who was its principal (1994–96). On 28 March 1995, thought to be the auspicious occasion to venture into such an ambitious plan, on 28 March 1995 in the presence of a large number of people (mostly staff and students) Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, provincial of Nagpur province, blessed the foundation stone and it was laid by the chief guest, Rajesh Tambay, Mayor of Nagpur and the guest of honour Sunil Argarwal, the Deputy Mayor. Others who were present at the function were Fr. Joseph Plattotham, the Manager of St. John's and Sr. Lucy Mathew, the headmistress of the primary section. Though the construction began in all earnestness it could not go further than laying the foundation and raising the columns for the ground floor. It remained in that stage for a few years until the construction work began again during 2000 during the time of Fr. K.V. Joseph as principal. Now the main building of the primary school is almost ready with 23 classrooms and the offices. Part of the plan of a multipurpose hall for the primary section remains unattended. A lot of work remains to be done before it is found fit to shift to the new premises which is situated on the north of the existing high school building. St. Johns School has been in existence since 1880. During its 123 years of existence, the institution has built up a unique tradition of imparting all around education to the ordinary and under privileged children in and around Nagpur. Numerous former students of this institution are well established in life in India and abroad. The school has instituted the Sanjana - Shastri award for academic excellence in high school in honor of two of the famous teachers, and the Premnath Award for excellent performance in dramatics, which is named after the film actor Prem Nath, a former student of the school. References High schools and secondary schools in Maharashtra Christian schools in Maharashtra Catholic secondary schools in India Schools in Nagpur Educational institutions established in 1880 1880 establishments in India