Kolkata: Chetla Boys High School introduces English medium section in its 114th year

Kolkata: Established in 1911, Chetla Boys High School in South Kolkata has embarked on a new journey in its 114th year by introducing an English medium curriculum alongside its Bengali medium.

On Monday, the state Education Minister Bratya Basu, along with Firhad Hakim, Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and minister of Urban Development, inaugurated the English medium section, as well as the newly renovated school.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Basu remarked, “From the inception of the school in 1911 till 2011, there was a constant debate: Should we study in Bengali or English? Since Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came to power, this debate has transformed from ‘or’ to ‘and.’ We will study both Bengali and English. Bengali is our mother tongue and strengthens our roots, but we must learn English as it has become the language of employment.”

Mayor Firhad Hakim also reflected on the past, stating that under previous policies, English was removed from state school curricula, but now, under the current government, equal importance is given to both languages. He added, “Our government schools, including Chetla Boys, offer English medium education free of cost to any student who wishes to enrol.”

Acting headmaster of the school Subhra Chakraborty stated that the school now boasts several modern amenities, including solar panels, digital smartboards, digital login card systems for students, automatic bells, and air conditioned classrooms. The school has also expanded its lawn for recreational activities. From January 7, English medium education will commence for over 100 students who have enrolled in the classes V to IX. The event was graced by other notable figures, including Binod Kumar, principal secretary of the Education Department, and Mala Roy, MP of Kolkata South.

Additionally, Basu and Hakim were also present at the inauguration of the new auditorium at Harimohan Ghosh College, Garden Reach, on the same day. Dignitaries present were Biman Banerjee, speaker of the state Assembly, Shashi Panja, minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, MLA Debasish Kumar, MLA Abdul Khaleque Molla, and many others.