, as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she reflected on the institution’s extraordinary journey:
It is truly wonderful how the small school started by Ms. Linnell and Ms. Oliphant has now grown into such a reputed institution. Your motto, Aartt Shanti Phala Vidya, seems more relevant than ever before.
Romesh Sobti, President of the Board of Governors of the Welham Girls School Society, underscored the institution’s commitment to future-readiness:
Welham is far more than a school; it is an enduring community of women. We are building AI fluency at all levels and making our curriculum truly transdisciplinary.
Principal Vibha Kapoor emphasized the deeper purpose behind education:
“At Welham, education goes far beyond academics; it builds character and resilience, preparing girls to thrive in a fast-changing world. We inaugurated Echoes of Eternity, our very own school museum to preserve our rich legacy.”
On the first day, a thoughtful career counselling session, Subject Choices and Career, guided parents and students from Classes VIII and X on aligning academic choices with their strengths. The second day opened to themed exhibitions under Neti Neti – Neither Defined, Nor Undefined, exploring philosophy through interdisciplinary presentations in science, art, mathematics, and literature.
Cultural expressions reached a crescendo with the dramatic staging of Arsenic and Old Lace, a student production that blended humour and suspense. The celebrations culminated with Anhad Naad, a mystical dance drama that explored the cosmic vibration through the seeker’s journey across the seven chakras.
As Founders’ Day 2025 concluded, the message was clear: rooted in tradition, Welham Girls School continues to build the leaders of tomorrow informed, inspired, and ignited by purpose.
About Welham Girls’ School:
Established in 1957, Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun is a premier all-girls residential institution affiliated with CISCE and CAIE. Guided by the motto Aartt Shanti Phala Vidya. The aim of knowledge is to bring peace, Welham is a proud member of Round Square and WLSA. With a focus on holistic learning and global engagement, the school nurtures confident young women who embody both legacy and innovation.
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