Bahá’í World/Volume 16/The history of New Era High School

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The Bahá’í World Volume 16

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IV. THE HISTORY OF NEW ERA HIGH SCHOOL

JAMES P. WEST

Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds Of the earth . . . Bahá’u’lláh

NEW Era High School is a Bahá’í institution. Located high in the hill town of Panchgani, Maharashtra State, India, the school was founded as a Bahá’í children’s hostel in 1945, following the decision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Burma and Ceylon. Since that time the courageous and persevering efforts of numerous pioneers and local friends have fostered the growth of this small seed into a blossoming flower in the fields of Bahá’í education. The school is a prominent and accredited part of the Indian educational system and has become a source of pride and inspiration not only to its local community but also to the world community of Bahá’ís. New Era constantly received special encouragement from the beloved Guardian and is one of the first schools to be recognized by the Universal House of Justice as a Bahá’í school. In an early letter to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Panchgani, Shoghi Effendi said he would ‘specially pray for the growth and progress of the Bahá’í children’s hostel so that it may become perfect and distinguished in every respect.’

Through unselfish international support and great individual sacrifice the school has indeed witnessed great growth and progress throughout these thirty years. From the early days, with a staff of three and a class of sixteen children taking moral lessons, the school has expanded its facilities to the point where it now enrols more than 370 children from twenty-two countries studying from the kindergarten through the higher secondary level. The staff has increased to more than sixty, both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, local Villager and the children of pioneers, all have left richer for the spiritual and material education received there.

As you enter the charming New Era School grounds today, you would not notice the well hidden signs of struggle and sacrifice which occurred there. Hundreds of running and laughing children, spacious buildings and natural gardens, as well as the eternally serene hills which surround the mountain-top school, seem to say these things have always been. As you linger on, however, and pass through the wooden doors to the main office, you are sure to meet many people who could, but probably wouldn’t, tell you differently. The bustling atmosphere created by these devoted workers will soon give you an understanding of the energy necessary to solve the many daily problems of running a boarding school.

One of the most unforgettable people you will meet is Mrs. Rezwan Mobedzadeh who thirty years ago accepted the task of beginning the school. Today she serves as the school superintendent and is ever present in all its activities. Mrs. Mobedzadeh, together with her husband, Mr. Shah-Behram Mobedzadeh, were pioneers in the Maharashtran city of Poona when the call for her to head the school first came from the National Spiritual Assembly. After prayer and with the encouragement of her husband, Mrs. Mobedzadeh, overlooking her own youth and inexperience, decided to accept her challenging destiny at New Era. Abandoning her comfortable home and accepting long periods of separation from her husband, she left to begin the work which has since filled every moment of her life.

It was on 1 August 1945 that Mrs. Mobedzadeh, with Mrs. Salisa Kermani and Mrs. Manavi, left their homes in Poona and came to the mountain wilderness regions of Panchgani to begin the Bahá’í hostel, then known as Parvareshgah. Along with them came sixteen children between the ages of four and eight, distinguished members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and local friends and parents. Opening ceremonies were conducted and a ‘new era’ was begun. The first school committee, appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly, consisted of three pioneers, Mr. Asfandiar Yaganagi, Mr. Rustom Sohaili and Mr. Rustom Mihrshahi, all

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From view of the New Em High School showing the main classroom building.

of whom provided innumerable services which were as unselfish as they were essential. The idea of beginning the school came first from their Local Spiritual Assembly, and it was their persevering faith and actions which kept the school alive through those difficult first years. Mrs. Kermani, like Mrs. Mobedzadeh, was young and inexperienced. Mrs. Manavi was older but equally new to the task. Nevertheless the three ladies, with the unfailing help of the school committee, began classes and simultaneously made plans for expansion. By October of that year, the school enrolment had increased to forty and a regular schedule of moral classes was begun. A large bungalow named ‘Manivilla’ was rented and served as both classroom and dormitory for the years 1945 to 1953. The name was changed to Bahá’í Boarding School in 1946, and then again to New Era in 1948 after Indian Independence forbade the use of religious names for schools.

