In the vast undulating plain, between Nasirabad and Chittorgarh, lies Bhilwara. The soil is mostly rocky wasteland, where water is available, and the soil is good, crops of maize, wheat cotton and mustard break the monotonous landscape. The river Kothari, dry for most of the year, rising in the Aravalis, runs across Bhilwara, spreading it’s tributaries into the desert land. This place is served by the Western Railway, which links Ajmer to Ratlam: Khandwa to Bombay. Our Founder Bishop Henry Caumont and his sister Mother Mary Matilda, our Co – Foundress often commuted on this line, and longed to start work in this beautiful, though desert area. Bhilwara had to wait for over five decades to see the Mission Sisters of Ajmer and the founding of a Sophia School.
It was the fulfillment of a dream for many well wishers and friends who wished to see in reality . In God’s wonderful plan our Founder Rt. Rev. Henry Caumont struggled to touch the lives of girlchildren specifically in Rajasthan through his Sisters – The Mission Sisters of Ajmer , which he had founded to work for the fulfillment of his dream that is to educate the girl children.
Going down the memory lane and reviewing the history of our institution, we have had some striking well-wishers who have rendered great services to our Sisters. When Bishop Ignatius wished to start the school in Bhilwara for the girls, God sent the Mansinghka family to give us a place to stay and thus to sow the seeds of educating the girl children in Bhilwara. They were a strong support to our Sisters .
It was in 1982, that the then Collector, Mr. Gupta, after several requests from the public, and in his own interest in the district, requested Bishop Ignatius Menezes, for a Sophia School in Bhilwara.
A very important pillar of our institution has been Mr .S.P.Nathany who not only stood by the Sisters at the the initial stage but was there at all times and in every situation to guide the Sisters and to help them in all their difficulties.
Briefly speaking how did Sophia start ?
In 1964The Collector Mr.R.P Gupta earmarked a ten acre plot of land for Sophia School and offered it as gift .
The Pioneering Sisters were-
Sr.Odile- The Superior
Sr.Pascaline – The Head Mistress
Sr.Louella& Sr. Lorraine – Assistant Teacher.
260 students were enrolled. The 1st student was none other than Miss Akansha Gupta the daughter of the Collector Mr. R.P. Gupta.
The school began with 260 students at Madhav Cotton Mills i.e LKG to class II.
Thanks to the Mansinghka Family.
1985, 25th March – The foundation stone was laid by Rt.Rev Bishop Ignatius Menezes, Bishop of Ajmer, in the presence of the collector Mr. R.P.Gupta, Mr. S.P.Nathany, MrMansinghka, Mr Ram Prasad Laddha ( ex- Minister )and others.
1986 July 1986 School was shifted to the new premisesat Kuwada Road.
Temporary recognition under Rajasthan Board for classes I to VIII was granted.
1989 Permanent recognition from the Director of Education, Bikaner, Rajasthan granted.
1990 Affiliation to CBSE Delhi.
2005 Sophia Secondary School, now turned to Sophia Senior Secondary School.
Over the years our students involved themselves in various activities with the help of teachers-
They won laurels in the sports field – basketball, volleyball, handball, table-tennis, badminton, cricket etc.
Our school also gives opportunity to the students to choose NCC as part of their personality development.
Aspartof the outreach program, the students visit the district Jailand conduct cultural programs for the Jail inmates , praying with them and also organizing games, once a year like a volleyball between the staff of Sophia and inmates at the district jail. They also visit the Old age home and interact with the senior citizens,play games and thus spend quality time with them.
Sophia also conducts literacy classes for the less privileged children every evening .
Our students have always secured excellent results in the Board examinations and in the various competitions held at the Inter School level may it Commerce Quiz, Debate Competition ., Dance competition .etc
Today we remember with gratitude every person who has beena source of inspiration, strength, support and help to us over the years.