"True education is not just the transfer of knowledge but the awakening of a sense of responsibility — to uplift others, to serve society, and to build a better tomorrow."
– Brother Jeyaseelan S., Principal, St. George’s College Mussoorie

St. George’s College Mussoorie stands as a beacon of tradition and transformation in the quiet hills of Mussoorie, where heritage and learning intertwine. At the helm of this 172-year-old institution is Brother Jeyaseelan S., a visionary educator, administrator, and missionary whose life journey reflects unwavering commitment to academic excellence and social purpose.

A devoted member of the Congregation of the Brothers of St. Patrick (Patrician Brothers), Brother Jeyaseelan brings over three decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and community service. Born in Tamil Nadu, he holds academic degrees in commerce (B.Com and M.Com from St. Joseph’s College, Trichy), a B.Ed from Sri Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, and a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies. His diverse qualifications mirror his multifaceted approach to education, rooted in discipline, enriched by empathy, and guided by mission.

Brother Jeyaseelan’s education journey began at St. George’s College itself in 2004, and he has since served in various academic and leadership roles. From St. Joseph’s College, Coonoor, to leading education missions in Ghana, from vice principal at St. Patrick’s Academy, Cochin, to principalships in Chennai and Dehradun, his path has always reflected a blend of cultural sensitivity and academic foresight. Appointed a school inspector by CISCE and a graduate of the Strategic Leadership Programme at IIM Ahmedabad, he is a rare example of innovative school leadership that combines grassroots experience with strategic vision.

Now, as the Principal of St. George’s College Mussoorie, Brother Jeyaseelan S. is steering the school toward an ambitious future that honors its Patrician roots while embracing the innovations necessary for 21st-century education in India. At the heart of this transformation lies a strong focus on STEM education in India.

STEM: A Modern Imperative in a Historic Institution

India’s contribution to science, mathematics, and medicine stretches back to ancient times—names like Takshashila, Aryabhata, and Sushruta—defining excellence long before STEM schools in Mussoorie and elsewhere made it a focus. Yet, in today’s digital age, where technology is reshaping economies, societies, and daily life, a renewed emphasis on integrating STEM in the curriculum is not just beneficial—it is essential.

Global leaders and education policymakers are recognizing this urgency. Even in highly developed nations like the UK, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the importance of robust foundational STEM education to remain globally competitive. This global concern resonates deeply with Brother Jeyaseelan, whose leadership at St. George’s College Mussoorie reflects a proactive response to these changing dynamics.

“STEM isn’t just about technical subjects. It’s about cultivating a mindset of inquiry, resilience, and innovation,” Brother Jeyaseelan often says.

Hands-On, Minds-On: The St. George’s Approach to STEM

STEM education at St. George’s College is not confined to chalk-and-board teaching. It is hands-on STEM curriculum, minds-on, and experiential. The school’s academic program integrates advanced modules in computer science, coding classes in schools, robotics, AI in school education, digital design, and engineering basics. These are not just elective topics but are woven into the school’s curriculum to foster scientific curiosity and analytical thinking from an early age.

Students at St. George’s College Mussoorie regularly participate in science exhibitions in schools, tech fairs, coding challenges, and national-level Olympiads. These platforms enable young learners to extend their learning beyond the textbook and test their problem-solving skills in real-world contexts.

One notable initiative under Brother Jeyaseelan’s leadership is the push to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into senior classes in Indian schools. With access to well-equipped labs and expert faculty, students are encouraged to work on projects that combine theory with application—designing AI-driven models, building automation systems, and simulating scientific experiments.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Nature as a STEM Lab

Its grounding in the natural world sets the St. George’s College STEM model apart. Nestled in the Himalayas, one of the best boarding schools in Mussoorie makes the most of its unique geography. Following Wordsworth’s philosophy that “Nature is the best teacher,” certain scientific concepts are taught through nature-based learning in India and outdoor exploration.

For instance, students studying ecosystems are taken on biodiversity walks. Physics lessons sometimes move outdoors to explore light, motion, and gravity using real terrain. Such interactions deepen understanding and cultivate respect for nature—an increasingly important component of science education in the age of climate change.

Inspiring Participation and Building Confidence

The school’s STEM vision aligns closely with building student confidence and encouraging academic risk-taking. Brother Jeyaseelan S. emphasizes inclusivity in all programs, ensuring students of varied abilities feel empowered to participate in experiential learning in schools and technology-based education. Through mentoring, peer-led clubs, and regular feedback mechanisms, students are supported in content mastery and in developing a scientific temperament.

Participation in National Science Olympiads and quizzes has boosted academic performance and instilled a sense of discipline and determination among students. Such exposures help them benchmark their knowledge nationally, sharpen competitive skills, and prepare for future academic pursuits in technical fields—paving the way for the future of education in India.

The Role of Faculty and Continuous Training

While much of the focus in STEM education in India is on student outcomes, Brother Jeyaseelan recognizes that the real agents of transformation are the teachers. Under his guidance, St. George’s College Mussoorie has invested in teacher training in STEM, professional development programs, and collaborative workshops to ensure faculty stay abreast of emerging pedagogical trends.

Whether a science teacher is learning to code or a math teacher using gamification strategies to teach algebra, the school nurtures an ecosystem where teachers remain lifelong learners. This culture of growth radiates into classrooms, creating a ripple effect that directly benefits students.

Beyond STEM: A Holistic Vision

While STEM is a key priority, Brother Jeyaseelan ensures it doesn’t overshadow students' holistic education. Value-based education in India, character education, sports, fine arts, and community outreach remain central pillars of the St. George’s College Mussoorie experience.

As a leader deeply rooted in service and compassion, he frequently speaks about education as a means to create responsible citizens, not just successful professionals. Under his watch, the school actively engages in social initiatives and outreach programs, ensuring academic excellence is always paired with empathy and ethics. This aligns with NEP 2020 school implementation, emphasizing multidisciplinary and value-oriented learning.

A Legacy Reimagined

Brother Jeyaseelan S. stands at the confluence of tradition and transformation. At St. George’s College Mussoorie, he is preserving a rich educational legacy and actively redefining it through forward-thinking programs like STEM. His vision aligns academic rigor with real-world relevance, ensuring students leave the school well-educated and well-prepared for life’s challenges.

As India reimagines its educational landscape under the National Education Policy 2020, schools like St. George’s College Mussoorie—led by transformative figures like Brother Jeyaseelan S.—serve as guiding lights. They remind us that while knowledge builds careers, wisdom builds futures. And in classrooms filled with coding kits, robotics arms, and nature trails, that future is already taking shape.