HISTORY OF ST. HELENA’S SCHOOL, PUNE
Founding & Origins
Established in 1908 by Susie Sorabji, a pioneering Indian Christian educationist, the school began as a missionary initiative aimed at providing quality English education in a period when such opportunities were rare for Indian girls. It originally functioned as a co-educational institution addressing the educational needs of elite Indian families.
The land belonged to Susie Sorabji herself— later she replaced her family bungalow by the school building, signifying her deep personal commitment to education.
Susie Sorabji mobilized funding from abroad to sustain and develop the school. A significant donor was Helen Gold from Canada, who provided a generous financial contribution—so much so that the school was named in her honour. Additional support came from The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire until World War II disrupted these links.
Growth & Legacy
By 2008, St. Helena’s celebrated its centenary, marking 100 years of continuous educational service, with around 3,000 students and 89 teaching staff on campus.
Though sources vary slightly, most authoritative references affirm 1908 as the founding year.
The school’s evolution from its missionary roots has preserved its Christian-Anglo- Indian heritage while fostering inclusivity, evidenced by students historically coming from princely states like Baroda, Gwalior, Kolhapur, and Talegaon.
Heritage & Traditions
Founder’s Day is respectfully observed on March 15, Susie Sorabji’s death anniversary. The school honours her legacy through memorial services, student-led plays, and donations to charitable organizations. Older students traditionally visit her grave to pay their respects.
In 2011, the school celebrated Founder’s Day with a skit on Sorabji’s life, reflecting her dedication to uplifting the underserved. Even current staff and students continue to emulate her ethos of service by distributing food grains and essentials to social organizations.
During its 80th Founder’s Day in 2012, alumni reminisced warmly about co- educational times with the last batch of boys and recalled Sorabji’s broader mission to uplift the marginalized.