Problems facing the new school were numerous and seemed to come from all sides. Mrs. Kermani was called back to her home in Poona and Mrs. Mobedzadeh was left to shoulder many of the responsibilities alone. Prayer and selfless determination were the keys to survival in these years. The late Mr. Rustom Sohaili generously provided much of the financial support required. In 1947 Mr. Kaikhosrove Akhtarkhaveri came to Panchgani as a pioneer and lent his hand to the development of the school. He served for many years as secretary to the school committee and presently is a trustee.

Miss Shera Irani joined the school staff in 1947. A Zoroastrian, she accepted the Bahá’í Faith after coming to New Era and continued to serve energetically for fourteen years. It was she who, visiting the Holy Land in 1953, returned with messages from the Guardian concerning plans for the school.

In 1953 the present school site, ‘Woodland’, was purchased. The land was uneven and covered with trees. It contained four old and shabby bungalows and four out-buildings. Plans for development and expansion began immediately with the clearing of land, renovation and construction of buildings, extension of the school curriculum and increases in staff members. ‘Haddon House’, a teachers’ dormitory, was added in 1959. In this same year Mr. Habib Behi, the brother of Mrs. Mobedzadeh, joined the school as language master. At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly he left his

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business in Poona and came, with his family, to meet the expanding need for teachers. The Behis presently reside at the school and have served greatly throughout the years in both the school and in building the Bahá’í community in Panchgani.

As the school developed it was continually under the supervision of Government inspectors whose approval was necessary not only for accreditation but also so that the next grade could be added each year as the children progressed. Mrs. Mobedzadeh relates stories of how the various inspectors would be so impressed with the spirit of service of both the staff and students that they would give glowing reports despite the great material deprivation that the school was under. Every day there was a change. As a result of the prayers and energetic efforts of those responsible for New Era the school assumed greater proportions.

Mrs. Mobedzadeh attributes all these successes and seeming miracles to the confirming powers of Baha’u’llah. For example, she tells how the beloved Guardian encouraged the admission of non-Bahá’í Indian students in 1953. This development, once impossible in a country where different castes and religions did not mix, had been suddenly made possible after India achieved independence in 1947, but attracting non-Bahá’í students to the Bahá’í school proved to be difficult. Many prayers were said but for months nothing could be done. Then one day a man appeared in the office wishing to enrol seven refugee children of Hindu background. They were admitted and the way was open for many more such enrolments in the future. Over one half of the school is now comprised of non-Bahá’í Indian students.

Another answered prayer in the growth of the school was the arrival of Mr. George Menezes. George, as he is affectionately known by the majority of Panchgani residents, has served the school in almost every way imaginable. Originally a non-Bahá’í, he came to Panchgani to work in Mr. Rustom Mihrshahi’s restaurant. His voluntary and selfless work for the school in these early years has not only brought him into the Faith but has also made him the supervisor and most sought after man at New Era. He has been at the school for fifteen years and presently resides with his wife and three daughters in the central house in the school compound. George is a human dynamo. He is full of exciting stories,

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though he seldom has time to sit down to tell them. He recently has been given a key role in the development of New Era’s sister school, the Rabbani School in Gwalior. Being extremely practical and full of love, George has provided an education to all through his active and working example.

Throughout the years from 1953 onward, spiritual and material support began to pour into the struggling institution. The Guardian encouraged the expansion of the school at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, and a number of the Hands of the Cause, including Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, took a special interest in New Era’s development. Mrs. Gloria Faizi came to the school in 1959 to serve as director. During this six-month period she began to recruit much needed financial support for the growing institution. In 1967, after the generous contribution of Mr. and Mrs. Misaqieyeh, construction of the large present-day school building was begun. The cornerstone was laid by the late Hand of the Cause Tarázu’llah Samandari. The building was designed to contain twenty-four classrooms, offices, science laboratories and a spacious library. Work was finally completed in 1975.

Over these years of development many teachers, matrons and other staff have given their services to the school. All deserve special gratitude for their contributions of talent and energy dedicated to the betterment of the school. Among the headmistresses were Miss P. Sumption, Miss Basaviah and Miss S. G. Mansukhani. Miss Raji Samuels, who served the school devotedly as a teacher for seven years, accepted the post of headmistress in 1963. The first principal was the late Dr. Sidney I. Dean who was appointed in 1964. Both he and his wife served the school well and it was during his time that the school gate was placed. Mr. Azizullah Ghalili came to assist Dr. Dean in 1965 at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. and Mrs. Graham Waterman, pioneers to Calcutta, served the school as supervisors from 1966 to 1971. Professor Premnath Rai, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, gave wonderful service as principal from 1966 to 1969. He left to fill a pioneering post in Nepal.

