Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Raisina Bengali School at Mandir Marg, New Delhi holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Bengali schools in the capital. Since its existence, the school has nurtured Bengali students, many of whom went on to make significant contributions to modern India.
Bengali families began moving from Bengal to Delhi even before it became the capital of India. The transfer of the Imperial Capital from Calcutta to Delhi, along with the migration of government servants from Bengal to the new capital, in 1911 further contributed to this movement. Recognizing the growing need for quality education within this expanding community, Raisina Bengali School was established on January 2, 1925. Bengali families living in Delhi started sending their children to this school.
Established during the British era, the school holds heritage status and has hosted three former Presidents of India during its milestone anniversaries. To mention, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed visited the School for its Golden Jubilee in 1975.
It has produced a distinguished alumni network, with graduates excelling in national and international arenas, from corporate leadership to the arts and sciences. Guided by visionary principals and dedicated teachers, the school continues to shape future leaders while preserving its proud traditions.
Chief guest Shir Biman Bihari Das, a renowned sculptor, and Padma Shri awardee for his contributions to fine arts, as well as the former principal of the Government College of Art & Craft in Kolkata, inaugurated the three-day centenary celebration today, January 2, 2025, at the school premises.
Key Historical Milestones:
The school began its journey as an all-boys institution with just a handful of students—57, to be precise—and a solitary teacher, named Shri Makhan Lal Mukherjee. Initially, it started as a middle school located on the premises of the former Willingdon Hospital, now known as Dr RML Hospital. In 1928, the school moved to a rented building on Doctor’s Lane at Goal Market to accommodate the construction of Willingdon Hospital. That same year, the school received recognition as a high school. Notably, Mr Pashupati Nath Mukherjee topped the High School Examination in 1929.
On September 22, 1932, the school moved to its permanent location at Mandir Marg, New Delhi, where it continues to stand tall even today. As a government-aided institution, the school was established with a clear and impactful mission: to create a center of learning for the expanding Bengali community in Delhi. In its formative years, Raisina Bengali School was more than just a place of education.
In 1943, it became a higher secondary school. Mr. Ashok Kumar Das ranked first in the 1944 examination, followed by four other students who secured top positions.
It later transformed into a co-educational school and also became one of the most known and premier schools in Delhi.
This year, the school celebrates its 100th year with a series of events and competitions.
Although the years have dulled its brilliance, the school’s rich historical legacy is as vibrant as ever as it prepares for its 100th-anniversary celebrations. “Our alumni from around the world will join us for the event, which will take place over three days,” said Chitra Maji, the school’s secretary-manager. “The event will feature cultural programs, exhibitions, stalls, and a variety of competitions, including painting, music, and storytelling. We are prepared for the festivities and have held several inter-school competitions, including a football tournament, which saw participation from many schools.”
Distinguished Leadership:
Shri Ramesh Chandra Sen Gupta (1927-1944): Instrumental in the early growth and development of the school.
Mr. Ajit Kumar Chakravorty (1946-1970): Elevated the school to academic excellence; received the State Award in 1970.
Dr. A. N. Banerjee (1977-1995): Upheld high standards in education; received the State Award in 1994.
Late Mr. Biseswar Chatterjee (1973-2002): Longest-serving Chairperson of the Governing Body, instrumental in the school’s success.
Achievements in Arts, Sports, and Academics:
Library: Known as one of the finest school libraries in Delhi, this library boasts an extensive collection of around 20,000 books, including numerous rare and out-of-print editions. It serves as an invaluable resource for students, fostering a deep love for literature and learning.
Art Department: Established a solid foundation in art education in 1949, the department has nurtured generations of artists and creative minds. Alumni from this department include nationally and internationally acclaimed artists who have been recognized with honors such as the Lalit Kala Akademi Award and prestigious international residencies.
Mrinmoy Barua, a national awardee and the current art education teacher at the school exclaimed, “The school has consistently demonstrated excellence in the arts since its inception. Notably, its distinguished art teachers include Pratap Sen and Aboni Sen. Aboni Sen is recognized as a top Indian master. Alumni such as Manab Banerjee, who is also a teacher, along with Anandamoy Banerjee and Biplobi Samaddar, have made significant contributions to the art world. These educators have received national and state-level awards for their outstanding achievements.”
