Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 29: Founded in 1927 by Sheth Anandilal Podar, the Podar Education Network has been guided by the timeless Indian values of honesty, integrity, and service. The legacy carries a unique distinction—Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, served as the first president of the Anandilal Podar Trust. This association continues to inspire their vision and remains the moral compass of its educational journey.
With over 98 years of excellence, Podar has grown into one of India’s most respected and trusted education networks. Today, it proudly manages 150+ Podar International Schools and supports 125+ Podar Partner Schools, together nurturing the futures of more than 2,50,000 students every year.
What sets Podar apart is not only its scale but also its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and holistic development. By blending traditional values with modern learning practices, Podar schools consistently empower students to think independently, act responsibly, and aspire for excellence.
Academic Excellence – A 100% Success Record
Podar International School, Mangaluru, holds a prestigious place on the educational map of the region. Since its inception, the school has proudly maintained a 100% pass record in the All India Secondary School Examination (Grade X, CBSE). Its students not only clear examinations with distinction but also gain admission into some of the most elite higher education institutions in India and abroad, consistently featuring among the top merit lists. This track record stands as a testament to Podar’s uncompromising standards of academic delivery.
Quality Benchmarked to National and Global Standards
Education at Podar is deeply aligned with the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) introduced by CBSE. As one of the few institutions implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023 in spirit and practice, Podar International School, Mangaluru ensures that its students are not confined to outdated models of rote learning. Instead, they are prepared for a future where 21st-century skills, critical thinking, and global citizenship form the bedrock of success.
Their centrally designed curriculum, lesson plans, and continuous teacher training ensure uniform excellence across the Podar network while leaving scope for contextual innovations at the local level.
Holistic Growth – Beyond the Classroom
At Podar, education extends far beyond academics. The school lays equal emphasis on physical, emotional, and social development. Students engage in sports, arts, leadership programmes, and outdoor learning that complement classroom knowledge. They firmly believe that academic rigor and experiential learning must co-exist, creating a balanced ecosystem where curiosity thrives.
Their students are groomed not only to excel in examinations but also to emerge as future-ready leaders equipped with life skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards society and the environment. This vision directly resonates with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparing students to play their role in shaping a better world.
Values, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Podar International School, Mangaluru stands firmly on the principle that all living beings deserve respect and coexistence. The school celebrates cultural diversity and inculcates in students the value of unity without marginalisation. While every student is encouraged to embrace global perspectives, they ensure that they also cultivate a deep sense of pride and love for their nation—a value they consider indispensable for future citizens.
Inclusivity is another cornerstone of Podar. With a national mental health and well-being framework developed by leading experts, they ensure every student receives the support needed for emotional resilience. The school is proud to practice inclusivity not just as a policy but as a lived experience, ensuring no child is left behind.
The Podar Prep Advantage – Early Years Matter
The pre-primary wing, Podar Prep (formerly Podar Jumbo Kids), brings international best practices to early childhood education. Drawing inspiration from NEP 2020, EYFS (UK), and EYLF (Australia), Podar Prep offers a nurturing, play-based curriculum that sets the strongest foundation for lifelong learning. Parents in Mangaluru now have access to what is considered among the best preschool experiences in India, right here in their city.
Celebrating the Arts and Multiple Intelligences
Podar strongly believes in the integration of arts into the curriculum. A robust art programme allows students to explore creativity while also strengthening connections with core academic subjects. The approach acknowledges multiple intelligences, cultivating each student’s unique strengths instead of focusing solely on weaknesses. This philosophy results in confident, adaptable learners who can excel across disciplines.
Safety, Security, and Compliance
The safety and security of students is a non-negotiable priority at Podar International School, Mangaluru. The campus is among the safest in the region, with all stakeholders trained in protocol-based responses for normal and emergency situations. Regular safety drills, strict audits, and fully compliant systems ensure every child’s well-being. The school transport system also follows the highest safety standards, making Podar one of the most trusted choices for parents.
Recognitions and Awards
Podar’s reputation as India’s most trusted education brand is reflected in the accolades it continues to receive:
• Most Trusted Education Brand – Big Impact Awards 2025
• Most Respected Education Brand – Education World 2024–25
• Most Trusted Brand of India – Marksmen Daily 2024–25
• Best Education Brand – Economic Times 2024
• Recognition for the highest number of students across network schools
These honours reflect Podar’s consistency in setting benchmarks and delivering educational excellence.
Chairman’s Vision
As the Chairman articulates, “Our mission is to provide the children of India with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the 21st century. At Podar, education goes beyond rote learning; every child is encouraged to question, imagine, and innovate. We nurture creative, critical, and independent thinkers who are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Conclusion – Podar in Mangaluru and Beyond
Today, Podar International School, Mangaluru stands not just as a school, but as an institution of trust, innovation, and holistic growth. It carries forward a rich national legacy while embracing future-ready practices. With every student nurtured as a confident, compassionate, and responsible citizen, Podar continues to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.
Become part of the Podar family—a family that balances tradition and modernity, discipline and creativity, academics and life skills, ensuring that every child receives an education that is integrated, empowering, and transformative.