Visakhapatnam: 175 years on, St. Aloysius Anglo-Indian High school continues its rich legacy

VISAKHAPATNAM: The St. Aloysius Anglo-Indian High School–the first Catholic school in Visakhapatnam–started off as a modest educational institution in a small two-room house in 1847 in the present-day One Town area of Visakhapatnam. But who would have guessed that the institute–one of the few to impart formal western education in the region in the 19th century–would continue its legacy and stand tall even after 175 years?

The pupils were chiefly Europeans and Anglo-Indians till the 1940s. In the subsequent decades, the school embraced Indian students with open arms, making it the region’s prime education centre.

Speaking to TOI, history buff and heritage conservationist, Vijjeswarapu Edward Paul, explained the origin and growth story of the school. “As per a Madras government’s report dating back to 1876-77, there were eight higher class schools (high schools) unconnected with the department. As many as 59 pupils matriculated from these eight schools, including one from St. Aloysius. This points to the fact that higher classes already started in St Aloysius by 1876-77. A gazette from 1907 highlighted that the 180 pupils of the schools were practically Europeans and Anglo-Indians. Madras government sanctioned funds towards construction of new buildings of the school in 1908-09. The institute also opened a technical school in the subsequent years, offering instruction in electrical engineering, practical telegraphy, shorthand, freehand outline drawing, geometric drawing, etc.,” said the retired shipping manager from Engineers India Limited.

Paul added that the then Madras governor Murray Hammick visited two schools in Visakhapatnam in 1912, including the St. Aloysius Anglo-Indian High School.

St. Aloysius Principal Fr. Mariadas Sesetti said that the school celebrated its 175 years of glory on November 25 and 26, Friday and Saturday. “The alumni of the school have ascended to coveted positions in the country and across the globe. This is due to the all-round development, character, and values imparted by the school among its students. The celebrations once again highlighted the contributions that the school has made to the societyin its 175 years of existence,” said Fr Mariadas.

Vivek Rathod, a student of 2004 class X batch, spoke highly of the school. “The infrastructure of the school is top notch even though it collects a way lesser than what the corporate schools are collecting. As majority of the teachers have been serving in the school for decades, they instil moral values and best discipline among the students,” said Vivek Rathod.