The Transition from the Congregation of Mother of Carmel to Adani Foundation
MUMBAI, India – The Adani Foundation has officially taken over the management of Mount Carmel Convent School in Ghugus, Maharashtra, after the Carmel Education Society concluded its affiliation with the institution. This shift follows a government resolution to transfer management of nine schools, marking a significant change in the school’s governance.
The school, established in 1972 by the Congregation of Mother of Carmel, was initially funded by ACC Ltd. under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Adani Foundation’s involvement comes after a request from ACC Ltd. in June 2023 for the foundation to manage the school, which caters to students from class 1 to class 12.
Following the transition, the Adani Foundation has initiated various improvements, including infrastructure enhancements, teacher training programs, and student support services. These initiatives aim to bolster the school’s educational offerings and operational efficiency.
Opposition Voices Concerns
Maharashtra’s political landscape has reacted strongly to the transfer, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s decision. Ambadas Danve, a member of the State Legislative Council, expressed concern on social media, suggesting that the move signifies a troubling trend of privatization in education. He remarked, “It seems Maharashtra, once a leader in education, is now learning from the Adani Group. After transferring lands and industries to Adani, the government is now giving away schools.”
Former principal Sister Leena articulated the concerns of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, stating that the nuns chose to distance themselves from the Adani Group due to perceived differences in educational priorities. “Their policy and our policy are totally different, so we have moved out,” she explained.
Maintaining Educational Values
Sister Grace Therese, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, emphasized the organization’s commitment to education, particularly for girls in rural and underserved communities. She underscored the importance of value-based education, despite the management changes at Mount Carmel Convent School.
As the Adani Foundation assumes control, the future direction of the school remains to be seen. While improvements in facilities and educational practices are anticipated, concerns about maintaining the school’s foundational values persist among former administrators and community members.
