CM releases book on Indraprastha school

The 'Indraprastha Putri Pathshala' at Chippiwara Street, overlooking the Jama Masjid, became the pioneer in girls' education in Delhi and later raised Indraprastha College, another first for the girls in the city, that has emerged as a major draw for students from across India today.

It was a humble beginning more than 100 years ago but an epoch-making event.

The 'Indraprastha Putri Pathshala' at Chippiwara Street, overlooking the Jama Masjid, became the pioneer in girls' education in Delhi and later raised Indraprastha College, another first for the girls in the city, that has emerged as a major draw for students from across India today.

'Indraprastha - The Quest for Women's Education in Delhi', an exquisite book, with articles by eminent ex-students and noted educationists, traces the school's history, including the search for headmistresses for girl students from orthodox, conservative families. It also has a write up by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Inspired by freedom fighter and eminent educationist Dr Annie Besant, Lala Jugal Kishore had founded the school in 1904.

Even today, the school now called as 'Indraprastha Girls' Senior Secondary School' is housed in a haveli donated by Rai Bahadur Balkrishna Das in 1906.

"This is not just a history of this school but the history of girls' education and in general the educational scenario in Delhi," Jugal Kishore's grandson Narain Prasad, 90, who heads the institution, told HT.

Ronald Vivian Smith, author of several books about Delhi's popular history, said: "The illustrious alumni include Kamla Nehru, Kapila Vatsyayan, noted Sarod exponent Sharan Rani Backliwal and freedom fighter Sarla Sharma."

Releasing the book on Friday, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit termed it "a rare publication, which is a mine of information for both researchers and those interested in Delhi's glorious march towards women's education".