Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
The hundred years of the glorious centenary of Jamuguri Higher Secondary School, situated in Jamugurihat, Sonitpur, Assam, is an important milestone in the history of Assam’s educational landscape. Established on 19th February 1925 as Jamuguri Minor School, this institution’s hundred-year journey is a testament to its enduring commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community development. It has evolved over the decades to reflect the aspirations of a society that wants to move forward through education, and its celebration today is pride and gratitude for its remarkable contributions.
The school traces its origin back to the time when formal education was a far cry in rural Assam. The establishment of Jamuguri Minor School was a pioneering step in providing educational opportunities to the underprivileged communities. From very humble beginnings, it steadily grew in size and scope to become a higher secondary school, an integral part of the intellectual and cultural life of the region. It owed its growth to the vision of its founders, the enthusiasm of the local community, and the support of its educators.
Since its founding, Jamuguri Higher Secondary School has become much more than just an institution for academics but a centre where creativity, discipline, and roots in Assamese culture grow. It saw generations of students pass through the doors of these classrooms who didn’t only study for academic accomplishments but also internalised values about respect, integrity, and social accountability. The institution’s commitment to integral education ensured that students were encouraged to discover their intellectual potential while staying fettered to their cultural identity.
This legacy of the school is brought alive through its association with great luminaries who have shaped Assam’s literary and cultural canvas. Renowned poet and lyricist Keshab Mahanta, whose timeless contributions to Assamese literature and music are still celebrated even today, was a teacher here. His presence inspired countless students to appreciate the richness of their cultural heritage. Another towering figure in Assamese literature, Biren Borkotoki, also adorned the school as a teacher. As a prolific writer and former president of the Axam Xahitya Xabha, his influence extended far beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. Equally notable were the school’s other luminaries, such as Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, a renowned journalist and writer, and Powal Baruah, who received the Soviet Desh Nehru Award. These personalities played a significant role in the school’s academic environment.
The school’s legacy has been its commitment to literary and artistic pursuits. The quarterly wall magazine Khiriki, published since 1986, has been a platform for students to express their creativity and critical thinking. This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing young talents and fostering a love for literature. In addition to Khiriki, the annual tradition of publishing handwritten magazines by students from each class, ranging from Class VI to the Higher Secondary Second Year, stands out as a remarkable endeavour. These magazines not only showcase the artistic and literary skills of the students but also make them feel responsible and proud of their work. Through its own publication house, the role of the institution in Assam’s intellectual circles is further reflected. For this purpose, numerous books have been published over a period of years that depict a part of their academic and cultural mission. Therefore, the influences of such work go beyond walls and benefit larger literary and cultural communities in Assam. Hence, these contributions reflect the position of the school as an institute that stimulates new ideas and creations. Jamuguri Higher Secondary School has always been a school of top performers. Many of its students have obtained positions among the best in the HSLC and HSSLC examinations. Seven of its students have been secured for their academic excellence in HSLC and HSSLC over the years, constantly featuring among the highest ranks in the state. These students did not only make the school proud but also, through their academic performance, demonstrated the hard work, perseverance, and discipline that the institution instills in its pupils. As the school celebrates its centenary, it is an occasion to honour the collective efforts of the teachers, students, and community members who have been instrumental in its journey. The achievements of its alumni, who have excelled in diverse fields such as literature, journalism, politics, and education, stand as a testament to the school’s profound impact on shaping capable and responsible individuals. These successes underscore the institution’s ability to inspire excellence while fostering a sense of social and cultural responsibility.
The centenary is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In an era of rapid technological advancement and globalisation, the school faces the task of adapting to new educational paradigms while preserving its core values. Its rich heritage and strong foundation provide the resilience and flexibility needed to embrace modern pedagogical approaches and integrate technology into the learning process. At the same time, it does not stop being committed to the mission of maintaining the cultural and intellectual traditions that have marked its legacy.
Jamuguri Higher Secondary School is an institution with a hundred-year history. It stands testimony to the change that education brings about. This is the story of endurance, vision, and the long-term belief that each individual is destined to be useful to society. The commitment to nurturing young minds, to creating creativity, and to conserving cultural heritage makes it the fulcrum of Assam’s educational and cultural activities.
With this next century of the institution comes the hopes of thousands of students, teachers, and community members. It restates its commitment to excellence, creativity, and service to society. The centenary is a reflection not on the past alone but a promise for the future—a promise to continue inspiring generations, shaping minds, and contributing to the intellectual and cultural progress of Assam.
Jamuguri Higher Secondary School stands as a proud emblem of the transformative power of education, hope, and knowledge, and a living legacy of the rich literary, cultural, and academic traditions of Assam. Its journey of a hundred years is a source of inspiration for all of us, reminding us that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but building the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future.
(The writer is an ex-student of this school.)