About BJB High School, Khurda
Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhra (BJB) High School had a humble beginning in 1842, when the British established a Primary school at Khurda. This School was converted to Middle Vernacular School in the year 1845. Subsequently, it was named Middle English School in the year 1858. Realizing the importance of education in the Historic city of Khurda under the direct administration of British, the then Sub Divisional Officer Macpherson desired to convert the Middle English School into High English School. A Preparatory Committee was formed under his Chairmanship, consisting of members such as Maulabi Dadar Box (Tahasildar), Krushna Chandra Samantarai (Mukutiar),Radha Krushna Pattanaik (Muktiar)Kanungo Chintamani Pattanaik (Jamindar of Olasing) and Sri Digamber Srichandan (a clerk in Tahasil Office) as Secretary. Sri Digamber Srichandan was a passionate champion of education raised funds by appealing to the Sarvarkars of Khurda and Jamindars. He set an example by donating a gold ornament of his wife as initial money.
Rai Bahadur Radhanath Rai, the Inspector of Schools of Orissa gave the Recognition to Khurda High English School. Sri Madhab Chandra Mishra BA of Garidi panchan village was appointed as the first Head Master of the school. Initially it functioned in three thatched rooms near Police Station of Khurda until 1921. Sri Chintamani Pattanaik donated one hundred rupees for the construction of two thatched rooms for the Hostel.
The Managing Committee proposed for the allotment of 16 acres of Government land in between Chandamaree and Palton field on 17th May 1917 for the construction of permanent building of the School. Bihar-Orissa Government sanctioned Twenty thousand rupees for the construction of permanent building of the School on 5th January 1919. M J F Guning ICS laid the Foundation of the School Building. The School was shifted to the new building after several outbreak of fire which burnt the thatched School and hostel rooms. The Quarters for the Head Master and the Office Block were constructed in the School campus.
The newly constructed School Building was inaugurated by the then Acting Governor of Bihar-Orissa M Macpherson. A spacious Hostel Building was constructed for the Residents to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Emperor George 5th and inaugurated by the Divisional Commissioner of Orissa MES Hereb ICS on 16th July 1935. After Independence, on 24th September 1950, the School was named after the Great Hero of 1817 Paika Revolt, Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhra Mohapatra Bhamarabar Rai. The School was taken over by the Government on 1st March 1969 and came under the management of the Department of Education, Govt. of Odisha.
BJB HIGH school being the iconic temple of learning in the undivided district of Puri is crowned with many laurels. During Pre-independence period, many students being inspired by the idealism of Gandhiji and Gopabandhu Das joined the Freedom Movement, even violating the ban of School authorities. Many were even taken to task. Later on, many prospered as prominent political leaders, scientists, engineers, doctors, administrators, artists, laureates, lawyers, jurists and entrepreneurs.
The School had illustrious Head Masters and galaxy of eminent teachers. The school has produced brilliant students, securing highest rank in the State. Besides, they have left an impressive legacy in the field of Sports and extra-curricular activities. Many Alumnus today look back with pride their golden days in the school.
Today, the school stands with its impressive Red stone structure, undivided India and present Odisha maps in Cement, the massive statue of Buxi Jagabandhu on horseback, Auditorium, Heritage Hall, Cyclone shelter, Eco friendly environment, blooming garden, Smart class rooms, well equipped science laboratory and many more amenities.