BJB High School Set to Celebrate 125 Years of Educational Legacy ;

Three eminent alumni to be honoured with statues; 102-foot national flag to be installed as part of celebrations

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 27: With a rich legacy of educational excellence spanning generations, the historic Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) High School in Khordha is gearing up to celebrate its 125th anniversary, commemorating its enduring contribution to education and the cultural heritage of the region.

The institution, which has played a significant role in shaping the academic and intellectual landscape of Khordha, has been associated with several eminent personalities who have made notable contributions to literature, culture, public administration, the judiciary and historical research. The forthcoming celebrations aim to honour this illustrious legacy while inspiring future generations to uphold the values and traditions nurtured by the school.

Preparations for the landmark occasion are underway, with a series of programmes planned to highlight the institution’s historical significance and its contribution to society. The celebrations will feature the unveiling of statues of three distinguished personalities associated with the school, the installation of a 102-foot-high national flag, the publication of a commemorative souvenir and the felicitation of distinguished alumni.

A press conference was held on the school premises on Sunday to brief the media about the proposed celebrations, the programmes planned and the institution’s future development initiatives. The anniversary celebrations are being organised jointly by the school’s Old Students’ Association and the School Committee.

The organisers said the occasion would go beyond a commemorative event, providing an opportunity to revisit the institution’s historic journey, recognise the achievements of its alumni and outline a vision for its future growth.

A Legacy Rooted in Educational Excellence

According to information available with the organisers, the history of the institution dates back to 1844, while the school was formally established in 1896. Its long-standing educational tradition is closely intertwined with the growth of education in the Khordha region.

Over the decades, the school has nurtured generations of students who have distinguished themselves in diverse fields. Its contribution to education and society is reflected in the achievements of its former students, many of whom have earned recognition in their respective professions.

The institution’s legacy extends beyond classroom education, encompassing the intellectual, literary, cultural and social contributions of its alumni. Their achievements have enhanced the reputation of the school and established it as an important landmark in Khordha’s educational history.

The 125th anniversary celebrations are intended to preserve this legacy and familiarise younger generations with the institution’s rich past.

Eminent Personalities Among Its Alumni

The list of distinguished former students associated with BJB High School includes noted Odia litterateur Dr Mayadhar Mansingh, Jnanpith Award-winning poet Sachidananda Routray, former Odisha Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, eminent literary and theatre personality Kabichandra Kalicharan Patnaik, Justice Jugal Kishore Mohanty, educationist and former vice-chancellor Baidyanath Mishra, Brigadier Dr Basudev Routray and historian Kedarnath Mahapatra, among others.

Their achievements in literature, education, public life, the judiciary, the armed forces and historical research have brought distinction to Odisha.

The organisers said the anniversary celebrations would highlight the contributions of these eminent personalities and their enduring relevance for students. Their lives and accomplishments, they said, would serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

The occasion will also seek to strengthen students’ awareness of the school’s historical significance and encourage them to embrace high ideals, discipline and a sense of social responsibility.

Statues of Three Eminent Personalities to Be Unveiled

The unveiling of statues of three distinguished personalities will be one of the principal attractions of the anniversary celebrations.

The personalities to be honoured are Jnanpith Award-winning poet Sachidananda Routray, eminent Odia litterateur and theatre personality Kabichandra Kalicharan Patnaik, and former Odisha Chief Minister and former Governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik.

The statues will be installed on the school premises as a lasting tribute to their contributions to literature, culture and public life.

The initiative is expected to preserve their memory and provide students with an opportunity to learn about their lives, achievements and enduring influence on Odisha’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

The organisers believe that the installation of the statues will constitute an important step towards preserving the institution’s heritage and reinforcing its association with some of Odisha’s most distinguished personalities.

102-Foot National Flag to Be a Major Attraction

A 102-foot-high monumental national flag, provided by the Flag Foundation of India, will be installed on the school premises as another major feature of the celebrations.

The towering Tricolour is expected to symbolise national unity, patriotism and pride, adding significance to the historic occasion.

The organisers said the installation would serve as a reminder of the country’s freedom struggle, the sacrifices made for independence and the democratic values that underpin the nation.

The initiative is also intended to foster a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility among students, encouraging them to appreciate the significance of the national flag and the values it represents.

Commemorative Souvenir and Felicitation of Alumni

A commemorative souvenir documenting the school’s history, educational legacy and the achievements of its distinguished former students will be published and released during the celebrations.

The publication will chronicle the institution’s journey and preserve important milestones for posterity. It will also feature the lives and contributions of notable alumni, serving as a valuable record for future generations.

Distinguished former students who have achieved recognition in different fields will also be felicitated in appreciation of their accomplishments.

The organisers intend to use the occasion to strengthen the bond between the institution and its alumni, while drawing upon their experience, guidance and support for the school’s future development.

The involvement of former students is expected to play an important role in sustaining the institution’s legacy and supporting its continued progress.

Focus on Future Development

While celebrating its illustrious past, the institution will also focus on its future development, with discussions expected to address infrastructure improvement, enhancement of educational standards, creation of a better learning environment and preservation of its historical assets.

The organisers said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for the Old Students’ Association, the School Committee and well-wishers to deliberate on ways to strengthen the institution and improve the educational facilities available to students.

The emphasis, they said, would be on ensuring that the school’s historical legacy serves as a foundation for future progress.

The proposed initiatives are aimed at reinforcing the institution’s role in providing quality education while preserving the values and traditions associated with its long history.

Organisers Seek Media Support

During the press conference, the organisers outlined the objectives of the anniversary celebrations and appealed to media representatives to extend their cooperation in ensuring their wider publicity and success.

Uma Shankar Prasad, media coordinator of the anniversary committee, said the principal objective was to celebrate the school’s 125-year legacy, highlight its rich educational tradition and bring the contributions of its distinguished alumni to the attention of the younger generation.

He expressed hope that the celebrations would not only commemorate the institution’s past achievements but also provide fresh impetus to its future development.

Bikram Kumar Dash, Deba Prasad Majumdar , Gopal Krushna Das and others were present at the press conference.

The 125th anniversary celebrations of BJB High School are expected to bring the educational and cultural heritage of Khordha into focus, reaffirming the institution’s enduring contribution to society. By honouring its illustrious past and looking ahead to future growth, the school seeks to make the milestone a memorable chapter in its continuing journey.