Over almost three quarters of century the idea planted by some visionaries for
nursing enlightened, educationally refined leaders for the newly independent
India, has flourished and grown in a profound manner. But as often happens in
the affairs of humankind, in the pursuit of growth the essence and soul of the
idea is lost: Form flourishes but substance retreats. Furthermore despite its
expanse DPS found itself unable to offer space to its own children who were
inevitably attracted to other platforms. Three former students and one former
Principal of DPS have over the years remained in an ineffective minority on the
DPS Society.
The alumni of DPS Mathura Road were lucky to have their own registered
Association unlike other schools but it is important that the alumni have their
permanent organisation. After several decades the DPS Mathura Road Dipsites
Association opened its portals to alumni from other DPS schools as well.
Looking at the remarkable collection of talent some Dipsites felt that the
Association has a limited charter that can be served well by more voluntary
efforts but a larger platform is needed to engage the Dipsites potential in the
core competence of promoting education at all levels. What we imbibed from DPS
we must share with those not equally lucky. Many new people are venturing into
the field of education and it would be ironic if those most closely connected
with it were to remain aloof. Thus was born the idea of exploring the special
world of Dipsites and marshal its untapped energy for Gen-X education for the
21st Century. The Foundation purports to show case and advance the special
cultural feel of the experience of DPS and therefore the Delhi World Public School or the World
of DPS-Dipsites (Dipsites/DPS Alumni). Born out of DPS but reaching beyond. It
draws inspiration from DPS but goes beyond that experience conceptually,
physically, and intellectually. In keeping with this aspiration our logo
combines the laurel leaf with the light and the word. Mere light is not enough
and the word in darkness is lost. As we step out towards the destination of
fulfilment we record our acknowledgement and gratitude to the schools of DPS
Society, particularly the Mother School, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road and
wish them all well. But we hope to preserve the common heritage and legacy in a
different, wholesome manner that will reinforce the dream of the Founders.
The Foundation is conceived to be largely populated by Dipsites in whose
definitions are included spouses, parents and progeny of alumni. There will of
course be included; outstanding, talented non-Dipsites to add value and infuse
fresh ideas. Periodic policy formulation will be done by the Core Life Members
of the Foundation on the recommendation of the General Assembly of Members. We
are trying to get through outstanding Dipsites spread across the world to be
able in a short while to offer a rich intellectual and professional base for our
fellowship.
In the years and decades ahead of education will be extensively debated and
recalibrated, hopefully on utilitarian and liberal perceptions but the
ideological battles too could be significant. Our Foundation hopes to be at the
forefront of the debate on education and to intervene with comprehensive data
and research in educational methods, drawing upon the best endeavours throughout
the world. Of course in the pursuit of excellence and equity we will also
establish schools. It is there that we will find sustenance and fuel for
challenges of the future.
We cannot but recall Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore:
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
For Dipsites of the 1960s and 70s these immortal words still ring in the ear in
the voice of late Principal Din Dayal who read them to the school Assembly
innumerable times. He turned a campus of a few dozen tents into the cradle of
modern educational institutions.
We hope to replicate his contribution in myriad innovative and enlightened ways.
For the Dipsites (DPS) World these words will remain the loadstar in this unique
endeavour. We recall also the words of Dr Zakir Husain: ‘Every time a child is
born, hope is born afresh in the world of the mother’. This too is the birth of
Hope.