These Boarding Schools Shaped the Lives of Icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Charles Darwin Find out how these illustrious institutions impacted the lives and careers of some of the most famous people around the world
From actor Tom Hardy who attended Reed’s School in Surrey, England to Jane Fonda who studied at the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, there are multiple examples of global achievers from different walks of life who were shaped by renowned residential alma maters. They spent their formative years residing in reputed institutions, imbibing life skills and values that in retrospect empowered them to succeed in their respective careers.
An Overview:
Amitabh Bachchan (Sherwood College, Nainital)
Sherwood College in Nainital, Uttarakhand, was founded in 1869 as the Diocesan Boys’ School and is now recognised as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Their roll of honour boasts iconic names such as Amitabh Bachchan and General Sam Manekshaw. Bachchan studied from 9th to 11th grade in Sherwood’s 45-acre campus nestled in the Shivalik ranges between 1956 and 1958. The School Motto, “Mereat Quisque Palmam” ( Let Each One Merit His Prize) continues to encourage students to nurture their unique qualities. Bachchan lived up to this motto by becoming one of the most disciplined, punctual and dedicated actors of all time. His multifaceted personality also obviously benefited from the all-around education and value-based principles that Sherwood imparts to its alumni.
Charles Darwin (Shrewsbury School, UK)
As the first Indian branch of the globally renowned Shrewsbury School, UK opens its 150-acre Bhopal campus in August this year, there is a lot of curiosity around its history.
Shrewsbury School UK was founded in 1552 and boasts a history spanning over 470 years, making it one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools. One of its most illustrious alumni was the father of evolution, Charles Darwin. Darwin studied at Shrewsbury School as a boarder from 1818 to 1825 and it is here that his interest in the natural world was kindled. As a naturalist, Darwin changed our understanding of the origins of life on earth. Today, a statue of Darwin stands outside his old school building.
Shrewsbury International School India, a premier boarding school for pupils from Grades 6 – 12, brings the same legacy of intellectual curiosity and passion for learning to a new generation of Indian students.
Rajiv Gandhi (The Doon School, Dehradun)
The former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi joined Doon School, Dehradun in 1954 and the experience left a lasting impression on him and also on alumni like writer Vikram Seth, actor Roshan Seth, designer Tarun Tahiliani, painter Vivaan Sundaram and sculptor Anish Kapoor among others. Rajiv Gandhi was part of the Class of ’62 in the school which was founded in 1935, thanks to the efforts of lawyer Satish Ranjan Das. Das wanted to reimagine the idea of Western public schools in the Indian context. The 70-acre campus occupies the former site of the Forest Research Institute and is lush with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Named the Eton of India, the school’s motto is ‘Knowledge Our Light’ and is ranked among the best residential institutions in India.
Omar Abdullah (Lawrence School, Sanawar)
In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revisited his alma mater Lawrence School, Sanawar. He was a 1981-89 batch alumnus, the school head boy and a house captain and recalled football practice and marching sessions on the grounds. Founded by Sir Henry and Lady Honoria Lawrence on the 15th of April 1847, Sanawar is believed to be the first co-educational boarding school in the world. Situated on a rural hilltop surrounded by pine trees and evergreens, the campus is spread across 139 acres in Kasauli Hills, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Among its notable alumni are Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab, Arun Khetarpal, the youngest officer recipient of the Param Vir Chakra and actor and comedian Vir Das. The motto of Sanawar is ‘Never Give In’ and encapsulates the grit and never-say-die spirit of its alumni.
Saif Ali Khan (Lawrence School, Sanawar)
Actor Saif Ali Khan’s early education began at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, followed by Lockers Park School, and then Winchester College. These prestigious boarding schools inculcated in him a lifelong passion for learning which has led him to not just evolve as an actor but also become a voracious reader and a well-informed and enlightened global citizen. Lockers Park School founded in 1874 is a day and boarding preparatory and pre-preparatory school for boys, situated in 23 acres of countryside in Boxmoor, Hertfordshire, UK. Winchester College was founded by William of Wykeham in 1382 and its motto “Manners Makyth Man,” has visibly shaped Saif’s persona.
