Isabella Thoburn College stands as the first Christian college for women in South Asia, a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Ms. Isabella Thoburn. She was the first American woman Methodist missionary to journey to India in 1869, following the establishment of the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS) of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Boston, which aimed to champion the cause of women in India.
The college traces its origins to a humble beginning: a school for girls opened by Ms. Isabella Thoburn on April 18, 1870, in a single room within the bustling bazaar of Aminabad. Initially, it served just six girls. By 1871, the school had expanded and relocated to Lal Bagh, the residence of the treasurer of the last Nawab of Awadh. On July 12, 1886, the school was renamed the Lucknow Women’s College and began offering Fine Arts classes under the supervision of the University of Calcutta. In 1894, it forged a new affiliation with Allahabad University.
The college traces its origins to a humble beginning: a school for girls opened by Ms. Isabella Thoburn on April 18, 1870, in a single room within the bustling bazaar of Aminabad. Initially, it served just six girls. By 1871, the school had expanded and relocated to Lal Bagh, the residence of the treasurer of the last Nawab of Awadh. On July 12, 1886, the school was renamed the Lucknow Women’s College and began offering Fine Arts classes under the supervision of the University of Calcutta. In 1894, it forged a new affiliation with Allahabad University.
Isabella Thoburn College, established by the Isabella Thoburn Society, exemplifies the distinction between accreditation and affiliation in the realm of higher education. Accreditation for Isabella Thoburn College signifies that it has been thoroughly evaluated and meets the rigorous standards set by recognized accrediting bodies, ensuring the quality and integrity of its educational offerings. This process involves comprehensive assessments of the college's academic programs, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and student services, affirming that it provides a high-caliber education that is recognized and respected globally.
Affiliation, on the other hand, refers to Isabella Thoburn College's formal relationship with larger educational institutions or boards. This affiliation provides the college with academic support, administrative guidance, and access to extensive resources, further enhancing its educational environment. The college's affiliation with esteemed universities and educational boards ensures that it adheres to established academic standards and benefits from shared expertise and resources.
Together, accreditation and affiliation enable Isabella Thoburn College to maintain excellence in education, uphold its distinguished reputation, and continuously enhance the academic experience for its students.
The Isabella Thoburn College Chapel also known as Clotilda Lyon McDowell Chapel after then President of the Board - Mrs. Clotilda Lyon McDowell is a central feature of the institution's spiritual and cultural life. This historic and serene space offers a sanctuary for reflection, worship, and community gatherings. The chapel is instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth among students, faculty, and staff. Regular worship services are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, focusing on foundational Vision such as honesty, loyalty, respect, and self-discipline.
Constructed in 1939, the chapel was designed by the American architect Sador Richmond. It features exquisite Italian stained-glass windows that add to its serene and inspiring atmosphere. These stained-glass windows are a significant aspect of the chapel’s charm, contributing to its historical and artistic value.
In addition to its role as a place of worship, the College Chapel also hosts various cultural and academic events, including lectures, musical performances, and commemorative ceremonies. Its architectural beauty and peaceful ambiance provide an ideal setting for these activities, enriching the cultural and intellectual life of the college. The presence of the chapel underscores Isabella Thoburn College's commitment to nurturing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of its students, ensuring they graduate with not only academic knowledge but also a deep sense of moral and spiritual grounding.
Through its worship services and value-based education, the chapel plays a crucial role in shaping the moral behavior of individuals and fostering a community grounded in principles of love, honesty, and humility. This holistic approach to education ensures that students leave the college well-prepared to face life's challenges with integrity and compassion.
Isabella Thoburn College's mission is to empower girls to embrace self-discipline, good habits, and high virtues. We aim to foster clarity of thought, precision in expression, and leadership qualities. Our goal is to cultivate a community dedicated to truth and moral excellence, promoting a modern outlook while honoring cultural heritage. As a catalyst for social change, we strive to unify diverse groups and inspire students to combat social injustices. We instill a deep sense of national responsibility, encouraging creative involvement in building a better, corruption-free India.
VisionAt Isabella Thoburn College, we prioritize integrity, excellence, empowerment, inclusivity, leadership, social responsibility, cultural heritage, and community. We foster an environment of trust and respect while encouraging students to reach their fullest potential academically and personally. Through diversity and inclusivity, we empower students to become confident and proactive members of society. We nurture leadership qualities and instill a sense of social responsibility, advocating for social justice and equality. Celebrating our cultural heritage, we provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for the future. Together, we build a strong community committed to truth and moral excellence.
Embodying the spirit of aspiration and service, our college motto, 'Inspiring Excellence, Empowering Service,' encapsulates the essence of our educational mission. At Isabella Thoburn College, we hold a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education to inspire greatness and drive positive change. Through a commitment to excellence in all facets of academic pursuit, we aim to ignite a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom and into the fabric of daily life. Our dedication to empowering service underscores the importance of using knowledge and skills for the betterment of society. We endeavor to instill in our students a sense of responsibility to leverage their education for the greater good, fostering a culture of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. Guided by our motto, we strive to nurture individuals who not only excel academically but also possess the courage, integrity, and humility to serve others selflessly.
The educational mission of this historic College is symbolized by these ten ideals. It is hoped that our students will endeavor to realize these traits and strive to maintain these qualities in their lives.
Health : We prioritize health, urging balanced living.
Courtesy : We value kindness and respect, fostering mutual understanding.
Honesty : Integrity is key, we teach honesty and ethics.
Poise : We nurture grace under pressure, equipping students with dignity.
Dependability : We value reliability, inspiring dependable students.
Spirituality : We value spiritual growth, encouraging deeper exploration.
Scholarliness : We celebrate curiosity, nurturing academic excellence.
Loyalty : We value loyalty, urging commitment to what's right.
Broadmindedness : We promote diversity and open-mindedness inclusively.
Service : We inspire meaningful contribution through service.
At our college, guiding ideals inspire personal growth, academic excellence, and societal contributions. These principles foster a culture of respect, curiosity, and integrity, nurturing students' development. With a commitment to honesty, dependability, and service, we empower ethical leaders and changemakers.
The Cross: In the Centre of the shield is the Christian symbol of Love, Sacrifice and Service.
The Open Book: The Holy Bible. It also represents Learning.
The Dove: The Christian symbol of the Holy Spirit. It also represents Peace.
The Lotus: Our National Flower.
