KSHUDIRAM CENTENARY AND AFTERGLOW

From the 3rd December, 1989, Saheed Kshudiram's Birth centenary celebration commenced in the school along with the countrywide functions and observances organised by different sectors. It took a different meaning in the Institution which was his cradle for revolutionary training. With due solemnity and patriotic fervour the school took up some concrete programmes at the initiative of the Head of the Institution who circulated his appeal through writings of notices and articles, The Management and the stall became also enthusiastic to celebrate the occasion in a befitting ma nner not for a (lay only, hi, t for one whole. year. On the birth day of Ksbudiram, the teachers and the students made a colourful rally and paid the immortal hero a glowing tribute at his birth place at Habibpur, adoring the statue with garland and flowers. All chanted Bandemataram and
other patriotic songs. Similarly the 11th August, the day of his martyrdom, was observed with cultural programmes. Sri Bimal Dasgupta, the celebrated revolutionary of thirties, was the Chief guest at that function. December 3. 1990, was fixed to be the chief day of the last function, and accordingly plans and programmes were chalked out by. the management along with the staff, Students were inspired to know and to studs' the hero and hero-worship. One of the senior teachers, Sri Pankajakaha Nanda voluntarily stepped forward to present a full size statue of Kshudiram to the school at his own cost and the District Contractors' Association was persuaded to erect the requisite pedestal at their cost. Before the memorable day every thing was prepared. Among the pupils an essay competition, a drawing competition and class debates were held. All contributed to the celebration fund, The cultural subcommittee of the school took up the charge of variety performance. Guardians and elites of the town and outside were invited to attend the ceremony on December 3, 1990. The old Revolutionary final Das Gupta was invited to unveil the statue of Kshudiram which was installed in front of the main gate near the martyr's column. Thanks to Sri Pankajaksha Nanda and the District Contractors' Association. Our District Magistrate, Sri Mannbendra Nath Ray, presided over the public function. The Chief guest was the renowned poet Subhas Mukhopadhyay. Prof. Anil Kumar Basak, President of the 11. S. Council. graced the occasion as a special guest. Art critic Sri Sandip Sarkar of Ananda Bazar Patrika was also present as an honoured guest, among others Satya Ghosal was invited to deliver a speech. All the speakers charmed the audience with their valuable discourses. There was a grand gathering of the pupils and the public. The love and respect shown to this old Institution on that occasion could not be measured.

A blood donation camp was held on that day in the school campus, citizens, staff and the students co-operated. An exhibition of art and painting was organised by the art critic Sri Sandip Sarkar, Sabitabrata Datta and his troups presented a nice music of patriotic songs in the evening.

The management aptly adopted a constructive proposal to build a memorial building in the name of Saheed Kshudiram and the Secretary announced the matter in the public meeting with and appeal for donations and subscriptions liberally from the generous persons. The District Magistrate laid the foundation stone of the proposed building on that very day, An initial fund of Rs, 60,000.00 was raised on the spot from the student, teachers and visitors. The School published a special issue of the School Magazine in memory of Kshudiram. The Press, A, I. R, and other public media covered the news.

The Calcutta Centre of the T. V. made a programme on Kshudiram with the H. M, of the school for a documentary film, which was shown a few days later. Still, the end of the celebration did not end, It waited for an epilogue.