Games & Sports: The school has produced exceptional athletes who have represented India in football, athletics, and global competitions. The department grew significantly under the guidance of a former international athlete and state awardee, who served from 1977 to 2017. This legacy continues, fostering discipline, teamwork, and excellence in sports. The school has also produced many exceptional athletes, including footballers Anadi Barua and Arup Nandi, as well as athletes like Sumit Mukherjee, Saibal Roy, Arun Barua, Amitabha Roy, and table tennis player Prasun Chaudhury. They have excelled in sports at various levels.
Notable Alumni: The school proudly counts among its alumni distinguished individuals who have served as Indian ambassadors, senior civil servants, corporate leaders, and renowned academicians.
The school has produced numerous renowned alumni who have made their mark in a variety of fields, including government administration, art and culture, science, and sports.
To name a few in government administration: Shri Pradeep Banerjee (1955), Shri Subimal Banerjee (1961), Shri Ardhendu Sen (1960s), Shri Kumar Jyoti Barman (1973).
In the field of Sports: Anadi Barua (1983), Shri Saibal Roy (1987), Shri Abhijay Basu (1989).
Art & Culture: Shri Pratap Sen (1930s), Shri Paresh Das (1952), Shri Palash Das (1983), Shri Chandan Roy Sanyal (1996).
Science: Shri Utpal Banerjee (1974) received a Nobel Prize nomination in Chemistry. Also, St. Stephen’s College has named a lab after him.
The list above is only a minuscule one, and there could be more alumni with greater credentials, achievements, and fame.
These alumni have held influential positions, contributed to international diplomacy, led prestigious institutions, and advanced the field of science and other fields through innovative teaching and research.
This iconic institution is not just a school; it is an integral part of Delhi’s cultural and historical landscape, preserving traditions while offering modern education.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a prominent English medium senior secondary school, affiliated with the CBSE curriculum, and has gained a reputation for its significant contributions to Delhi’s educational environment.
While providing modern education, the school has also played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Bengali language, literature, and culture in Delhi. It serves as a space where students not only excel academically but also connect with their roots, learning to appreciate the richness of their heritage.
Chandrima Basak, who has been associated with this school since 1996, started as a PGT English teacher for the upper classes and became the principal in 2021. She provided insights into the school’s rules and regulations.
She stated that to gain admission, at least one parent of the student must be Bengali. “The admission criteria have remained unchanged. We are the only school in Delhi where it is mandatory for at least one parent to be Bengali, and all students must study Bengali up to Class VIII. For those who wish to continue, Bengali remains an elective subject until Class XII,” she explained.
While the school’s rules and regulations have stayed the same, its character has transformed over the years. Chandrima noted that until 15 years ago, nearly all the staff were Bengali; Currently, there are 1,100 students enrolled in the school, which has another branch in CR Park with 1,200 students. She remarked that the students are excelling in their studies and other fields.
Ashesh Das, an alumnus of the year 1988, reminisced about his school days, saying, “When we were in school, we eagerly awaited those two ‘laddus’ that the school authorities would give us to celebrate the school’s birthday. I still look forward to having them to this day. Now that I can afford it, I can buy as many ‘laddus’ as I want, but those ‘laddus’ will never bring me the happiness, joy, and sweetness that the ones from my school days did… never.”
He also mentioned that four generations of his family, with at least 20 members, are alumni of this prestigious institution. “My feelings for this incredible school go back to 1931, when Shri Ashutosh Das, my grandfather’s younger brother, was admitted to Raisina School, and extend to 2002 when my niece left due to commuting issues. At least one family member from my great-grandfather’s lineage has attended this illustrious school without interruption. Perhaps we are the only family with such a large number of Raisina alumni.”
“Like all Raisina alumni, my family members who attended this renowned school feel grateful for the role it played in shaping who we are today. Our affection for the school is unwavering and will last forever.”
Padma Shri awardee, Prof. Biman Bihari Das lighting the lamp, along with
Chairman Raisina Bengali School, Pranab Sasmal, Principal RBS, Chandrima Basak, Manager Raisina Bengali School, Chitra Maji during the inauguration of Centenary Celebration (1925 to 2025) of Raisina Bengali School, Mandir Marg, in the premises of the school on Thursday 02-01-2025.
(Prof. Biman Bihari Das is an Indian sculptor and former Principal of the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2014, by bestowing on him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his services to the field of Fine Arts.)
Photo By Shanker Chakravarty… Renowned photo journalists Retired chief photographer The Hindu (Delhi)
