Banamali Chatta High School Medinipur

I am an alumnus (a former student) of the great Banamali Chatta High School (BCHS). BCHS is truly a great school overall for its learning environment. It was built (in 1947) on the idea of active learning. I consider myself lucky to spend two very important years (1979 and 1980) of my student life in the hostel of such an excellent institution when our Headmaster was late Mr. Pitambar Das. He was a great human being in inspiring academic excellence and creative leadership. He had a desire to build a more equitable world. He dedicated himself to developing confident, faith-filled, active learners who seek to transform their community and make the world a better place. Through his inspirations he used to empower students to reach their full potential – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally. During my stay in the hostel, I had seen many intellectually curious, independent, and creative students. I have seen good students put in huge amounts of their effort. I had the opportunity to learn from peers in this school. To me it was a temple of learning. Some incidents of my high school years have been the most memorable. It is a school situated in the quiet surroundings of natural beauty where students are able to find peace and derive inspiration from the surroundings. It was a school that attracted pupils from just about anywhere and any background. In my time, I saw many students who were genuine seeker after knowledge. I treasured all my learnings and happiness from hostel-mates and teachers. I had so many happy moments with all of my friends. I encountered with all kinds of person in this school. I became more matured when I was with them. ~ by Asim Mandal

I spent two wonderful years of my life here in BCHS, passed Higher Secondary in 1998. I did not have a luck to get all the humanly blessings of the beloved head-sir late Mr. Pitambar Das - of whom we learned and heard a lot. However, we had the luck of getting all the more humanly blessings of the teachers headed by Mr. Hrishikesh Das. The teachers and staff were the actual Jewell of the school. They transformed the small school to a great institution and knowledge centre - where human quality and knowledge are worshipped. And the most beautiful thing was the mates comings from all different parts of the state - and all of them only compliments you in one matter or other. I cannot forget few of the mates till now. The best thing is that this brings out the best from us - probably more than we can even think of - not sure if it is teacher or mates or environment or the combination - but surely it does take you to a different voyage you can think off. I visited the school a long after (may be a decade or more) - and almost could not recall the names of the people while I started getting near to close to the school. But, as soon as I entered and started meeting them - memories flourished - and I could recall each and everything and names. I could realise how wonderful those two years were! They make us confident and did build the pillar of our life (and yeas, life not mere career). ~ by Sanjoy Dey