Others who gave great service to the school include Mrs. Shirin Furudi who for years served under difficult conditions in the school kitchen. Mr. J. P. Karanjkar came in 1955 to take charge

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Miss ‘Atifih Mahbubi, a student of the ninth standard, New Era High School, is seen receiving from the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum a social service award during the presentation ceremony held on 30 May 1974. In the centre is Dr. Ray Johnson, principal; on

the left, Mrs. Ruhiyyih West, secretary to Dr. Johnson.

of the accounts. With great ability and loyalty he has balanced the books for more than twenty years and can be found today patiently calculating at his desk in the main office. Mrs. Mehrbanoo Gustaspi has served the school since 1964. She has worked as a teacher, as matron, and presently serves in the office.

In 1971 an American educator, Dr. Ray Johnson, was invited by the National Spiritual Assembly to assume the task of principal of New Era. He accepted and with his family moved to India where both he and his wife are now actively serving the school. In the five years he has been there Dr. Johnson has introduced many new changes and new programmes which have greatly improved the school. Any description would be slow to capture his style of leadership. Striking a balance between his Western heritage and his adopted Eastern culture, he can be found at one moment in blue jeans leading his students in a game of basketball ; and an hour later may be seen dressed in traditional Indian dress, sitting cross—legged at a village council meeting. His optimistic vision and calm manner are inspiring to those who work with and for him. His heart and office are always open.

Of Mrs. Johnson’s many contributions to the school, her reconstruction of the library deserves special mention. When she arrived at New Era the library was locked and in disuse, its contents damaged by mildew and neglect. Although she knew nothing of library science she began to work, and today the library ranks as one of the best in the State. Attractive pictures on the walls, a fish tank and a parrot cage in one corner, neat shelves of books and magazines—properly catalogued—chairs and tables, including some made especially for little children, all make the library the pride of the school.

Another American family arrived in 1972 to assist at the school. Mr. Richard Grover is presently vice-principal of the secondary school.

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He humbly accepts recognition for maintaining a Bahá’í atmosphere for discipline of the students and offers whatever services he can in counselling the students and staff members in their day-to-day problems, Mrs. Grover serves as vice-principal of the primary school. She also supervises the feeder class programme, in which children who do not know English attend special classes until they learn sufficient English to gain admission to the school as regular students.

Another outstanding feature of the school is the social service programme which was organized by Mrs. Grover. The Indian Government requires every school to have a social service programme, but few do as much as New Era. Under the New Era programme the older students help to clean the school compound, assist at school functions, make greeting cards for hospitals, visit orphanages, assist local doctors, descend on foot 1,500 feet into Chikli Valley to assist the villagers there to plant trees, build roads, clear playgrounds, perform first aid and engage in many other similar activities in a spirit of service.

The present day functioning of New Era is the result of many changes. The school grounds now cover more than thirty-two acres and contain six dormitories, kitchen and dining facilities, an art and music building, medical dispensary, the large classroom building, workshop and staff quarters. There is also a large recreation area with facilities for various sports programmes, and beautiful flower gardens. Surrounding the academic centre are agricultural areas where wheat and various fruits and vegetables are grown for school use.

The school curriculum has expanded to include a full range of academic subjects including mathematics, science, social studies, commerce and six languages, all taught by a qualified staff. Music and art instruction are also offered and have developed many outstanding talents. Cooking and sewing classes for the girls, and manual workshop for the boys, are also a part of the curriculum. Physical education is required of all the students, and individual and team sports are encouraged. Inter-school competitions as well as an annual Sports Day Tournament are held. The importance of spiritual training as an essential part of a balanced education has been recognized from the beginning. Bahá’í and non—Bahá’í moral

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classes are included in the programme for all students.

