Writing a New Chapter: India’s First Ruskin Bond School Blooms in Vadodara

Updated: October 24, 2025 02:33

Image Source: The Indian Express

The Ruskin Bond International School (RBIS), India’s first of its kind, is set to open in Vadodara on October 26, 2025. Inspired by the legendary author’s storytelling and love for nature, the school emphasizes emotional development, experiential learning, and cultural rootedness, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional education models.

A Storybook Beginning: Ruskin Bond’s Legacy Finds a Home in Vadodara’s New Nature-Themed School

In a heartwarming tribute to one of India’s most beloved authors, the country’s first Ruskin Bond International School (RBIS) is set to open its doors in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 26, 2025. The school is a collaborative initiative led by Siddharth Bond, Ruskin Bond’s adopted grandson, and Advocate Kunal Sharma, with a vision to integrate nature, emotional intelligence, and storytelling into mainstream education.

Key Highlights of RBIS Vadodara:

Nature-Inspired Learning Spaces

Classrooms are themed around mountains, rainbows, and oceans, reflecting the landscapes that shaped Ruskin Bond’s literary world.

Students will engage in nature walks, music sessions, and outdoor activities to foster curiosity and mindfulness.

Emotional Development at the Core

The curriculum emphasizes emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness, moving beyond rote learning.

Teachers are trained to support mental well-being and creative expression, aligning with Bond’s gentle, introspective storytelling style.

Launch and Legacy

The RBIS brand was officially launched in January 2025 in Mussoorie, on Ruskin Bond’s 91st birthday.

The Vadodara campus marks the first franchise, with plans to expand across India.

Cultural and Literary Integration

Bond’s stories and characters will be woven into the curriculum, encouraging students to explore Indian literature, folklore, and personal narratives.

The school aims to cultivate lifelong readers and storytellers, inspired by Bond’s legacy.

Leadership and Vision

Siddharth Bond envisions RBIS as a space where “learning is an adventure,” rooted in simplicity and joy.

The founders stress the importance of values-based education that nurtures both intellect and emotion.

Community Response

The announcement has generated excitement among educators and parents seeking alternative schooling models that prioritize holistic development.

RBIS Vadodara is more than a school—it’s a living tribute to Ruskin Bond’s timeless philosophy: that education should be as gentle and enriching as a walk through the hills.

Sources: Indian Express

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