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 on its foundation day, the 2nd of January 2025, with an inauguration by renowned sculptor and Padma Shri awardee Biman Bihari Das, highlighting the school’s 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.
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.
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.
Raisina Bengali School continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in academics, arts, and sports, inspiring generations to reach their full potential honoring the rich traditions and values that have defined its century-long legacy.
The 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.
On 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.
While time may have dimmed some of its former glory, the school’s rich legacy shines brightly as it commemorates a century of excellence in education and cultural heritage.
The school has hosted notable events, including a visit from President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed during its Golden Jubilee in 1975.
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.
As 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.
Guiding the School’s Legacy:
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.
She highlighted that the school maintains a unique admission policy requiring at least one parent of the student to be Bengali. “The 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,” she explained.
While the core rules have remained consistent, Chandrima noted the transformation in the school’s 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.
Achievements in the field of Arts and Sports etc
Art Department:
Established 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.
Notable educators like Pratap Sen and Aboni Sen have significantly shaped the department’s reputation, with Aboni Sen regarded as one of India’s top masters in art.
The department’s 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.
Mrinmoy Barua, a national awardee and the school’s current art education teacher, proudly remarked, “The school has consistently excelled in the arts since its inception.”
Games & Sports:
The school boasts a proud tradition of producing exceptional athletes who have represented India in football, athletics, and international competitions.
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.
Aaditya 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—its Golden Jubilee and Centenary. This is a rare privilege that underscores the school’s enduring legacy and excellence.”
