Our
History
Once Upon A Time
As a nation, we have always upheld traditional wisdom while embracing emerging new radical ideas. At Udayachal, we have the advantage of a rich cultural heritage, and several endearing and empowering stories from over the years. Here we recount one of our favourites, the story of how we started.
15th August 1955 – The birth of Udayachal, an institution which embodies the vision of our Founder Members.
On his routine visits to the Company, Pirojsha Godrej was disturbed by the plight of
children who, having nothing constructive to do, were whiling away their time on the streets.
Being a man of vision and enterprise, Pirojsha Godrej knew that education was the only way to change the condition of these children and contribute to the development of the nation. He immediately decided to provide his workers and their families the best of facilities. This endeavour led to the birth of Udayachal schools in the garden township of Pirojshanagar.
His son Naval enthusiastically supported his vision resulting in the schools growing from their humble beginnings in a grain store to their present position and reputation!
Pirojsha Godrej’s emphasis on quality reflects in the school’s ethos, which has been the hallmark since its inception. True to his visionary thinking, he set a precedent by providing quality education for his employees’ children well before it was mandated by the law.
Naval's wife Soonu, who was affectionately called Soonuben, was instrumental in shaping the ideologies of the school. It was she who suggested involving her friend Smt. CooverbaiVakil, a noted educationist, to bring professionalism and high standards to Udayachal.
A prodigy of Shantiniketan, Smt. Vakil brought her inherent love for nature and fine arts to the proposed school.
Nurtured under the ever-watchful eyes of Soonu Godrej and Jai Godrej, entire families of the employees were involved in the process of education. Not only brick and mortar, but also plenty of concern and love went into the school's construction.
Jyotsnaben, a teacher and educationist became the first Principal of Udayachal. She, along with Aloo Mowdawalla worked closely with Soonuben. During the early years, some teachers recall that the three would actually bathe and groom some of the students before they were ready to enter the classroom. The level of commitment set then has gone on to become a standard that the teachers and faculty uphold to date.
The current Chairman & Managing Director of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., Mr.Jamshyd Godrej, is also our patron. Udayachal continues to flourish and grow under the continued support, guidance and encouragement of Ms.Pheroza Godrej and Ms.Smita Godrej Crishna who are our present trustees.
