Chiragh Grammar School

My Mother: Mrs. Shakuntala Bhattacharji established the school at 113 Hill Street, Meerut Cantt, India in July, 1978 for two reasons. Firstly, businesses were going down and to supplement the family income she decided to start a school. She had a huge, sprawling bungalow that was now empty (all her children having grown up and gone). Secondly, she was a trained teacher and had spent most of her li
fe in trying to reform and upgrade the Christian mission schools in town. She wanted to put her education to good use and implement some ideas of her own. The education of girls was very dear to her heart, having herself been given the gift of education in times that were hostile to the idea of educated, independent young women (1920’s). Moreover she had a great love of children which came second only to her great love of flora and fauna.

So Chiragh (the word means a light) started in a small way, rich in ideas but rather poor in cash. My mother being a resourceful and enterprising lady had Rs. 400 to start - having sold the fruit of a Jackfruit tree. (This tree produces abundant fruit even now – loved and cared for by my father). She invested this money in getting chairs and tables for the children. She began with one child on the first day, 30 by the end of July and 200 by the end of the year. She fulfilled a public need to give children an English based education in a protected environment. Parents flocked to her door because she was friendly, firm and straightforward in her dealings. Today this school has nearly 1000 children and is managed by her daughter- in law – Mrs. Susan Bhattacharji; in the spirit it was first established.

My Father popularly known as "NANA " amongs us : He is a learned man with a keen and curious spirit, even till date, at the young age of ninety. Chiragh Grammar school was established in July, 1991. It is a thriving, colourful school under his able guidance and supervision.
After my mother’s death, my father took over the reins of both schools. He is a generous, kind-hearted and active person. (He carries out the maintenance of both schools with great energy.)

Isaiah 40, verses 29 to 31 describe him aptly:’

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”.