‘Education Will Shape Pune’s Future’: PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram

Kharadi, 12th September 2026: Wellington College International Pune held its third Founder’s Day on Saturday, bringing together students, parents, faculty members and the wider school community.

The event marked the completion of the school’s third year in Pune and featured addresses on the role of education in shaping the city’s future, along with cultural performances and community activities.

Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, attended the event as the chief guest, while educator, writer and media professional Dr Triveni Goswami Mathur was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the theme “Building the City of Tomorrow – The Role of Education in Pune’s Future,” Ram highlighted Pune’s position as an educational and cultural centre and said education would be important in preparing young people to contribute to the city’s future.

“Pune is a vibrant city and an educational and cultural hub, not just for Maharashtra but for the entire country. Some of the leading experts across different fields come from this city, reflecting the depth of talent and knowledge that Pune has nurtured over the years,” Ram said.

He added that the future of Pune would be shaped not only by infrastructure and technology but also by its citizens and their contribution to the city.

James Dahl, Master of Wellington College UK, and Master Nigel Fossey MBE, Master of Wellington College International Pune, also addressed the school community during the programme.

Dahl said education should extend beyond examinations and focus on developing confidence, character and curiosity among young people.
Fossey said the school had developed a strong sense of community during its first three years in Pune and that its aim was to prepare students for a changing world while emphasising values, relationships and responsibility.

Dr Mathur addressed the gathering on “Beyond the Classroom: Educating Responsible and Conscious Citizens,” focusing on the importance of developing socially aware and responsible young people alongside academic achievement.

The Founder’s Day programme included vocal, dance, musical and choral performances by students, Marathi poetry recitation and a certificate distribution ceremony. Games, stalls and other community activities were also organised as part of the celebrations.

The programme highlighted the school’s five stated core values—Courage, Respect, Kindness, Integrity and Responsibility—while bringing together its British educational heritage and Pune’s cultural identity.

Wellington College International Pune is part of the Wellington College International network and is the first Wellington College campus in India. The school caters to students aged two to 18 and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The school recently received authorisation to offer the IB Diploma Programme.