Founded during the British era, Raisina Bengali School, located at Mandir Marg, New Delhi, is one of the oldest Bengali schools in the city. This year, the institution proudly marked its centenary with a grand three-day celebration that brought together alumni from around the world to honor its remarkable legacy.<\/p>\n
The centenary celebration function commenced its foundation day on January 2, 2025, with an inauguration by renowned sculptor and Padma Shri awardee Biman Bihari Das, highlighting the school\u2019s enduring contributions to education and cultural preservation. A series of events and festivities were organized throughout the preceding year, including cultural programs, exhibitions of art and science, and student competitions in painting, music, and storytelling. The celebrations also featured inter-school events such as a football tournament and a marathon race, drawing widespread participation and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and community.<\/p>\n
Over its 100-year journey, Raisina Bengali School has evolved into a co-educational institution and established itself as one of Delhi’s premier schools. Founded on January 2, 1925, to serve the growing Bengali community in the capital, the school holds heritage status and is renowned for nurturing students who have gone on to make significant contributions to India’s progress across diverse fields.<\/p>\n
With a strong and vibrant alumni network, Raisina Bengali School remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation. It continues to inspire and shape future leaders while honoring the rich traditions and values that have defined its century-long legacy.<\/p>\n
The school has hosted notable events, including a visit from President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed during its Golden Jubilee in 1975. <\/p>\n
The school, a CBSE-affiliated senior secondary institution, is a cornerstone of Delhi’s educational and cultural heritage. While offering modern education, it preserves and promotes the Bengali language, literature, and traditions, fostering a deep connection to cultural roots alongside academic excellence.
\nGuiding the School\u2019s Legacy<\/p>\n
Chandrima Basak, associated with Raisina Bengali School since 1996, began as a PGT English teacher for the upper classes and assumed the role of principal in 2021. She provided valuable insights into the school’s distinctive rules and evolving character.<\/p>\n
She highlighted that the school maintains a unique admission policy requiring at least one parent of the student to be Bengali. \u201cThe admission criteria have remained unchanged. We are the only school in Delhi where at least one parent must be Bengali, and all students must study Bengali up to Class VIII. For those interested, Bengali is offered as an elective subject until Class XII,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
While the core rules have remained consistent, Chandrima noted the transformation in the school\u2019s character over time. Previously, nearly all staff members were Bengali, a trend that shifted about 15 years ago. Currently, the school serves 1,100 students at its Mandir Marg campus and an additional 1,200 at its CR Park branch. She proudly remarked on the students’ exceptional achievements across academics and extracurricular activities.
\nAchievements in Arts, Sports, and Academics
\nArt Department:
\nEstablished in 1949, the department has laid a strong foundation for art education, nurturing numerous creative talents who have gained national and international acclaim. Its alumni have received honors like the Lalit Kala Akademi Award and prestigious international residencies.
\n\u2022 Notable educators like Pratap Sen and Aboni Sen have significantly shaped the department\u2019s reputation, with Aboni Sen regarded as one of India\u2019s top masters in art.
\n\u2022 Distinguished alumni include Manab Banerjee also the ex-art teacher of the school, Anandamoy Banerjee, and Biplobi Samaddar, all of whom have made remarkable contributions to the art world and received accolades at national and state levels.
\nMrinmoy Barua, a national awardee and the school\u2019s current art education teacher, proudly remarked, \u201cThe school has consistently excelled in the arts since its inception.\u201d<\/p>\n
Library:
\nRenowned as one of Delhi\u2019s finest school libraries, it houses a rich collection of approximately 20,000 books, including rare and out-of-print editions. The library has been a cornerstone in cultivating a love for literature and intellectual growth among students.
\nGames & Sports:
\nThe school boasts a proud tradition of producing exceptional athletes who have represented India in football, athletics, and international competitions.
\n\u2022 Under the leadership of a former international athlete and State Awardee (1977\u20132017), the sports department flourished, fostering discipline, teamwork, and athletic excellence.
\n\u2022 Notable sports alumni include 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. Their achievements have brought glory to the school at various levels of competition.
\nRaisina Bengali School continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in academics, arts, and sports, inspiring generations to reach their full potential.
\nThe History:
\nThe journey of Raisina Bengali School began as an all-boys institution with just 57 students and a single teacher, Shri Makhan Lal Mukherjee. Initially operating as a middle school within the premises of the former Willingdon Hospital (now Dr. RML Hospital), the school relocated in 1928 to a rented building on Doctor’s Lane at Goal Market due to the hospital’s construction. That same year, it gained recognition as a high school, with Mr. Pashupati Nath Mukherjee achieving distinction by topping the High School Examination in 1929.
