PRESIDENT'S SECRETARIAT
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
NEW DELHI -110004
No. F. 2 - M/79
March 26,1979
Dear Madam,
Please refer to your letter of the 22nd March, 1979.
The President of India desires me to convey his best wishes on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the Dow Hill School, Kurseong, District Darjeeling.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/- A. M. Abdul Hamid
Kumari R. Pradhan,
Headmistress,
Dow Hill School,
Kurseong,
P.O. Dow Hill,
District Darjeeling.
VICE-PRESIDENT INDIA NEW DELHI -110011 March 26, 1979.
I send my best wishes for the success of the Centenary Celebrations
of the Dow Hill School, Kurseong to be held in the first week of May,
1979.
Sd/ --B. D. Jatti
Chief Minister
West Bengal
I am glad to know that the Dow Hill School, Kurseong has completed hundred years of its existence.
On this happy occasion I convey my greetings to all teaching and non-teaching members of the staff of the school, the past and present students and to all associated with this institution. I have every hope that this school will continue to play its able part in the educational sphere and will direct its efforts towards the all round development of our students.
My good wishes for the success of the celebration.
Sd/- Jyoti Basu
PROF. SAMBHU GHOSE
Minister-In-Charge (Higher Education) Education Department GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
Dated Calcutta, The 27-3-1979.
MESSAGE
It really gladdens my mind when I learn that the Dow Hill School, Kurseong, Darjeeling, under the patronage and control of the State Government, is on its way to reach the 100th milestone during its long chequered and meaningful existence in the field of dissemination of women's education in the State. It's a pleasure to ruminate when the School holds a prominent but key position in educating womanhood in Bengal almost from the time of Bethune. I hope and believe, in days to come, the School with all its glory, grandeur and goodwill to its credit, will imbibe the ennobling and pristine spirit of Indian culture and civilisation in imparting education to women so as to put them on solid foundations to become good citizens.
I extend my felicitations and congratulations to all, the teaching and non-teaching staff, of the School on the above occasion.
(Sambhu Ghose)
The Headmistress,
Dow Hill School,
Kurseong,
P.O. Dow Hill,
Darjeeling.
PROF. PARTHA DE
Minister-In-Charge (Primary, Secondary & Library) EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
Dated, Calcutta the 24.3.1979
D.O. No. 302/HMS/79
I feel very happy to learn that Dow Hill School, Kurseong, is bringing out a Magazine on the occasion of centenary celebration of the school in the month of May, 1979.
We are well aware that Dow Hill School has a glorious past which has attracted admiration and respect from all concerned. I wish the celebration a success.
Sd/- PARTHA DE
24.3.79.
Miss R. Pradhan,
Headmistress,
Dow Hill School,
Kurseong. P.O. Dow Hill, Dist. Darjeeling
MD. ABD UL BARI
Minister of State Department of Education Primary & Secondary GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
Dated Calcutta, the 27-3-1979
D.O. No. 516/MOS/E-79
I am happy to learn that your school has completed its 100 years of existence and you are going to celebrate its centenary. Your school has been rendering great services to the people. I wish and hope that this institution will continue to serve the noble purpose for the years to come with glory.
Sd/- Md. Abdul Bari
To
Miss R. Pradhan Headmistress,
Dow Hill School, Kurseong,
P.O. Dow Hill Dist. Darjeeling.
MINISTER JUDICIAL AND LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENTS
WEST BENGAL
Calcutta, the 22nd March, 1979
I am very pleased to know that the Dow Hill School, Kurseong has completed its 100 years of existence and as such the authorities of the school are going to celebrate its centenary celebration in the 1st week of May, 1979.
I convey my best wishes to the authorities on the occasion and wish the function a grand success.
(H. A. Halim)
Minister-in-Charge,
Judicial
and Legislative Departments,
Govt. of West Bengal
The Headmistress,
Dow Hill School, Kurseong
P. C. BANERJI
Education Secretary
GOVERNMENT
OF WEST BENGAL
WRITERS' BUILDINGS,
CALCUTTA - 1
March 26, 1979
I am glad to know that Dow Hill Girls' School, Kurseong, will be celebrating its centenary in May this year. The School, which originally started as a purely co-educational institution in 1879, subsequently branched off into two institutions, one for the boys and another for the girls. Any institution should feel proud on completion of hundred years of its existence. This institution should be particularly proud because of its glorious past and also the way it has been able to adjust itself to the new situation during the post-Independence period. Apart from girls from all over India as well as abroad, who come to this school as boarders, it has been playing an increasing role in providing educational facilities to the local girls. It is because of this reason that the institution has earned the goodwill of the hill people of Darjeeling.
