In a grand celebration of educational legacy, Calcutta Girls' High School marked its 170th anniversary with an inspiring event at Prinsep Memorial Ground on Saturday evening, charting ambitious expansion plans for the future.
A Legacy of Women's Empowerment
Founded in 1856 under the patronage of Lord Canning, the then Governor General of India, this prestigious institution has been at the forefront of women's education for nearly two centuries. The school, currently affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, brought together students, teachers, and alumni from across generations for this milestone event.
School authorities described the celebration as "a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise to the future", perfectly capturing the institution's enduring mission.
Expansion Plans for Broader Impact
Basanti Biswas, principal and secretary of the school, unveiled significant expansion plans that will extend the institution's reach beyond Kolkata. "The land has been purchased. Initially, we will start the new school with the primary section and gradually extend classes to the secondary level," Biswas announced regarding their upcoming branch at Pailan, scheduled to open by 2027.
The growth strategy includes multiple initiatives: A new building on the existing campus to accommodate increasing student numbers, a degree college for humanities and commerce for women in Asansol, and potential hostel facilities at their Jharkhand branch. Biswas emphasized that all these projects align with their core mission of women empowerment.
Historical Transitions and Current Structure
The school's management journey reflects India's educational evolution. Twenty-one years after its foundation, control was transferred to Bishop J M Thoburn of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, the institution operates under the Methodist Church in India and is supervised by the Calcutta Christian School Society.
The school currently educates approximately 2,000 students with a teaching staff of 64 educators, maintaining its commitment to quality education while preserving its historical values.
Alumni Reflections on Transformation
The anniversary evoked powerful nostalgia among former students, many of whom have witnessed the institution's transformation across decades. Bipasha Roychowdhury, who graduated in 1986 and now teaches at the school, shared her unique perspective: "I took admission in 1977. When I was in class IV, I witnessed the school's 125th-year celebrations. Now as a teacher, I witnessed the 170th-year celebration."
Another teacher-alumnus, Sushmi Olivia Francis, who studied from 1986 to 2000, noted the significant changes over time: "Almost 20 years ago, I was a student when I witnessed our 150th-year celebration. Down the years, many changes have taken place in the school, and more are about to come."
Dignitaries Extend Support and Appreciation
The celebration attracted prominent figures including Sudip Bandopadhyay, MP, and Reverend Bishop C Selvin, chairman of the school. Bandopadhyay commended the institution's academic progress, stating, "The results of schools like Calcutta Boys and Calcutta Girls have improved. I wish Calcutta Girls' High School success in the years to come."
As Calcutta Girls' High School looks toward completing two centuries of service, its commitment to empowering women through education remains stronger than ever, with new chapters waiting to be written in its illustrious history.
