At the AGEI Time’s winged chariot has sped over one hundred and fifty eight years, we look back with pride and a sense of achievement on the events of our past and now open our doors to a new changing world.
In a time when it was believed that female horizons should not reach beyond home and family, a man far ahead of his times, courageous and upright, appointed Sherrif of Bombay twice, in 1856 & 1863, having the distinction of being the first Indian to be appointed as Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and member of the Masonic Lodge – felt that only the education of the girl child would bring about the required change in society.
This Zoroastrian man with a reputation for integrity, was Manockjee Cursetjee. He offered a part of his own residence, Villa Byculla and started an English Medium School with 13 Indian pupils.
The school was named not after himself or any of his family members. He named the school after Princess Alexandra, then Princess of Wales who was renowned for her radiant beauty, humaneness and nobility. He felt she would be an ideal for the girls to look up to.
Thus began The Alexandra Native Girls’ English Institution on 1st September 1863. Though a staunch Zoroastrian, Manockjee threw open the portals of his school, despite opposition, to girls of all castes and communities. He remained its President till his death in 1887.
Later, the school was shifted to Waudby Road, as it was called in those days. The school was then housed in the most impressive gothic building constructed by Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Cowasjee Murzban and became a landmark for all in the Fort area. The word ‘Native’ was later dropped from the name of the School and it was called, ‘The Alexandra Girls’ English Institution’.
Due to increasing numbers and lack of space as well as weakening of the old structure, a new building was erected but a part of the heritage structure – the beautiful arches were left untouched and stand tall even today alongside the new structure as a reminisce of the past !
I conducted my first ever dance class when I was in the 6th grade at The Alexandra Girls’ English Institution. From there, my dance career kicked off. I am now a choreographer and have my own company Two Right Feet. I am also a F&B content creator. Dancing for school shows gave me the interest to pursue dancing as a career. I’m forever grateful.
Kanchi Shah
Choreographer
When I started looking for a school for my daughter, I wanted one that would instill a spirit of compassion, not just competition, one that would let her personality blossom, not just make her part of an assembly line, one that would encourage her to step into the world with confidence not just with a degree. I realized I was looking for a school like Alexandra Girls’ English Institution. Thank you, my Alma Mater, for making me who I am!
Rakshanda Khan
TV Star
My school years at Alexandra have been the stepping stones in my life! It has taught me great values and helped me shape into the person who I am today! And one of them is accepting inclusivity in diversity! Kudos to all the teachers and staff whose continuous efforts have made this school stand strong for all these years.
Dr. Reshma Jhaveri
Ophthalmologist, & Queen of the World
A good school is like clay and the teacher the potter… both go hand in hand in shaping your life. I am forever grateful to A.G.E.I. for what I am today. The mould they used to cast me, has defined me and helped me achieve my dreams. I owe my success to my school and all my teachers.
Tasneem Shahani
Owner / Chef at Tasneem’s King’s Kitchen, Nepal.
My school years lay the foundation to my life today. The teachers at A.G.E.I. always took a keen interest in every student, encouraged thinking and questioning and taught with passion. I owe a great deal to them.
Alifia (Nalwalla) Tameem
Anaesthetist and Pain Management Consultant in Birmingham, UK
What I am today is thanks to the tireless efforts of my parents and my teachers who helped lay those foundation blocks, every day of my growing up years. I will always be indebted to my parents for the sacrifices they made and my school“The Alexandra Girls English Institution” where I spent most of my childhood. Every teacher from Nursery to Std. X taught us way beyond the syllabus. They taught us how to be disciplined, good humans and stand the test of time. They taught us what’s right and practiced what they preached. I can never forget how proud I was carrying the School flag as the Head Girl. Every achievement since is thanks to what I was taught.I strongly encourage every student of this prestigious institution to dream big and achieve great heights, as they face every challenge in life after a solid foundation developed by our dear AGEI.
Anahita Varma
Corporate Senior Vice President,
WNS Global Technology Services
