Shri. Rakesh Kapoor (1951–2021), our esteemed founder, devoted his life to creating an educational environment that encouraged mindfulness and fulfilled living. An accomplished scholar with advanced studies at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a foundation in English Literature and Education, Shri. Rakesh Kapoor envisioned a school where every child could reach their full potential.
Under his leadership, Modern School became a trailblazer in educational innovation, earning accolades such as being the first ISO 9001-certified school in India and adopting the Koalaty Kid program by the American Society for Quality. A prolific author, his books, including Total Presence of Mind and The Power of ‘Know Thyself,’ embody his commitment to self-awareness and personal growth.
Shri. Rakesh Kapoor’s legacy endures through the values and culture he established, inspiring students to strive for excellence and lead meaningful lives.
Qualifications
- CCCP, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA
- B.A. (Hons.) in English Literature from K M College, Delhi University, 1969
- B. Ed., Lucknow University, 1983
- M.Ed., Lucknow University, 1984
- Lead Auditor for ISO9001, 1998
- Koalaty Kid Trainer, American Society for Quality, Milwaukee, WI 2001
Posts and positions held
- Founder Principal of The Modern School, Aliganj, Lucknow, since 1979
- Secretary, U P Association of ISC Schools, 1992-1997
- Writing Secretary, All India Association of ISC Schools, 1995
Achievements under his leadership
- The Modern School is the first school in the history of Indian Education to get certified for ISO9001 International Standard for Quality Systems in 1997
- The Modern School won the Golden Peacock National Training Award 1997
- First school in India to implement the Koalaty Kid program of American Society for Quality (ASQ) 2002, having two staff trained by ASQ in USA
- School wins Asian finals of International Space Settlement Design Competition, 2006
Publications
- “Total Presence of Mind”, with endorsement by H.H. Dalai Lama, has been published by Rupa and Company in 2005
- “The Modern School’s Profile”, 2002
- “Six Stories” comic book on absence of quality in education
- “Implementing ISO 9000 in Modern School” Total Quality Management, published by Tata McGraw Hill & IOD 1997
- “Transforming K-12 Education at Modern School, Lucknow: A Case Study” published by IOD 1998
Memberships and Affiliations
- Member, American Society for Quality, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Member, System Dynamics Society, Albany, N.Y.
- Member, Mohammad Bagh Club, Lucknow
- Member, Classic Golf Resort, Gurgaon
- Member, Lucknow Golf Club
Talks and Presentations
- Talked to Ottawa school principals on Quality in Education, 2002
- Talked to US principals at the Annual Charter Schools Conference, Denver 2005
- Talked to US principals at the Annual National Association of Independent Schools Conf., Denver 2005
- Presented a Concept Poster on phenomenology of social systems at the System Dynamics Conference at Atlanta in 2001
- Conducted workshops on meditation at San Jose and Washington DC, 2001
- Gave training in TQM to Tamil Nadu school principals, 2006
- Regularly lectures & conducts workshops on meditation to small interested groups
References
- Shri R K Trivedi, Former Chief Secretary of UP; former Chief Election Commissioner of India; former Governor, State of Gujarat
- Dr Nityanand, former Director of CDRI; former member of Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee on Science; Chairman Indian Pharmacopeia; Former Chairman Ranbaxy Science Foundation.
- Fr Kunnunkal, former Chairman Central Board of Secondary Education
- Hon Justice D K Trivedi, retd senior most judge of Lucknow High Court
- Shri F. C. Kohli, Former Vice Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services