One of the most outstanding aspects of education at New Era is the international character of the school life. Staff and students of many different national, religious and social backgrounds are all working harmoniously as proof that the unity of mankind is a goal which can be achieved in this day.

The school is accredited by the Maharashtra State Government, the primary section being recognized in 1954 and the secondary section in 1956. Future plans for the school are succinctly stated by Dr. Johnson: ‘the beloved Guardian hoped that it would be possible for the New Era High School to eventually progress to the status of a university.’

The National Spiritual Assembly of India is hopeful that by the end of the Five Year Plan (Riḍván 1979) there will have been laid the foundation for a junior college which will begin with a two-year diploma course for training teachers and with a two-year diploma course for training students in agriculture as rural developers. In India the educational system is based on the 10-2-3 programme, where the high school diploma is granted at the completion of ten years of education and success in passing a Government-administered examination. The two years before university are called the higher secondary programme. It was begun in Maharashtra in July 1975. New Era school offers this programme in Arts and Commerce.

One of the most recent and exciting programmes at New Era was initiated on 20 October 1975, a programme in rural development under the direction of the school with financial assistance from the Mottahedeh Foundation of New York. Much Government and public support has been given to this programme and it is drawing considerable attention and publicity. This programme is designed to use the staff and students of the New Era school to assist several neighbouring Villages in raising their social and economic levels of existence. A team of Bahá’ís who work in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, public health and hygiene, economics and engineering has come to assist this programme. The members of the team are from Australia, England, the Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu, Iran, New Zealand and the United States, and the school has high hopes that their efforts will be a practical demonstration of

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Bahá’í concern for the development of those sections of humanity who are presently in a disadvantaged situation.

During 1976 it is planned to start the construction of a new kitchen and dining hall with seating capacity for 300 students, and also a gymnasium—cum-auditorium with a seating capacity for 500 students. The school hopes that with the support of the Bahá’ís around the world new dormitories can soon be constructed so that the school can raise its enrolment and educate many more children in this spiritual environment which is fostered by so many dedicated teachers and staff members.

Panchgani, which means ‘five plateaus’ in Hindi, is located about 125 miles south-east of Bombay. The school grounds, poised among the five flat mountain tops, overlook the Krishna River flowing through Chikli Valley. Beautiful banyan and mango trees cover the grounds and reach high into the clear blue sky. Squirrels, colourful wild birds and mischievous monkeys are found in their natural setting.

Due to the presence of the school and the efforts of its early pioneers, Panchgani has become a centre of Bahá’í activities for India. An annual Bahá’í Winter School and many conferences are held both at New Era and at the

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newly purchased Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Active village teaching and consolidation work are undertaken continuously by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Many visitors have been attracted to the school over the years including a number of Hands of the Cause, distinguished Government officials and Bahá’í friends from around the world. The school is directly under the sponsorship of the National Spiritual Assembly which is its Board of Trustees.

The New Era High School is no doubt the first of many Bahá’í schools to be developed as the new world order unfolds. The struggles, shortcomings and successes that have marked its growth provide a powerful example and inspiration for our efforts in the future. Throughout its first thirty years New Era has nurtured many Young world citizens who have become pioneers in various lands and has extended service to both its local and the world community. Most important of all, however, it has provided a genuine example of the unity of mankind and the beauty of the diverse races, religions and nations working together. New Era, as a pioneer in the field of Bahá’í education, has brought acclaim and prestige to the glorious Name of Bahá’u’lláh during these dramatic years of the growth of the Faith in India.

Junior student choir performing during the programme marking the thirtieth anniversary of the New Era School; 20 October 1975.

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On 20 October 1975 the New Era High School celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. On that occasion the Universal House of Justice sent the following letter to Mrs. Rezwan Mobedzadeh:

‘At this time when the New Era school is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary we wish to express our profound gratitude for your untiring services rendered to that blessed institution from the time of its inception. Your devotion, steadfastness, love and wisdom have always been a source of strength to the school. Hundreds of students who have been under your motherly care in the course of all these years, and now mostly serving the Cause of God, are living tributes to your success in serving in the field of education which is considered in our Faith as one of the best ways to worship God.

‘We offer prayers of thanksgiving at the Holy Shrines on your behalf and supplicate Bahá’u’lláh to confer upon you His choicest favours.’