It is gratifying to note that the school proposes to set up a good library, which it so badly needs, on the occasion of its centenary celebration. This is an excellent proposal and should receive the support of all concerned.
I wish the institution all success in its celebration.
Sd/- P. C. Baneji
DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION
GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
Message on the occasion of Centenary celebration of the Dow Hill School for Girls and Victoria Boys' School.
One hundred years is a period to be reckoned with pride in the life of an educational institution.
Set amidst the sylvian setting in the Himalayan mountains, Dow Hill Girls' School and Victoria Boys' School are in some way landmarks - in the educational landscape of West Bengal.
Originally established to cater to the needs of children of the European and AngloIndian communities under the British Raj, these two Institutions have developed into a kind of public institution catering to the educational needs of the different strata of society, with particular reference to the undeveloped hilly areas of our State, whereby children from lower to higher income families are now getting proper education through these unique institutions. Though established in an era of colonial rule, they are now functioning as educational institutions, imbued with national spirit and Indian cultural tradition. The environment of the forest covered Himalayan mountains provides an ideal background for cultivating the essence of education as a continuous learning process in tune with Nature. Teachers and students of these two great institutions have abundant opportunity to foster the spirit of enquiry and harmony with natural environment through educational activities.
Let us hope that the tradition of the schools will be held aloft through the combined efforts of the teachers and the taught, the guardians and the State.
Sd/- Dr. N. R. Kar
Director of Public Instruction
Secretary,
Education Department,
(Ex-Officio)
Calcutta.
West Bengal
27-3-79
24 March, 1979.
Dow Hill School nestling in the quiet hills, guarded by tall ever- green trees,
with panoramic mountain scenery all around, brings back pleasant memories
of my association with the School for several years. On the occasion of its
Centenary I offer my sincere good wishes for the prosperity, growth and welfare
of the institution and I wish the staff and students joy and happiness in
their everyday life and work.
Any institution will be proud of a hundred years' existence devoted to education. To-day we should remember the founders of the School, who chose an environment, away from the dust and heat of the plains, noise and pollution of towns and cities, and built up an institution where liberal education of young girls was planned with affection and care. The children live and learn in the solitude of the mountains but their shouts of joy from the spacious playground are echoed in the hills. Not content with the education of nature alone, the School has provided laboratories, a library, an auditorium and many other facilities of a modern Boarding School.
No traveller to Dow Hill could go away without looking again and again at the colourful school buildings, appreciating their architecture and admiring the cheerful girls in their pretty uniform who impress the visitor with their courtesy and discipline. They are our treasure and hope. I believe they will enlighten and enliven many homes with their grace and charm. I sincerely wish that Dow Hill School will quietly carry on its tradition of good work and prepare many young lives for a bright and happy future.
Sd/- D. K. Guha
Formerly Education
Commissioner
West Bengal
A. E. T. BARROW
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
(LOK SABHA)
MESSAGE
It gives me great pleasure to know that Dow Hill School, Kurseong is celebrating its Centenary in April this year.
I have been closely associated with Dow Hill School and appreciate the work that is being done to maintain high standards of education.
I do hope that the School will grow from strength to strength.
Sd/- A. E. T. Barrow
M.P., B.A., H.Dip.Ed. (Dublin), T.D.
Secretary
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations and Honorary Secretary Inter-State Board for Anglo-Indian Education.
New Delhi 23 March 1979.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL
DR. P. K. GHOSH
Vice-Chancellor
Phone : Siliguri 21455 & Pabx Extn. 23
P.O. NORTH BENGAL UNIVERSITY
RAJA-RAMMOHUNPUR
DT. DARJEELING Pin 734430
3 April 1979
D.O. No. 240/VC-79
MESSAGE
I am very happy to know that Dow Hill School, Kurseong, will celebrate its centenary in the first week of May 1979. This should be considered a memorable occasion for Miss R. Pradhan, Head Mistress, Members of the Managing Committee, teaching and non-teaching staff as well as the past and present students. The creditable record of Dow Hill School in the field of education is well known. I am sure the alumni of the school will join with due enthusiasm and ensure a befitting celebration.
My best wishes to the Organisers for a joyous and colourful function.
