Hyderabad Public School (HPS), an esteemed educational institution that has stood the test of time, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1923. Though the exact month of its establishment remains uncertain, the institution initially served as a learning center exclusively for the sons of jagirdars. However, with the abolition of the jagirdari system in 1951, HPS underwent a significant transformation and emerged as a renowned institution under the society’s management. Today, the school takes pride in its alumni, who hail from diverse backgrounds and excel in various domains, including governance, public service, innovation, and ideas.
Reflecting on the school’s enduring legacy, Gusti J Noria, an alumnus of HPS and the current president of the HPS Society, expressed that throughout the past century, the institution’s commitment to excellence has remained unwavering. Despite the evolving demographic of students, which now includes not only the affluent and noble but also meritorious individuals and scholarship recipients, HPS has consistently maintained its high standards.
During the early 2000s, HPS encountered some challenges, attributed to a lack of balanced ownership among stakeholders, including management, staff, students, and parents. However, the school’s alumni stepped in just in time to rectify the situation. Recognizing the importance of having former students with the sole agenda of the school’s welfare, the society invited six or seven dedicated alumni to join the society. This collective effort resulted in significant improvements, including the restoration of discipline, eradication of nepotism in staff recruitment, a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse, improved remuneration for staff, and other positive changes that have reinstated HPS’s former glory.
Noria, who served as the vice chairman for 12 years and on the board for an additional two years before assuming the role of society president, emphasized that leadership has been a constant driving force at HPS. The school instills leadership qualities from a young age through its prefectorial system, which fosters competition for leadership roles among students. Additionally, HPS nurtures leadership skills through cultural and cosmopolitan exposures, including discussions, diversity, competitions, and debates. The school’s emphasis on free-flowing and out-of-the-box interactions between students and teachers, along with the habit of reading, contributes to a comprehensive absorption of knowledge.
Promoting equality is another vital aspect of HPS’s ethos, as there is no distinction between sponsored and general students. The management ensures a well-integrated educational journey for every student, removing obstacles and creating an environment where joyous learning prevails.
Looking towards the future, HPS aspires to be one of the world’s leading schools by 2050. With a vision for excellence, leadership, and service, the institution aims to establish itself as the gold standard in school education. To achieve this, HPS intends to introduce an international curriculum, preparing domestic students for global mobility while attracting students from abroad. The school will provide holistic education, placing emphasis on developing inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, communication skills, and project-based learning opportunities, complemented by community engagement. Early inculcation of innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk-taking abilities will be central to the school’s pedagogy.
Noria expressed hope for the future, envisioning HPS alumni as global citizens with leadership qualities. Leveraging digital technologies in its smart campuses, the school plans to invite renowned guest faculty from around the world. These campuses will boast world-class infrastructure, promoting an environmentally friendly approach. The facilities will include top-notch classrooms, digital infrastructure, vocational activity laboratories, science laboratories, hybrid libraries, and learning spaces, as well as amenities for sports