We’ve often been led to believe that ‘education’ is synonymous with ‘academics’—what is taught in school. However, a school is far more than just a place to boost a child’s academic performance; it is a foundation for developing social skills and character traits like leadership, conflict resolution, relationship-building, communication, and more. Colonel’s Academy in Mhow truly embodies these qualities, providing students with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and face real-life challenges. In recognition of its outstanding contributions, we at the Education Excellence Awards are thrilled to honor Colonel’s Academy’ Mhow with the Outstanding School of the Year 2024 award.
Guided by Vision
Leadership is crucial in shaping an institution’s future, and under Ms. Keran Bahadur’s guidance, Colonel’s Academy has continued to achieve new heights. After her husband, Col. Fateh Jang Bahadur, retired from the Army, they settled in Mhow, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, where they recognized the need for a quality educational institution. Together, they founded Colonel’s Academy, grounded in the ethos “Discover the Joy of Learning.” This vision created an environment that fosters joy and motivation in learning, establishing Colonel’s Academy as a center of excellence committed to nurturing children’s intellect and initiative.
Colonel’s Academy in a Nutshell
Colonel’s Academy, Mhow, founded in 1995 stands today as a beacon of educational excellence. This English-medium, coeducational senior secondary school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and is nestled on a sprawling 4.75-acre campus of lush greenery, designed to inspire and motivate students in a joyful learning environment. Known for its commitment to quality education, Colonel’s Academy attracts students from distant areas, including Indore, drawn by its reputation for excellence. Managed by the Colonel’s Educational and Cultural Society (CECS), the school continually innovates in teaching methods, making it a hotspot of learning dedicated to fostering young minds.
Colonel’s Academy became the first school in Madhya Pradesh to introduce smart classes in partnership with Educom, significantly enhancing the learning experience. This technology adapts to each student’s pace, learning style, and individual needs, with multimedia content and interactive games boosting engagement and retention. Visual aids, animations, and interactive tools simplify complex concepts, provide immediate feedback, and foster teamwork through collaborative projects. Virtual field trips allow students to explore otherwise inaccessible places, while data analysis enables teachers to track progress and target areas for improvement.
Fostering Well-Rounded Excellence
Colonel’s Academy has built a strong reputation across Madhya Pradesh and beyond for its remarkable ability to transform shy students into well-rounded individuals. To delve into the academy’s holistic approach, we spoke with Ms. Keran Bahadur, the Founder-Principal and Chairman. She shared insights on the school’s mission to provide a comprehensive education aimed at the overall development of every student. “We strive to guide each child to become a motivated lifelong learner, experiencing the joy of discovery and taking ownership of their achievements,” Ms. Bahadur explained. “To enhance this journey, we’ve integrated nine types of intelligence into our curriculum, including linguistic, logical, visual, and bodily-kinesthetic skills.”
Ms. Bahadur also highlighted the academy’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, a football field, a volleyball court, a skating rink, and a shooting range. These facilities have paved the way for students to excel in sports, with many competing at state and national levels.
“Our students not only participate in sports but also engage in literary and science competitions,” Ms. Bahadur added. “Beyond academics and athletics, we encourage social responsibility through activities like teaching underprivileged students, adopting and assisting the elderly, and campaigns such as the Anti-Tobacco Initiative and the ‘Clean Mhow, Green Mhow’ campaign, all of which are annual events.”
Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Collaborations
The academy’s collaborations with other institutions further expand students’ horizons, offering valuable networking opportunities and access to additional resources and facilities. These partnerships enhance career prospects, build confidence, and encourage innovative thinking. Through these collaborations, students gain technical skills in programming, mechanical and electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, and problem-solving, alongside essential teamwork and communication abilities. Together, these initiatives have transformed learning at Colonel’s Academy, making it more engaging, impactful, and future-ready.
Empowering Growth and Community Impact
Grounded in the values of “Character, Knowledge, Courage,” Colonel’s Academy has become a cornerstone of the local community. Under the visionary leadership of Ms. Keran Bahadur, the academy launched ‘Keranaya,’ an initiative focused on supporting underprivileged children and seniors. Additionally, events with Gyanoday, a school for underprivileged children, are organized to foster inclusivity. Ms. Bahadur’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in the establishment of Colonel Fateh Jang College of Education, dedicated to training future educators. Her relentless contributions to education and community service have earned her numerous accolades, cementing her legacy as a transformative leader in education.
