Campion School: Heaven on Earth for Boys

Campion School Bhopal holds a prestigious place with a tag regarding its glorious tradition concerning the legacy of boyhood and education. Founded as a boy’s school, it has been a symbol of tradition, discipline, excellence, brotherhood and camaraderie. Located in E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, the school has given many a perception of boyish charm and character standing for its legacy as the boy's school because of Father E.F. More, a remarkable Jesuit priest with a lifelong commitment to education and character-building.

Campion School Bhopal Entrance

Campion School Bhopal: The Beginning of the Journey

Founded on July 17, 1965, Campion School Bhopal took its place from the tireless efforts of Father Emmanuel Ferdinand More (Fr. E.F. More). Prior to this milestone, Father More served as the principal of Campion School Mumbai, a renowned boys' school located at 13, Cooperage St, Fort, Mumbai. Campion Mumbai too produced some of the brightest minds in India, including Late. Mr Ratan Tata, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Rishi Kapoor, Shashi Tharoor, and Rajdeep Sardesai.

Inspired by the prestige of Campion Mumbai, Father More sought to repeat this legacy in Bhopal, ensuring boys had access to a quality education rooted in Jesuit principles.

Campion School's Role in Reshaping St. Joseph’s Convent

Before Campion School Bhopal was established, St Joseph’s Convent at Idgah Hills, Bhopal functioned as a co-ed institution from 1956 to 1965. However, with the creation of Campion Bhopal, the convent transitioned to an exclusive girls' school, transferring three batches of boys (Classes V to VII) to the newly formed Campion School Bhopal. Notably, Smt. Jaya Bachchan and Actor Sharat Saxena studied at St Joseph’s Convent during its co-ed times, alongside Egbert D'Cruz Uncle, husband of Philomena D'Cruz Mam (a retired teacher from Campion Bhopal) having him as their classmate.

Since then, Campion Bhopal has carried forward the mantle of being a boys' school, offering a unique environment where boys can grow into confident and responsible individuals.

Campion School Logo (Mumbai & Bhopal)

Father E.F. More: The Visionary Behind Campion Bhopal

Born on July 20, 1907, in Barcelona, Spain, Father More joined the Society of Jesus in 1925 at the age of 18. He arrived in India in 1929, dedicating himself to education. He served as the principal of Campion Mumbai from 1951 to 1964, during which time he fostered a thriving academic and cultural environment.

When Father More envisioned Campion Bhopal, he raised ₹21 lakhs through funds from the Society of Jesus, Campion Mumbai, and donors from Europe. With these funds, he secured 10 acres of land from the Government of Madhya Pradesh to lay the foundation of the school. Over time, he expanded the campus to 58 acres, transforming it into a premier institution with facilities from Kindergarten to Class XI.

His efforts didn’t stop there. Father More also established the Campion Old Boys Association in 1979, fostering lifelong connections among alumni, known as Campionites and Ex-Campionites.

Campion School Mumbai: The Root of a Legacy

The relationship between Campion School Mumbai and Campion School Bhopal runs deep. While the two schools operate independently, they share the same emblem and values. Campion Mumbai, founded in 1943, remains a boys' school to this day, producing luminaries across fields such as business, arts, politics, and science.

Among its notable alumni are Akash Ambani, Praful Patel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Randhir Kapoor, and Dom Moraes, each a testament to the values instilled at Campion. Celebrities like Raj Kapoor entrusted the education of his sons, Randhir and Rishi Kapoor, to the capable hands of Father More at Campion Mumbai.

This legacy of nurturing boys to become leaders and gentlemen is something Campion Bhopal inherited when Father More brought his expertise and vision to Bhopal.

Late, Sir Ratan Tata - Campion School Mumbai Alumni (Till 8th STD)

The Transition of Campion Bhopal to Co-Education

While Campion Bhopal remained a boys' school for over five decades, it became co-educational in 2020. This decision sparked discussions among alumni and teachers. While some welcomed the change, many felt it diluted the legacy of Campion being a boy’s school.

The argument for maintaining Campion Bhopal as a boys' school stems from its tradition and the unique camaraderie fostered in such an environment. Alumni fondly recall the sense of brotherhood and pride encapsulated in their school anthem:

Sabse Aage Ladke Kaun? Campion, Campion!
Veer Bahadur Ladke Kaun? Campion, Campion!

Supporters of this viewpoint emphasize that institutions like St Joseph’s Convent and Carmel Convent have remained exclusive girls' schools for decades, preserving their original identities.

Campion’s Impact Beyond Academics

Father More’s vision extended far beyond academics. During his tenure, he organized medical camps and hygiene drives in Bhopal's slums, demonstrating his commitment to social welfare. From 1980 to 1988, he also supported the establishment of a co-educational Hindi-medium school for the underprivileged.

For his contributions to scouting, he was awarded the Silver Elephant Award, India’s highest honour in scouting, by President R. Venkataraman in 1987. His dedication left an indelible mark on every community he touched.

Father More passed away on August 13, 1988, at Asha Niketan, Bhopal, and was laid to rest in the school he built with such devotion—Campion School Bhopal.

Preserving Campion Bhopal’s Legacy

Campionites and Ex-Campionites are strongly in favour of bringing Campion Bhopal back to its roots as a boys' school. The school’s unique identity is reflected in its white shirt and blue pant uniform, its original school anthem, “Campion Calls,” and its long-standing reputation as a place where boys are nurtured into men of character.

Those who believe that Campion should remain a boys' school or that only boys should be admitted, should spread the word to their friends, acquaintances, neighbours, and relatives. Let everyone in their circles know that Campion School should be recommended for boys only. Teachers, current students (Campionites), and Ex-Campionites should also support this cause. Remember, word of mouth still holds great power. So, share this article with everyone, especially those who are Campionites, Ex-Campionites and whose sons study or have studied in Campion. Share the link to this article through social media or other messages.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Boys

Campion School Bhopal is not just an institution; it’s a legacy. It stands as a monument to Father More’s vision and dedication to education. The connection between Campion Mumbai and Campion Bhopal highlights the enduring impact of a Jesuit education, fostering leaders across generations.

As we honour this legacy, let us ensure that Campion School Bhopal continues to inspire future generations by preserving its unique identity as a boys' school. After all, it is this tradition that instils pride in every Campionite who chants:

Sabse Aage Ladke Kaun? Campion, Campion!