Sd/-P. IC Ghosh
Vice-Chancellor
A. K. Das
Residence Flat E/8 32,
Ballygunge Circular Road,
Calcutta-700 019
Deputy Director of Secondary Education, (Anglo Indian Schools)
West Bengal
New Secretariat Building
Calcutta - 700001.
D.O. No. 54 dated 12th April, 1979.
Dear Miss Pradhan,
I am very glad to know that Dow Hill Girls' School, Kurseong is going to celebrate its centenary on the 6th May, 1979.
The School which was started by the Government of Bengal 100 years ago as a co-educational school came to this wonderful forest setting of Dow Hill School in one of the buildings purchased by the Education Department from the then Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. From the time when the only means of transport to the school was pony to the present day when all the modern amenities of life are available there the school played an efficient role in building character of the students who ultimately became eminent in different walks of life. The ex-students of the school are now scattered in different countries of the world.
Due to my long association of more than 12 years with Victoria Boys' School Kurseong, which is the boys wing of the original co- educational school, I had the opportunity and pleasure of knowing Dow Hill School very intimately. The school is unique in the sense that it is the only Government managed girls' school of its kind in the whole State. Due to liberal Government grants to the school people of comparatively low income group can also educate their children here. The school has so far been able to take its due share in nation building by producing good mannered, well-disciplined and highly articulated students. I hope that the school will continue to play similar role for many more years to come.
I wish the centenary celebration function a grand success.
Yours sincerely
Sd/- A. K. Das
Deputy Director of Secondary Education (Anglo Indian Schools)
Miss R. Pradhan,
Headmistress,
Dow Hill Girls' School, Kurseong. West Bengal
S. P. SEN GUPTA, M.A., Ph.D. (London)
Professor and Head of the Dept. of English,
North Bengal University.
March 29, 1979.
I am genuinely glad to know that Dow Hill School, Kurseong has completed one hundred years of its very useful existence. There is almost a mushroom growth of schools all over India today. Only a few, however, have, in Morley's picturesque phrase, been walking for years on the corridor of time. Dow Hill School is one of these few, which undertook the Herculean task of diffusing knowledge to the girls at a time when there were strong prejudices against female education throughout the land. It is a pleasure to recall with gratitude the inestimable services of a handful of persons with constructive vision and robust idealism, who laid the foundation of the school a hundred years ago. What was a mere nursery School, has become a model school, which provides the best possible education to the girls, coming from all parts of India. It has met the challenge of time, and the pace of progress in different spheres is unmistakably phenomenal. The teachers and students, I am sure, are more conscious of their duties and obligations rather than rights and privileges. Dow Hill School will, I hope, effectively serve the cause of education for all time to come. I pay my tribute to its glorious past and no less glorious present and future.
Sd/- S. P. Sen Gupta
A Kind Thought flashes from Mr. P. T. Lama,
Ex-Governing Body Member
"The Kingdom of Heaven. is the Kingdom of Children"
In the garden of this kingdom even the selfish Giant's wall comes down and melts his heart-there grow these lovely little roses, they blossom and flower in this International Year of the Child. My heart rushes to hold them in my bosom and greet those who take care and look after these little children. May the fragrance of these little flowers spread all over the world.
"God Bless Dow Hill" Sd/- P. T. Lama Ex-Governing Body Member
SHIVA KUMAR RAI
Producer,
All India Radio Patterson Road,
Kurseong.
19th March 1979
I am glad to learn that Dow Hill Girls' School will be holding its centenary celebration in May this year. Perhaps this is one of the oldest institutions in Kurseong, founded by Sir Ashley Eden for the children of the then Government servants of the European community in India. Since Independence the pattern of education and the character of the school have undergone changes and now the school caters to the educational needs of children of all communities of this great land. The school shall have a great role to play in the field of education in future.
On this great occasion, I send my greetings to the members of the staff and students and wish the celebration all success.
S. K. Rai
Telegram
PRADHAN DOWHILL P.O. KURSEONG WEST BENGAL INDIA XF 1330 CR 74 London LB TF 20CS 16
Centenary Greetings
Many more years of success and happiness VADHA
There is an association of old Dow Hillians and Victorians in London. It is called Victoria and Dow. Hill Association. Every year the members meet together at Christmas time to revive their pleasant childhood memories of Dow Hill.
