Hailakandi: The century-old Victoria Memorial Higher Secondary School in Hailakandi is on its way to being declared a heritage building. The Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam, has recommended the historic institution for official heritage status, recognising its architectural grace and its deep-rooted contribution to education in the region.
According to an official letter issued by Dr. Dipi Rekha Kouli, Director of Archaeology, a team of experts from the department visited the school on 3 September this year to assess the condition of the building. After a detailed inspection, the team reported that the structure reflected the distinctive colonial architecture of early 20th-century Assam and carried immense historical importance for the district and beyond. Based on their findings, the Directorate advised that the school be brought under heritage protection, ensuring that any future repairs or renovation work are carried out only under the guidance of conservation experts. The department has stressed that the originality of the building must be maintained to safeguard its historic value.
Established in 1903, during the British era, Victoria Memorial Higher Secondary School was named in honour of Queen Victoria. The school’s first batch of students appeared for the Matriculation Examination in 1911, a milestone that marked the beginning of its long academic legacy.
Over the decades, the school has produced many notable alumni who have excelled in education, administration, and public life. Teachers and students alike recall its rich heritage, strong academic tradition, and the role it has played in shaping the identity of the Hailakandi district.
The Directorate’s recommendation has been met with widespread appreciation from local teachers and former students. Many have described it as a “moment of pride” for the people of Hailakandi. They believe the recognition will not only help preserve the structure but also highlight the district’s long association with education and culture.
If formally declared a heritage site, Victoria Memorial Higher Secondary School will join the select list of educational institutions in Assam to receive such an honour. More than just an old building, it represents a living chapter of the region’s history, a reminder of how education laid the foundation for social progress in the early years of the last century.