\nOn September 22, 1932, the school found its permanent home at Mandir Marg, New Delhi, where it continues to thrive. Established as a government-aided institution, it served as a center of learning for the growing Bengali community in Delhi. In 1943, it became a higher secondary school, with Mr. Ashok Kumar Das earning the top rank in the 1944 examination, followed by four other high achievers.
\nWhile time may have dimmed some of its former glory, the school\u2019s rich legacy shines brightly as it commemorates a century of excellence in education and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
Distinguished Leadership
\n\u2022 Shri Ramesh Chandra Sen Gupta (1927\u20131944): Played a pivotal role in the foundational growth and early development of the school.
\n\u2022 Mr. Ajit Kumar Chakravorty (1946\u20131970): Elevated the school to a center of academic excellence, earning the prestigious State Award in 1970.
\n\u2022 Dr. A. N. Banerjee (1977\u20131995): Maintained high educational standards and was honored with the State Award in 1994 for his contributions to the school.
\n\u2022 Late Mr. Biseswar Chatterjee (1973\u20132002): The longest-serving Chairperson of the Governing Body, his visionary leadership was instrumental in the school\u2019s sustained success.
\nAs the years unfolded, Raisina Bengali School grew in both stature and influence. Each phase of the school’s journey brought new challenges and new achievements.
\nRaisina Bengali School boasts a rich legacy of distinguished alumni excelling in various fields, from government and diplomacy to arts, science, and sports.
\nNotable 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. These individuals have held influential roles, contributed to international diplomacy, led esteemed institutions, and advanced science and culture.<\/p>\n
A Legacy of Affection: Alumni Memories
\nAaditya Chatterjee, a 1983 alumnus, expressed profound gratitude for the school’s impact on his growth and values. “Like all Raisina alumni, we feel indebted to this school for shaping who we are today. We are also proud to be witnesses to Raisina Bengali School’s milestone celebrations\u2014its Golden Jubilee and Centenary. This is a rare privilege that underscores the school’s enduring legacy and excellence.”<\/p>\n
Ashesh Das, a 1988 alumnus, fondly recalled the joy of his school days, particularly the simple yet memorable tradition of receiving two laddus during the school\u2019s birthday celebrations. \u201cI still look forward to those laddus to this day. Even though I can now buy as many as I want, they will never bring the same happiness, joy, and sweetness as the ones from my school days,\u201d he reminisced.
\nHe also reflected on his family’s deep-rooted connection to the institution. Spanning four generations and at least 20 members, the Das family has a unique legacy with Raisina Bengali School.
\nDr Sushanta Basu, a 1971 alumnus who served as an additional director of health services in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and retired in 2015, fondly recalls his cherished memories and the profound influence the school has had on his life. His family shares a deep-rooted connection with the institution, as his father, uncles, and brothers were all proud students of the school.
\nDr. Basu joined Raisina Bengali School in 1962, where his journey of learning began under the guidance of Mrs. Sunila Bhattacharya, who taught him decimal arithmetic. He reminisces about studying in tents during his primary school years, a unique experience that left a lasting impression. His participation in the NCC (Air Wing) not only provided him with a sense of discipline but also equipped him with valuable new skills.
\nHe pays tribute to several influential teachers who played a pivotal role in shaping his character and aspirations. Among them was Shri Ajit Chakraborty, the principal, who encouraged active involvement in co-curricular activities. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Raisina Bengali School and its remarkable teachers, who played an instrumental role in shaping the person he is today.
\n “I hoped the legacy of this institution would continue, as it once achieved exceptional results. We had unforgettable experiences here, and I hope current students cherish their time as we did. I fondly remember the science block, where we spent countless hours; it would be wonderful to see it recreated for future generations.”
\nDr. Subrata Paul, 1983 Science fondly reminisces about his school days at Raisina \u201cI often reminisce about my golden years at my alma mater, Raisina, in the early 1980s. The good, the bad, and the mischievous days of bunking classes to watch movies, and the times we got caught by teachers, are still vividly etched in my memory from those formative adolescent years in higher secondary school.
\nI remember the passion and zeal of teachers, who instilled both fear and respect. Our Principal Dr Amarnath Sir, with his commanding presence, also left a lasting impression on us. I am profoundly grateful to my school for preparing me to face the world beyond academics.\u201d
\nA Bright Future:
\nRaisina Bengali School stands as a beacon of excellence, shaping future leaders while honoring its cultural heritage, ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come. This blend of steadfast traditions, evolving character, and enduring alumni bonds exemplifies the profound legacy of Raisina Bengali School as it celebrates a century of excellence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Founded during the British era, Raisina Bengali School, located at Mandir Marg, New Delhi, is one of the oldest Bengali schools in the city. This year, the institution proudly marked its centenary with a grand three-day celebration that brought together alumni from around the world to honor its remarkable legacy. The centenary celebration function commenced […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,1],"tags":[1571],"class_list":["post-6289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national","category-news","tag-raisina-bengali-school"],"yoast_head":"\n