VADHA
I am glad to know that the Dow Hill and Victoria Schools have completed a hundred years. I congratulate all those who have, through these years, served these great institutions, and wish the teachers and students every success.
Sd/- ARDHENDU
SEN SDO,
Kurseong. Vice-Chairman of Combined Governing Body of Dow Hill & Victoria Schools.
DR. B. DASGUPTA,
M.Sc., Ph.D. (Lond)
Principal
DARJEELING GOVERNMENT COLLEGE DARJEELING-734101
Dated, Darjeeling 6th April, 1979
Dow Hill School, Kurseong, has done good work and has earned a good name for itself. My greetings and good wishes to its students and teachers on the occasion of the celebration of the 100 years of the existence of the school.
I have no doubt that the School will continue to play its useful role in the field of education in this part of the country.
Sd/- B. Dasgupta
LORETO COLLEGE
DARJEELING
The link between Dow Hill School and Loreto College extends through the long succession of students of the school who have enriched our college with the qualities that emanate from a great tradition. In the curve of this hundredth year, may Dow Hill School be blessed in its noble contribution to education here in the hills, and may it look forward with confidence to a new century of high endeavour and continued dedication.
Sd/- M. Damien, IBVM
KURSEONG COLLEGE,
Kurseong P.O.
Darjeeling Dist.
Phone 243
19.3.1979
To
The Headmistress
Dow Hill School
Kurseong
Madam,
I am glad to learn that Dow Hill School has completed hundred years and that it is going to celebrate its Centenary this year.
It is undoubtedly a happy occasion and a great landmark in the history of the Institution, which has so admirably rendered great service and contributed a great deal in the field of education.
On behalf of the staff and students of the college I extend out heartiest congratulations and wish the Centenary celebration a grand success.
N. N. Pradhan,
Principal,
Kurseong College, Kurseong
Principal Rev. J. A. JOHNSTON, B.A., L.Th.
MOUNT HERMON SCHOOL
North Point P.O. Darjeeling -734104 INDIA
Bursar M. MATHAI, B.Sc.
Tele : Hermonite, Darjeeling
Telephone 2621
Dear Miss R. Pradhan,
I am very pleased to learn that Dow Hill has attained the distinction of being a century old school. I am sure that there must be many happy memories gathering around you from students who have long since left Kurseong and even India.
Mount Hermon can claim closer ties than many other schools in the district since the girls of our school have been able to share in games and other events with Dow Hill. Also your present Headmistress had a spell as Science teacher in Mount Hermon many years ago!
So we convey our very best wishes on this happy occasion and pray Dow Hill will enter into its second century with bright hope and expectation of an even more successful. future.
March 16, 1979
Yours sincerely,
J. A. Johnston Principal
Rector's Office.
Cable - Sursum
ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE,
School Department,
North Point, Darjeeling - 734104.
Miss R. Pradhan,
Headmistress,
Dow Hill School,
Kurseong
19th March, 1979
Dear Miss Pradhan,
Please accept our warm best wishes and congratulations on the occasion of your celebrating Dow Hill's magnificent achievement - the completion of one hundred years in the invaluable service of educating young ladies.
It is a pleasure for all of us at North Point to share your joy at this centenary. Looking with fraternal regard at the fine record of a sister institution in the hills, one slightly our senior in years, we thank the Lord for all the immeasurable good that you and your predecessors have been able to accomplish among so many, in your century of opening young minds and hearts and helping them grow to a sound maturity.
Along with our best wishes you can be sure of our prayers for your continued success in the centuries ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. G. Van Walleghem, S. J.
HARI DANG
Rector St. Paul's School,
Jalapahar, Darjeeling 734103
Gram : Paulite Phone {Off. 2334 {Res. 2062 & 2334
Any school which endures over a century establishes its credentials as a worthwhile institution. For a Residential school to have done so in the Indian context of radical transformation at Independence and thereafter, must be clear proof of the need for, and the validity of a school like Dow Hill Girls' School, Kurseong.
Having met some of the numerous eminent alumni of Dow Hill and seen the school in action, it is with a sense of privilege that I extend on behalf of all at St. Paul's School, Darjeeling, our sincere felicitations on the Centenary :
'Sano Sanumaruhat': May you Climb from Peak to Peak.
Sd/- Hari Dang,
Rector.
Tel : 2059
Loreto Convent
Darjeeling - 7341 01
April, 1979
Dear Miss Pradhan,
'This is the day which the Lord
has made
Let us rejoice and be glad !'
