Bedford School Mohali Joins Voices at Dehradun Literature Festival 2025

A literary festival is where ideas come alive, where voices meet, and where learning naturally flows beyond the classroom. On 16 November 2025, Bedford School Mohali had the privilege of representing itself at the Dehradun Literature Festival 2025, carrying forward the 470-year legacy of Bedford School UK. 

Held at Riverdale Campus, Dehradun, the festival brought together writers, educators, thinkers, and young leaders from all over. For us, it was a meaningful moment to share our educational philosophy and strengthen our commitment to education for girls.

Exploring Education for Girls in an Interconnected World

Bedford School Mohali took part in the panel discussion, “Education in an Interconnected World – International Schools in India,” alongside Shrewsbury School India. Representing us on stage was Ms Naomi Atkins, our Founding Principal. 

The discussion centred on how international schools can combine global excellence with India’s cultural and educational aspirations. It was a vital conversation for the future of boarding schools for girls in India. 

Being India’s first British International girls’ school, shaped by the distinguished Bedford School UK legacy, Bedford School Mohali represents a new chapter for education in boarding schools for girls in India. 

Participating in a festival of this calibre signalled Bedford’s commitment to meaningful efforts. One that blends academic excellence with cultural understanding, global perspectives, and emotional intelligence.

The session reinforced why Bedford’s all-girls model and British international approach hold vital relevance today, especially for parents seeking the best boarding school for girls in India.

Discussions At The Dehradun Literature Festival 2025

At the festival, there were several topics discussed that shaped the entire conversation. Our voice was central to topics that matter deeply to modern families.

Segment 1: The Vision and Value Proposition

1. Why India, and why now?

In this discussion, the emergence of a new wave of reputed British schools setting in India was put forward. When asked how Bedford School Mohali sets out to stand out and tend to the demographic and regional needs of the selected location, Ms Naomi shared why regions like Mohali and Chandigarh are ready for academically strong, globally aligned schooling. 

She emphasised that we are committed to offering girls an environment where intellectual ambition, pastoral care, and personal development work hand in hand. 

2. Why an all-girls British international school?

Responding to the question on the significance of Bedford School Mohali’s all-girls model, Ms Naomi highlighted why a dedicated single-sex environment matters. 

She explained how the lessons could be tailored in terms of content to the interests of girls, how lessons could be planned that suit the way girls learn with more emphasis on discussion, collaboration and independent research and enquiry.  In addition how girls thrive when they are given space to question deeply, encouraged to lead boldly, and supported in exploring fields such as STEM with confidence—free from bias, expectation, or hesitation.

3. Balancing legacy with Indian authenticity

Ms Naomi also spoke about how Bedford’s centuries-old academic traditions are thoughtfully woven into a school experience that feels genuinely rooted in India. She emphasised that Indian culture, values, and identity are integral to how our pupils learn, grow, and experience their education each day.

Segment 2: Cultural Integration and the Interconnected Curriculum

The second segment included an interactive exchange with the Principal and student editorial team of Doon International School.

4. Blending global curriculum with Indian heritage

Ms Naomi explained how we integrate Indian heritage and cultural expression with our Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level frameworks. She shared examples of how global education for girls grows stronger when it is founded in India’s history, traditions, and lived experiences. 

5. Language and cross-cultural competence

Ms Naomi emphasised the importance of multilingualism. She reflected on how we encourage pupils to embrace Indian languages alongside English, while also building exposure to additional foreign languages. This, she shared, builds empathy, global awareness, and true cross-cultural competence. 

Striving to be the best boarding school for girls in India, Bedford School Mohali inculcates this in its teaching practices. 

Coverage From Other Speakers’ Perspective 

6. Modern assessment for a modern world

The panel discussed evolving approaches such as project-based learning, portfolios, and skills-driven assessments that reflect real-world competencies better than traditional exams.

7. Preparing pupils for global university pathways

Speakers at the panel explored how international schools guide students towards universities across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and how career guidance must adapt to emerging job markets.

8. Digital citizenship and online responsibility

The conversation touched on the growing need for media literacy, ethical technology use, and responsible digital engagement among young learners.

9. The broader impact of international schools in India

The panel closed by reflecting on how international school brands may elevate national expectations in areas such as academic quality, pastoral care, faculty development, and holistic education. 

A Proud Moment for Bedford School Mohali

For Bedford School Mohali, participating in the Dehradun Literature Festival 2025 was more than an academic conversation. It was an affirmation of the values the school stands for: kindness, curiosity, responsibility, endeavour, and integrity—empowering girls to grow into thoughtful, articulate global citizens.

The festival offered an inspiring platform to share Bedford’s vision, shaped by a 470+ year legacy and reimagined for the future of girls’ education in India.

Looking Ahead

As Bedford School Mohali reflects on its presence at the Dehradun Literature Festival, the experience stands as a powerful reminder of the possibilities ahead. Engaging with educators, principals, and students highlighted the shared vision of shaping schools that inspire, uplift, and prepare every pupil to lead with integrity and imagination.

Bedford School Mohali is proud to have been part of the Dehradun Literature Festival 2025 and extends a warm invitation to families, educators, and young readers to continue following this journey of inspired learning.