July 2010

Today is a significant day not only for Indus but in the history of school education. Today, we present to you the world's first international school for those living below the poverty line.

The idea was conceived on 9th April 2009; and in exactly 14 months and nine days the school is a reality. The inspiration came from two simple beliefs.

First, quality education, the best technologies, and access to financial services should be a human right. There cannot be two sets of curriculum and technology; one for the rich and the other for the poor. If any curriculum and technology claim themselves to be the best, then they should also be available to the poor. We wish to establish that with some genius and creativity this is possible. We have done it for all to see. For what children pay $35 (Rs 1500) a day in mainstream schools, the poor will pay a mere 5 cents (Rs 3) - a difference of 500!

Second, we believe that schools are agents of change. Their purpose cannot be limited to preparing children for careers in life and academic excellence. Schools must transform society and the local community by providing equal opportunity to those who are not privileged to go to good schools. Education must therefore have a larger purpose:

• Education for empowering the oppressed and poor
• Education for human development
• Education for peace
• Education to be good citizens and good human beings

We could not have achieved this had it not been for the support and commitment of some key players. The list is endless but time does not permit me to mention more than few names.

• Our trustees Mr Kumar Malavalli' and Sushil Mantri, who encouraged the idea with a personal contribution.
• The Indus Training and Research Institute that trained the teachers for nine months
• The empowerment and dedication of the 8 teachers who underwent the best international training
• Colonel Sathya Rao who personally supervised the entire project
• Mrs Sarojini Rao who designed the curriculum and organised the training of teachers
• Intel, Bhaaskaran, Satish, and Rakesh Pandey who arranged for all the technology
• The Students' Council that took the initiative forward; and
• Indus parents who donated so liberally towards this cause
• Mr Narainswamy for the support he has provided to make our dream a reality.

I promise each one of you parents that, your sons and daughters will become world class scientists, artists, sportsmen, doctors, engineers, business persons, and great leaders. In a matter of just a few years these children will transform your homes, your village, and the social and economic landscape from Varthur, to Sarjapura, to Attibele.

They will bring you wealth, prosperity, and happiness.

They will be world citizens. At the same time they shall be good Hindus, good Muslims, good Christians, good citizens, and good Indians.

They will do you and Karnataka proud

There is a bronze plaque in my office on which I have engraved the following words to inspire me: Whatever the mind of a man can conceive can happen.

To all the children I say, your motto and belief in school and life should be: I can. I will.

May God bless you all.