From Latin to modern English: Mottos of India's leading international schools inspire and motivate

• Be it Shrewsbury International School India’s 'Intus Si Recte Ne Labora' or Doon International School’s 'Facta Non Verba', these mottos reveal values that shape young lives 

JAMMU: From noble families inscribing evocative phrases on coats of arms in the Middle Ages to schools summarising their ethos in pithy mottos, intentional words have immense power. Many prestigious, international schools in India boast mottos that are rich in symbolism as well as meaning. Steeped in philosophical meanings and a sense of purpose, they inspire students while also articulating enduring values as well as excellence.

An overview

Intus Si Recte Ne Labora: Shrewsbury International School India

"Intus Si Recte Ne Labora" translates to "If all is right within, trouble not," and is the motto of Shrewsbury International School India. Emphasising resilience, character building, holistic well-being, and whole-person development, the Latin phrase is particularly significant as it originates from Shrewsbury School UK's centuries-old legacy. It reflects a deeply value-centred philosophy of education and articulates the importance of moral alignment, emotional balance, and personal integrity. The message? Academic success and outward achievement naturally follow when the inner self is grounded. The Shrewsbury credo strives to give its pupils both roots and wings and also signals that education is not just limited to measurable outcomes, but also must shape well-rounded, empathetic individuals with ethical awareness, self-discipline and a life-long passion for learning and personal growth. 

Facta Non Verba: Doon International School

The Latin motto of Doon International School pretty much exemplifies the core values of one of the most prestigious institutions in India. "Facta Non Verba" translates to “Deeds, not words” and has inspired generations of students with a concise but powerful message about choosing action over rhetoric. It goes without saying that the celebrated alumni of Doon International School, having conquered realms of art, culture, politics, literature and entertainment, are deeply impacted by these words. Every Doon School student is expected to consider integrity, positive leadership, and discipline not as abstract ideas but actionable values. They are also encouraged to commit to personal growth, social responsibility and ethical accountability. Beyond academic theory, the school’s pedagogy guides students to learn from real-world challenges, participate in service initiatives, translate ideals into practice and live by them.

Dare to Dream, Learn to Excel: Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Dhirubhai Ambani International School where the children from some of the most illustrious families study, has a future forward motto that aligns lofty dreams with tangible achievement. Unlike traditional and lyrical Latin mottos, "Dare to Dream, Learn to Excel" is a modern, pragmatic message that encourages young learners to reach for the stars and to also forge a path that enables them to achieve seemingly impossible goals. The world today is designed for minds that are ablaze with intellectual curiosity and also equipped to decode complex, real-world problems. The motto hence underlines the importance of both aspiration and achievement in a global learning environment, urging students to set their expansive imaginations free while also adhering to discipline, academic rigour, and the pursuit of excellence.

Thrive Believe Succeed: The British School, New Delhi.

While its philosophy, "Old School but Not Old Fashioned," is enshrined in the belief that tradition is valuable but must evolve to remain relevant, the British School also urges its students to “Thrive Believe Succeed.” This motivational mantra emphasizes that self-belief fuels personal growth (thriving) and also spurs achievement of goals (success). The underlying message is that discipline, resilience, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming challenges and reaching optimum potential. The ethos of the school evokes a respect for time-tested educational values and community ethos, while actively embracing modern pedagogies and a global perspective. These core messages balance unfettered student agency and adaptability without being bound by outdated and rigid conventions.