Welham Girls’ School, the legacy all-girls school in Dehradun, celebrated its 69th Founders’ Day on 4th and 5th November 2026 filled with sporting fervour, creative expression and the joy of shared memories. It was an occasion to celebrate not only the achievements of the students but also the enduring legacy and vision of its founders, Miss Hersilla Susie Oliphant and Miss Grace Mary Linnell, whose efforts in 1957 laid the foundation for the for an institution committed to nurturing confident, compassionate and independent young women.
The festivities began on 4th November, with the Annual Sports Meet, as students took to the field to show their fighting spirit across various athletic events including the 800m race, 100m sprint, 4x100m relay, and the karate display. Students who had excelled in sports, including several state, national and international medallists, were felicitated for their achievements during the concluding Prize Distribution Ceremony.
Ms Mahima Kaul, an alumna from the Batch of 2001, whose distinguished career spans global affairs and public policy, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She applauded the students’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship and commended the school for fostering discipline, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence through sport.
The occasion was also special for the Class of 1976, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee and the Class of 2001, which marked its Silver Jubilee. For the returning alumnae, it was an opportunity to revisit the school, reunite with batchmates and celebrate the memories that continue to shape their shared identity as Welhamites. The day’s programme concluded with the Principal’s Dinner and the screening of Once Upon a Wonder Web, a student production adapted from E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.
The second day began with an exhibition called Via Mirabilis: Exploring the World, One Question at a Time, an exhibition that brought students’ ideas, explorations and learning to life. The exhibitions stood out for their research and inquiry-led approach, with students and teachers investing considerable time in investigating their subjects and developing accurate, well-researched findings. The exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to engage with the questions and ideas that shape students’ learning at Welham.
The main Founders’ Day programme brought the two-day celebrations to a close with addresses by students, the Principal, and the Chief Guest, followed by the prize distribution ceremony and Rang Kabeer, a musical presentation inspired by the poetry and philosophy of the revered Indian mystic poet Kabir.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Devina Mehra, Founder, Chairperson and Managing Director of First Global, and the Chief Guest for the occasion, said, “Education does not ever stop, you always keep learning. Make curiosity your superpower. Question everything.”
Romesh Sobti, President, Board of Governors, Welham Girls’ School Society, speaking about the celebrations said: “I want to say that the measure of success will not be the buildings we construct, or the facilities we inaugurate, it will be the young women who leave these gates – confident in their abilities, compassionate in their outlook, courageous in their convictions, and prepared to make meaningful difference to the world around them.”
Adding to this, Vibha Kapoor, Principal, Welham Girls School, said, “We are strengthening our sporting infrastructure, encouraging research-led and hands-on learning, and placing greater emphasis on critical thinking. In an age of increasing digital dependence, we want to nurture young women who can think independently, question intelligently and use their intellectual capabilities to drive positive change. It is encouraging to see this vision shared by our alumnae, Board members, students and parents. Welham’s legacy is our foundation, but our responsibility is to ensure that it continues to evolve with the aspirations of the generations to come.”
