Panchgani: New Era High School recently marked its 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades of service to education inspired by the universal spirit of the Bahá’í Faith. The milestone was both a celebration of the institution’s remarkable progress and a tribute to the countless individuals whose dedication and generosity have shaped its journey.
It is heartening to witness the evolution of this endeavour—begun eight decades ago—into the independent New Era Foundation, under whose direction and guidance both the New Era School and the Teacher Training Centre now function. This growth reflects a broader pattern seen at a global level, where scores of Bahá’í development organizations operate worldwide, contributing to social transformation through education and capacity-building. In India, the New Era Foundation in Panchgani stands as a notable example, overseeing the New Era High School—which serves students from across the country with a curriculum grounded in spiritual and moral principles—along with the New Era Teacher Training Centre and initiatives aimed at promoting community schools.
The New Era High School has grown from modest beginnings into a respected educational institution in India. Its well-defined academic and moral education programmes are matched by refined governance and operational practices, enabling students to excel in the arts and sciences while also imbibing spiritual and moral principles—essential ingredients for the flourishing of human life. Over the years, the school has made meaningful contributions to the people of Panchgani, of Maharashtra, and to communities farther afield.
On the occasion, the Universal House of Justice—the international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith—conveyed its appreciation through its Department of the Secretariat, stating:
“The progress of your school and the contributions it has made to the people of Panchgani, of Maharashtra, and of communities farther afield continue to be a source of great satisfaction and joy to the House of Justice. Founded over three quarters of a century ago, the New Era School has grown from its modest beginnings into a respected educational institution in India. A striking feature has been your resolve to uphold standards that help students not only excel in the arts and sciences but also imbibe spiritual and moral principles—essential ingredients for the flourishing of human life.”
The anniversary celebrations also honoured the teachers, educators, administrators, parents, alumni, and members of the local community who have poured their talents, energies, resources, and hopes into building a centre of learning that nurtures excellence of character as much as excellence of mind. In a message, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India highlighted that New Era’s alumni, now spread across the globe, continue to carry the values instilled at the school, contributing meaningfully to the betterment of society wherever they reside. It noted that the celebratory reunion reflected the school’s distinctive culture and universal values—one that binds generations together in a spirit of affinity and friendship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many distinguished leaders to extend greetings to the institution on this historic occasion. Describing the anniversary as a moment of pride and joy for all those associated with the school, he said:
“Imparting quality education to young students is a vital duty and responsibility.It is in this context that institutions such as yours play a key-role in nation-building. Guided by the noble principles of the Bahá’í Faith, I am confident that the school is preparing generations of students to excel academically and also face life’s challenges with confidence and compassion. Heartiest congratulations and greetings to all the students, alumni, teachers, parents, and staff, May the 80th anniversary inspire everyone to continue to tread the path of learning and service.”
