Shrewsbury School UK, founded in 1552 by King Edward VI, celebrates its 473rd anniversary this month. On the school’s Foundation Day, February 10, its first India campus, Shrewsbury International School India inaugurated the Annual Charles Darwin Lecture Series at its state-of-the-art campus in Bhopal. The series also commemorates the 216th birth anniversary (February 12) of Darwin, the most illustrious alumnus of the school.
The inauguration of the Annual Charles Darwin Lecture Series marks the beginning of a significant platform dedicated to honoring individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society across various fields.
Abhishek Mohan Gupta, President – Board of Management, Shrewsbury International School India, says, “Through the Annual Charles Darwin Lecture Series, we hope to give a platform to exceptional leaders, innovators, and changemakers so that they can share their accrued wisdom and experiences with the students. This series pays tribute to Charles Darwin’s brilliance and far-reaching contributions to evolutionary biology. It also aligns perfectly with Shrewsbury’s vision of becoming a thought leader in the Indian education landscape with a well-resourced pedagogy.”
Mr. Leo Winkley, Headmaster of the prestigious Shrewsbury School UK, and member of the G30 fraternity of boarding schools, visited Shrewsbury International School India’s Bhopal campus for the first time. During the visit (February 10th and 11th), he delivered the inaugural Charles Darwin Lecture Series and also unveiled Charles Darwin’s bust. He additionally announced the prestigious Charles Darwin Leadership Medal which has been instituted to recognise achievers who have made tangible contributions to the society.
As he observes, “The Annual Charles Darwin Lecture Series acknowledges Darwin’s contribution to the culture of transformative thinking and innovation. We hope that this confluence of powerful ideas will inspire Indian students to embrace Darwin’s legacy, challenge conventions and pursue excellence as emerging leaders. The series will also reinforce the connection between Shrewsbury School UK’s historical legacy and the role it can play in India’s rapidly evolving educational ecosystem.”
Among the attendees at this evening of luminaries were Dominic Tomalin - Headmaster, Shrewsbury International School India, key staff members from Shrewsbury India, and parents of prospective students.
As Shrewsbury International School India prepares to open its doors to the first batch of students in August 2025, Abhishek Mohan Gupta concludes, “Mr. Leo Winkley’s visit and the events to follow underscore the school’s mission to integrate the global heritage of Shrewsbury School UK with Indian aspirations, fostering a holistic and forward-thinking educational environment.”
