SHILLONG, Sep 13: The Laban Bengali Boys Higher Secondary School has reached a formidable milestone of one hundred glorious years. The school observed this day with a special programme comprising cultural dances performed by students.
Toppers in the HSSLC were also given cash awards by no less a persona than the Chief Justice of Meghalaya, Sanjib Banerjee who was the chief guest for the occasion.
Chief Justice Banerjee while inaugurating the Golden Jubilee of Laban Bengali boys secondary school said, “Sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday that we were in school but yesterday was many years ago. When in school you think life inside is driven by rules and regulations. We are disciplined in school and are subjected to parental guidance at home. When in college we yearn for our school days and when we pass out and have to deal with the real world then we wish we were back in college.”
Pointing at the need for robust institutions, Justice Banerjee said that institutions are what build the human society.
“Unfortunately in our country we have not dedicated our time and effort towards building strong institutions. Educational institutions teach us the values of tolerance, awareness and patience to listen to another’s point of view. Today there are people that want unification of the country, but, unification is not homogenisation,” the Chief Justice stated.
Justice Banerjee further added that the traditional culture of Bengal cannot be imposed on Punjab, nor can the ethos of daily life in Kashmir be replicated in Kerala or Tamil Nadu.
He enunciated that schools are the building blocks of the nation. “Those who have passed out of schools and colleges and done well in life must contribute to the growth of their alma mater,” Banerjee added.
The Chief Justice also rued the fact that teachers are still the most underpaid professionals with no post- retirement benefits and in most cases no pension. He reminded students that they should be indebted to the schools that formed their characters and, “have made us who we are today.”
The Chief Justice gave out cash prizes to the toppers of different subjects in the HSSLC exams.
Earlier while welcoming the guests who included amongst others the Rangbah Shnong of Laban and his team, the Principal, Dr R Bhattacharjee expressed delight at the presence of Chief Justice Banerjee at the function which lends weight to the entire celebration.
President of the School Managing Committee, Dr SK Chattopadhyay former Director of Public Instruction, Government of Meghalaya lauded the teachers and students of the School in his short address.
