Kolkata's prestigious Ballygunge Government High School has officially stepped into its centenary year, marking the beginning of a grand, year-long celebration. The institute, which counts cinematic legends like Satyajit Ray and music maestro R.D. Burman among its illustrious alumni, commemorated its 99th Foundation Day with a vibrant procession on Saturday, unveiling plans for the 100th-year festivities.
A Procession of Memories and Legacy
The colorful event saw the participation of former students, including actor Rajatava Dutta from the 1983 batch. Dutta shared heartfelt memories, stating the morning took him back to his childhood. He recalled his first performance in a school play and mentioned sharing classes with actor Moon Moon Sen in the fourth and fifth grades. The actor was joined by his old teacher, Benimadhab Babu, and acting mentor, Soumitra Basu, in the walk, making it a nostalgic journey.
The school's alumni network is a veritable who's who of Indian excellence. Beyond the giants of art and cinema, it includes Padma Shri awardee nuclear scientist Sekhar Basu, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology VC Dipankar Banerjee, eminent economist Sukhamoy Chakravarty, and renowned historians Parthasarathi Gupta and Rajat Kanta Ray.
A Century-Old Foundation: From Vision to Reality
The school's journey began on January 3, 1927, when it was inaugurated by Lord Lytton, the then Governor of Bengal and Chancellor of Calcutta University. Crucially, it received Calcutta University approval on the same day, cementing its status as a key centre for secondary education.
The roots of the institution, however, stretch back further. The need for a dedicated teacher training college led to the establishment of the David Hare Training College at Albert Hall in 1908. Space constraints prompted the first principal, M.E. Griffith, to propose a relocation. The plan gained momentum with the Sadler Commission in 1917, with Asutosh Mookerjee playing a pivotal role in advancing the project to establish a training college and an attached model school in south Kolkata.
Despite delays, including Mookerjee's death in 1924, the project was completed by the end of 1926. The training college was built at 21, Pramathesh Barua Sarani, and Ballygunge Government High School found its home at 38/2, Naresh Mitra Sarani.
Carrying Forward a Proud Tradition
As the school enters its 100th year, the focus is on blending its rich heritage with modern pedagogy. Assistant master-in-charge Ranjit Garang emphasized the institute's aim to carry forward a unique mix of an evolving curriculum, contemporary educational philosophy, and century-old traditions.
This sentiment is echoed by the alumni community. Former Bengal home secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy (1965 batch), who joined the school in 1955, reaffirmed the strong bond former students share. He mentioned his familial connection to the school and his active role in the alumni association, pledging continued support for his alma mater.
Adding to the emotional resonance, filmmaker Sandip Ray, son of Satyajit Ray, highlighted his father's enduring affection for the school. He pointed out that sketches of the school building featured in Ray's book ‘Jakhan Chhoto Chhilam', a testament to the fond memories he held. Sandip Ray expressed joy at the school entering its centenary year, a milestone that will be celebrated until January 3, 2027.