Centenary Day - and Dow Hill School has arrived at an important landmark in its history. With what thanksgiving and pride and joy you and your staff and students can look down the vista of the past hundred years-years filled with a very significant contribution to educational progress and development in the hills of Kurseong.
On behalf of all in Loreto Convent, Darjeeling, may I extend to you our warmest congratulations as we share your, happiness and thank God for His grace. May He continue His blessings so that Dow Hill may face the challenges of the future with courage and continue to fill the needs of our changing times.
Sd/- Sister Stella Lahiry, I.B.V.M.
Principal
GOETHALS MEMORIAL SCHOOL
KURSEONG - 734203
Phone: 369
l am very happy to know that Dow Hill School is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. I have always been impressed by the excellent standards maintained in Dow Hill and my esteem for the school continues to grow. I sincerely hope that the school will continue to prosper and even rise to new and greater heights of excellence in the years to come.
Sd/- P.M. O'Brien c.f.c.
Principal
Phone 79
St. Helen's Convent,
Daughters of the Cross
Kurseong, - INDIA
19th March '79
Heartiest congratulations to staff and students, past and present of Dow Hill Girls' School for hundred glorious years of high achievement and success. Also sincere appreciation and thanks for the warm and friendly relations, between our schools all through the years. May God's grace and blessings continue to be with you all.
Sr. M. Mansueta, F.C.
Sister Superior,
Sisters, Staff and Students,
St. Helen's Secondary School, Kurseong.
St. Joseph's High School,
P.O. Matigara - 734428
Phone :20599
Honour and glory to Dow Hill School, Kurseong. I send my best wishes and congratulations and pray God to watch and keep the School ever in His care and give peace and gladness to all who pass through its portals.
Sister Joseph Celine, F.C.
Principal
Phone: 22720
DON BOSCO SCHOOL
Sevoke Road,
Siliguri
It is a great pleasure for me to convey my heartiest congratulations to the staff and students of Dow Hill School, Kurseong which is celebrating its centenary this year. The school has rendered an admirable service in the field of education. On this occasion I pray to God to bless the school's effort to live up to its ideals and goals.
Fr. Paul Mangalam, S.D.B.
Principal
ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL
KALIMPONG (DARJEELING)
28th March 1979
TO: MISS R. PRADHAN
Headmistress
Dow Hill School, Kurseong.
Dear Madam, I am very glad to know that Dow Hill School, Kurseong will be celebrating its centenary in May, 1979. A hundred years is certainly a long period in the life of an institution, and the best thing about these hundred years is that they have been spent in the service of the people. It is a pride for us all to have a School such as yours, in the Hills. May many young people profit by the education which you 'are imparting in your renowned School.
Sd/- Fr. Thomas D'Souza
Principal
ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL KALIMPONG (W. B.)
ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT
KALIMPONG
DIST. DARJEELING
March 22nd, 1979
MESSAGE FROM ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, KALIMPONG, DARJEELING DT.
A hundred years dedicated service for children, ending in this YEAR OF THE CHILD .... What an achievement !! Stay young, as you enter another century of devoted work for the youth of India.
Sister Joseph
Principal
Municipal Building 'N'
Darjeeling.
March 12th 1979.
The Headmistress,
Dow Hill School, Kurseong.
Dear Miss Pradhan,
I am writing this letter as the parent of three ex-Dow Hillians who were in your school during the Second World War.
I write this in gratitude for the very sound education they received there, both in the classrooms and in the playing fields. I remember this most especially as all three were very keen sportswomen, as their innumerable trophies at home can testify. However, this was and is a mixed blessing as I have the honour now of cleaning them !
Since the days when my daughters were in Dow Hill, I have visited the old school from time to time and have seen the school go through many changes but there is still room for more improvement. Some of the suggested improvements would be additional buildings to accommodate more children as every year there is an increasing demand for admissions. The playground needs to be extended up to the main road to accommodate bigger sports meets. Perhaps a complex made of ferro concrete pillars and slabs to provide for an indoor gym. to play basketball, net-ball, table tennis etc. during the Monsoons.
A further suggestion would be the installation of a new generator to make up for the constant load shedding that most schools in the Hills suffer from. I would therefore appeal to all alumni, parents, both old and new, and the government, to help make some of these suggestions a reality. I would like to end by wishing the staff and students of Dow Hill all God's blessings on their various Centenary celebrations this year.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Sd/-Charles Dunne