Barnes School marks centenary with grand celebrations

Nashik: The renowned Barnes School marked its centenary on Jan 29 with a series of events that reflected its rich heritage, values and achievements. Among the dignitaries who attended the centenary programme of the school was Air Chief Marshal Anil Tipnis (retd), an alumnus of the school.The last three days saw the school campus bustling with a sense of pride that prevailed among the staff and alumni. Every corner of the vast campus was decked up in lights and decorations to welcome the alumni, dignitaries, students, and parents who took part in the celebrations.Founded in 1925, Barnes School and Junior College is nestled amidst the serene hills of Devlali. A century ago, the founding fathers of the Bombay Education Society found that their school at Byculla, Mumbai, had become overcrowded. That is when they decided to move their boarding section to Devlali, beginning on Jan 29, 1925. It was listed as the first boarding school in Maharashtra and the third in India. Some of the notable alumni of the school are the late film actors Dilip Kumar and Vinod Khanna, Cyrus Todiwala, Nargish Khambatta, and Air Chief Marshal Anil Tipnis (retd).The day began with a solemn church service, held in the historic Evans Hall. The service was led by pastor Anoop Wasker and attended by members of the Bombay Education Society, Maurice D'Souza, and Nevin Foley, along with the alumni. A special function was organised later in the day where the staff members were presented with mementoes by principal Uttara Kulkarni and the board members.In the evening, a spectacular light and sound show narrated the journey of the school, from its humble beginnings to its evolution into one of the most esteemed educational institutions.