Bethune Collegiate School, Calcutta

Celebrating 150 Years of Women’s Education in Bengal

Bethune Collegiate School, founded in 1849, is the first recognized government institution for girls’ education in Bengal. Established by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, the school played a pioneering role in promoting women’s education in India at a time when education was largely reserved for men.

To honor the remarkable contribution of this historic institution, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp marking 150 years of Bethune Collegiate School.

Foundation of Bethune School in 1849

Bethune School was founded in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, who came to India in 1848 as the Legal Member of the Governor-General’s Council.

Women’s education was a cause very close to Bethune’s heart. Because of his dedication, he soon became the President of the Council of Education. He believed that girls should have equal access to education and worked tirelessly to turn this vision into reality.

Bethune’s efforts received strong support from the great Bengali social reformer, Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who shared the same commitment to the education of women.

The Role of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

The early years of Bethune School were full of challenges and social opposition. The survival and growth of the institution were largely due to the efforts of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who served as the secretary of the school.

Vidyasagar worked tirelessly to ensure that the institution continued despite the many obstacles faced by women’s education in nineteenth-century Bengal.

Several other prominent personalities also supported the school, including:

• Dakshinaranjan Mukhopadhyay
• Ramgopal Ghosh
• Madan Mohan Tarkalankar

Their efforts helped establish Bethune School as a landmark institution in Bengal.

Bethune’s Vision for Women’s Education

John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune was far ahead of his time. At a period when English was considered the preferred language of education, Bethune encouraged teaching through the mother tongue.

He believed that girls would learn better in their own language and that education should be accessible to all sections of society.

During the foundation stone laying ceremony of the school, Bethune spoke about the symbolic importance of the Ashoka tree. He declared:

“I propose therefore, henceforth that the Asoka tree be made the symbol of female education in India.”

Bethune explained that the Ashoka tree, known for its graceful foliage and beautiful flowers, was especially respected among Hindu women. He suggested that an Ashoka tree should be planted not only at Bethune School but also at every girls’ school established in India.

The historic Ashoka tree planted during the foundation ceremony still stands on the campus of Bethune Collegiate School.

Contribution of Bethune Collegiate School to Women’s Education

Bethune Collegiate School became a symbol of progress and women’s empowerment in Bengal. Over the decades, it inspired the establishment of many other schools for girls and led the way in the field of women’s education.

The institution produced several distinguished students who went on to make important contributions to society.

Among its notable early students were:

• Bhubanmala
• Kundanmala
• Sarala Das
• Abala Bose
• Kamini Roy
• Priyambada Devi

Bethune School was also the alma mater of two historic pioneers:

• Kadambini Ganguly, the first woman doctor of Bengal
• Chandramukhi Bose, one of the first female graduates in India

Famous Alumni of Bethune Collegiate School

In later years, Bethune Collegiate School continued to produce many accomplished women who brought distinction to the institution.

Its prominent alumni include:

• Suchitra Mitra, renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer
• Ila Mitra, noted political leader
• Asima Chatterjee, eminent scientist
• Shobha Sen, famous theatre personality
• Polly Guha, distinguished designer

The achievements of these students reflect the lasting success and influence of Bethune Collegiate School.

Bethune Collegiate School Today

Today, Bethune Collegiate School remains one of the most respected government schools in West Bengal. The institution includes primary, secondary, and higher secondary sections and has around 1,200 students.

Even after more than 150 years, the school continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence, women’s empowerment, and social progress.

150 Years of Bethune Collegiate School Commemorative Stamp

The commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts celebrates 150 years of Bethune Collegiate School and its historic role in shaping women’s education in Bengal and India.

The stamp stands as a tribute to the vision of John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, the efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and the generations of women whose lives were transformed through education at Bethune Collegiate School.