Sumit Dutta, Secretary, St Xavier Higher Secondary School, Gonda, UP
With only one ICSE school serving the entire area, Gonda – a district northeast of Uttar Pradesh, had few options for high-quality education in the early 2000s. Understanding the need for quality schooling, St. Xavier Higher Secondary School was founded in 2001. To bring excellence to learning, it became Gonda’s second ICSE school, providing students with new opportunities. Sumit Dutta, the school’s secretary, imagined a place that would benefit both students in the city and kids from low-income families. He looks back and recalls how they began with a basic objective: creating a space where all children, regardless of their upbringing, could access high-quality education. “It started as a modest dream, but now, St. Xavier’s stands as a symbol of educational excellence.”
Starting the School
In its early days, the school operated from an L-shaped building with just a ground floor. “We had only a few classrooms back then,” Sumit recalls. “But as more students joined, we expanded, ensuring our facilities grew with their needs.”
Over the years, St. Xavier’s commitment to innovation set it apart. In 2005, it became the first school in eastern UP to introduce smart classes, a move that transformed the learning experience and inspired others to follow. This dedication to progress and quality education did not go unnoticed. The school was eventually awarded the “Best School Certificate” by CBSE for providing the top online classes in the city, showing how much it had progressed from its humble beginnings.
Empowering Underprivileged Children
St. Xavier’s commitment to education goes beyond regular school hours. They run a parallel school for children who work at tea shops or whose parents are domestic workers. “These children deserve the same opportunities as anyone else,” says Sumit. “We aim to give them a chance to learn and grow academically.” The program helps children from families below the poverty line gain access to education.
Partnership with Varthana
In 2022, Sumit discovered Varthana while planning new developments for St. Xavier’s, which has 58 branches across UP. The Sultanpur branch needed support to build a swimming pool and introduce a thematic learning approach. “We were looking for financial support, and Varthana stood out because of its school-friendly approach,” Sumit shares. “Unlike traditional institutions, Varthana gave us the flexibility we needed.”
The ₹2.4 crore loan from Varthana has made these plans possible, and the new facilities are already under construction. “Whenever someone asks where to get support for school development, I always recommend Varthana,” Sumit adds. “They are easy to work with and truly understand the needs of schools.”
A Bright Future Ahead
St. Xavier Higher Secondary School’s journey from a small, one-story building to a well-recognized institution reflects its deep commitment to education and social empowerment. With support from Varthana, the school is ready to reach even greater heights. “Our vision has always been about giving students the best opportunities,” shares the school leader.
Looking ahead, they have exciting plans. “As my daughter is into aviation, I dream of opening a flying school by 2025,” he says with hope. This unwavering vision, combined with Varthana’s support, is paving the way for a brighter future.
Social