Visionaries Establish Bengali HS School Amid Resistance in Guwahati

In the face of adversity, a coalition of influential figures established a significant educational institution for Bengali students in Guwahati, known today as Bengali HS School. The founding of the school in 1936 stemmed from a period of resistance against British colonial policies, particularly when the then Director of Public Instruction, GA Small, and other community leaders sought to create a dedicated space for Bengali education.

The backdrop to this initiative was marked by escalating tensions during India’s freedom movement. In 1930, the Director of Public Instruction, JR Cunningham, issued a circular that prohibited students from participating in anti-British protests. Those who refused to sign declarations complying with these demands faced expulsion. This sparked significant parental dissent and protests, leading to the establishment of Assam’s first Swadeshi school, Kamrup Academy, in the same year.

As the movement gained momentum, the student population at Kamrup Academy and Cotton Collegiate schools surged. Although Assamese and Bengali sections operated independently, the increasing demand for Bengali education prompted calls for a dedicated institution. In response, the Silver Jubilee Anglo-Bengali High School was founded in 1936 at Paltan Bazar, marking a major milestone for the community.

On April 4, 1935, a pivotal meeting convened by GA Small at Gauhati Circuit House included prominent figures such as freedom fighter Tarun Ram Phukan, tea planter Mahendra Mohan Lahiri, and future Assam Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi. At this meeting, Small indicated that the government could no longer maintain separate Assamese and Bengali sections at Cotton Collegiate. He proposed that if the Bengali community established its own school, the government would provide support. This proposal was enthusiastically accepted, leading to the allocation of land near the Paltan camp.

The community rallied together, raising Rs 15,000 to construct the school. According to Principal Nazrana Rahman Hazarika, Small laid the foundation stone on December 15, 1935, using a silver trowel in front of a large gathering. The construction, completed within four months by Khan Sahib Ida Khan, was a testament to quality craftsmanship. The school officially opened on April 28, 1936, inaugurated by Chief Commissioner Michael Keane.

Hazarika, who began her teaching career at the school in 1993 and became principal in 2020, highlighted her own connection to the institution. She is a descendant of Bagh Hazarika (Ismail Siddiqui), a commander under the esteemed Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.

The school, initially named to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Emperor George V‘s coronation, underwent a name change post-Independence to become Bengali Boys High School. In 1965, it was upgraded to a higher secondary institution. The first managing committee featured Raibahadur Kalicharan Sen as president and Lahiri as secretary, with scholar Nalini Bhushan Dasgupta serving as the first headmaster.

In its inaugural year, the school enrolled 404 students, comprising primarily Bengali students but also attracting individuals from various communities, including 24 Marwaris, seven Manipuris, three Nepalis, four Punjabis, two Hindustanis, and one Madrassi. This diverse enrollment underscored the school’s broad appeal and commitment to inclusive education.

Bengali HS School continues to thrive, standing as a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Guwahati. Its legacy not only reflects the historical struggles of the Bengali community but also highlights the enduring impact of education as a means of empowerment.